Running Start
Questions about Running Start?
Are you a sophomore or junior student, or parent, who is interested in Running Start classes? Running Start is a program that allows 11th and 12th grade students to take college courses at Washington’s 34 community and technical colleges. The added bonus is the cost savings, as students receive both high school and college credit for these classes, thus accelerating their progress through the education system.
Running Start students have the unique opportunity to finish their high school diploma while earning college credit. When the decision is made to become a Running Start student, the student assumes the personal responsibility of making sure they are knowledgeable about state required tests and events at Sammamish High School, and Bellevue College class registration dates.
Full-time Running Start students must be enrolled in a minimum of 15 college credits.
In order to help you keep up to date with critical Sammamish information, we have provided the following links to necessary information. Some key points to remember:
- You are responsible for setting up a meeting with your SHS counselor at least 2 weeks prior to each enrollment period to have your Enrollment Verification Form signed.
- If you are taking classes at both Sammamish and BC, it is your responsibility to coordinate your BC schedule so that you do not miss Sammamish classes. Arriving late or leaving early from a Sammamish class is not an option.
- The Bellevue School District covers the tuition for BC classes up to the state limit of 15 credits. For each additional credit, the student and parent are responsible for the cost of tuition.
- You are required to be present on state testing days for tests that you still need to pass. Please consult with your Sammamish counselor to get a list of the tests you need and the dates they will be given.
Sammamish High School Running Start Information Session:
Event: Running Start Information Session for current 10th & 11th grade students
Who: Current 10th and 11th grade students and families interested in Running Start
Location: TEAMS (link below)
Running Start Info Session Recording Link 2024
Description: This TEAMS meeting is for students and families in 10th and 11th grade who are interested in learning more about Running Start and how to enroll for the 2024-2025 school year. We will discuss eligibility, steps, benefits, challenges, policies, and timelines.
SHS RS Packet : Click Here
Additionally, we strongly recommend that you attend an Information Session at Bellevue College or Lake Washington, with your parent. Please see the relevant website for details. After attending an information session at the college, if you have questions, please reach out to your counselor. (Note: If interested in Fall 2023 at Bellevue College, the application typically opens in February. If interested in Fall 2023 at Lake Washington, the application typically opens in May).
Running Start Info Session PowerPoint 2024
Running Start Course Equivalency (JAN 2022)
Running Start Enrollment Verification Form (2024-2025)
Running Start Enrollment Verification Form Digital (2024 – 2025)
Bellevue College Info Sessions: COMING SOON
Bellevue College Running Start Summer 2024 : click here
Additional Resources:
Bellevue College Running Start Homepage
Bellevue College Running Start Admissions
Bellevue College Running Start Online Info Session Schedule
Bellevue College Running Start Parent Information