Running Start – Step by Step
For Highline Community College and
Running Start is a tuition free program for high school juniors and seniors. Students take college level classes that count for high school graduation and college credits. The only cost to students is special fees, books, supplies and transportation. Please refer to Decatur’s Course Description and Registration Guide under “Special Programs” for additional requirements and precautions.
Step 1 Take the Compass test at the community
college. This test assesses your math,
reading and writing skills. In order to
take Running Start classes you need a Writing score of 65 and Reading score of
80. In order to take math classes, you
must have a passing algebra score at the advanced algebra level. Contact the college’s Testing Center
for more information on test times, dates and locations.
Step 2 After you have taken and passed
the Compass test, meet with your high school counselor. Have them sign the “Running Start
Authorization to Register” form. Pick
up a “Running Start – Federal Way School District Course Equivalencies” form
and review it.
Step 3 Turn in the signed “Running Start
Authorization to Register” form to the community college in the High School
Program’s Office. Please note the
deadlines to register on the form.
Ø When selecting your Running Start classes, make sure they do not conflict with your Decatur classes if you are attending part-time. You cannot arrive late or leave early to your classes at Decatur to take Running Start classes.
Ø Running Start classes cannot be used to replace grades for classes taken at Decatur.
Ø Any classes dropped after the first four weeks will result in an F grade.
Ø The Running Start Authorization form must be signed by your high school counselor each quarter.
Ø Running Start students are responsible for meeting all Decatur graduation requirements including completion of the Culminating Project.
Ø Be sure to check Decatur’s website (http://schools.fwps.org/decatur/) for updates and general messages for Running Start students.
For More Information Call
Highline
Community College
Running Start 206.878.3710 Extension 3583
Testing Center 206.878.3710 Extension 3990
Green
River Community College
See your counselor if you want to take Running Start at colleges
other than Highline or Green River Community College.