Summer and Fall Quarter Registration for Returning Students starts May 13, 2013.
"NEW" students registration starts June 3, 2013.
What is Running Start?
How does Running Start Work?
Is Running Start the Right Option for My Child?
Running Start Checklist
Running Start High School Counselors
Running Start Test Dates
Running Start Office
Running Start Getting Started Steps
What is Running Start?
The Running Start program offers eligible high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to enroll in college classes at CBC and receive both high school and college credit. The program was created by the Washington State Legislature to provide academically qualified students an opportunity to take college courses while they are still in high school.
Students may enroll simultaneously in high school and college classes, or solely in college classes. Students receive both high school and college credit for completed classes.
With Running Start, students can:
- Get a head start on college
- Select diverse classes
- Transition to college life
- Prepare for future education and careers
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How Does Running Start Work?
Students may elect to take CBC courses their junior and senior years of high school. Students are eligible for the equivalent of two years of high school. Classes taken at the College as part of the Running Start program are limited to "college-level courses, 100 level or above." The student receives both high school and college credit for completed classes.
The college classes offered are tuition-free to the student. However, the cost of books, supplies, non-course related fees, and transportation are the responsibility of the student.
One five-credit class at the College is equivalent to one high school credit. High school graduation requirements are established by each high school and the student must consult with his/her high school counselor regarding these requirements. Course equivalency guides are generally available at the high school.
Credits from the College are transferable to all other Washington state public colleges and universities, according to the guidelines of the receiving institution. Transfer to Washington state private colleges and out-of-state colleges is subject to the transfer policy of those institutions. Parents are encouraged to contact those institutions for their transfer policies. The College's advisors and students' high school counselors may be able to provide further information.
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Is Running Start the Right Option for My Child?
Parents and students should give careful consideration to the appropriateness of this program before enrolling. High school and college advisors are available to meet with parents and students to discuss the program as one of the several options students have for the completion of high school.
Running Start Strengths:
- Students have the opportunity to take courses that may not be offered at their local high schools.
Students have an opportunity to experience post-secondary education while in high school.
- This experience can be helpful in making the transition from home to college away from home, and in making future educational plans.
- Academically qualified students have an opportunity to take advanced-level courses.
- Students who find that the traditional high school is not fitting their needs often flourish in a different setting.
- Students can earn up to two years of college credit getting a "running start" on college without the tuition expense to the student.
- Students may have the opportunity to take more elective classes than provided at the high schools.
- Students may earn their Associate in Arts & Sciences degree and high school diploma simultaneously.
- Home schooled students can earn a state high school diploma while attending classes.
Possible Limitations:
- Parents should take into consideration the maturity level of their child when discussing the possibility of participation in Running Start. Some students who are academically ready may find the independence and the speed of college classes overwhelming and would benefit from remaining in high school classes. High school and college advisors can provide you with information to help evaluate your child's readiness.
- Socialization may be an issue with some students. High schools provide a social network and social experiences for teenagers. This is not as available at college.
- Transportation is the responsibility of students.
- Books, supplies, and non-course related fees are the responsibility of students.
- The scheduling of classes may conflict with high school classes or extracurricular activities.
- The College operates on a quarter system. Most high schools operate on a semester/trimester system. Holidays and vacation periods may be different. Students are expected to attend classes at the College even though their high school is not in session.
- The high school is the final authority on what is required for high school graduation. Participants must work closely with their high school counselors to ensure graduation requirements will be met.
- Running Start students should always check with the receiving institution regarding the transferability of courses and/or the AA degree.
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Running Start Test Dates
- Placement testing is done in the Assessment/Testing Center at CBC (H building) on computers.
- Our testing sessions accommodate 30 people at one time and are by appointment only.
- The testing sessions are not timed; the average test time is 3 hours.
- If you have a Social Security number, have it available when you call to make your test appointment; call 509-542-4860 to schedule the COMPASS test.
- Physical and/or learning disability? Please call the Resource Center at 509-542-4580 to schedule an appointment prior to testing.
- Visit the Assessment/Testing Center for additional information
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Running Start Office
The Running Start office is located in the Hawk Union Building (HUB) Student Services area. You can contact the Running Start office at 509-542-4481.
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