RUNNING START

  •  
     
    Running Start is intended to provide students, in grades 11 and/or 12, a program option consisting of attendance at certain institutions of higher education and the simultaneous earning of high school and college/university credit. Running Start was initiated by the Legislature as a component of the 1990 parent and student Learning by Choice Law.  Students may enroll in any combination of high school and college courses, or take courses solely at the college. Students receive high school and college credit for the courses completed at the college. Running Start classes are tuition-free; however, students must purchase assigned books and materials, pay lab fees, pay college fees, and provide their own transportation and meals.  Lakewood students typically attend Running Start at Everett Community College or Skagit Valley College.
     
    Per state regulations, students will only be allowed to take a combined total of 1.2 FTE tuition-free.  If you register for more classes than this, you will be responsible for the tuition charges. This will require careful planning with your counselor to make sure you are within the allotted amount. If you qualify for free or reduced lunches, you may be eligible to have your fees waived.  Please see EvCC Running Start Program, SVC Running Start Program, or your counselor for more information.
     

    Is Running Start for me?

    You may be a good candidate if:

    • You are excited about learning and you are seeking academic and career-preparation challenges.
    • You consider yourself mature and able to handle situations with less structure than high school.
    • You are willing to put yourself in unfamiliar situations, where you need to ask questions, work independently, and be with people of widely varying ages and background.
    • You have a good support system and are allowed the extra freedom that college demands.
    • You have reliable transportation. 
    • You are sincerely interested in attending college and do not view it as an alternative high school.

    Application Process

    Everett Community College Application - Applying for Running Start at EvCC is all done online.  Please see the link for details on how to complete the necessary application steps.  You will need an electronic copy of your transcript as well as your PSAT, SAT, ACT, or SBA scores or you will be required to take the Accuplacer test for proper placement in Math and/or English.  Placement of 100 level or higher course is required to be considered a college-level couorse.  Your counselor, college & career specialist, or registrar can get you the necessary documents.

    Skagit Valley College Application - Applying for Running Start at SVC is all done online.  Please see the link for details on how to complete the necessary application steps.  It is very important that you monitor your email and follow all necessary application steps.  Your counselor, college & career specialist, or registrar can get you the necessary documents.

    Calendars
    EvCC Important Dates & Registration Calendar

     
    Running Start Equivalencies
     
     
     
    Running Start Forms
     
    2023-2024 Running Start Enrollment Verification Form - this form MUST be completed prior to the beginning of EVERY quarter in order for students to register for classes. Without completing this form in collaboration with your counselor or the college & career specialist you will not be eligible to register for classes.