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Running Start

Running Start offers qualified juniors and seniors the opportunity to earn high school graduation and college credits by taking approved courses at a local community college.
 

To be eligible for the Running Start program , students must:

  • have earned the credits necessary for junior standing (11 credits);
  • demonstrate readiness for college-level study through their performance on a college placement exam; and
  • schedule a meeting with their high school guidance counselor to determine if they are eligible for running start.

Students can enroll part-time or full-time at the college. They can take courses numbered 100 and above and can take up to 18 credits each quarter. Most courses are 5 credits and a full college courseload is 15 credits. A five credit college level course at Pierce College equals one full credit at the high school. Any current sophomore or junior interested in Running Start should attend a brief informational meeting held in late April of each year (see the guidance secretary for the date/time in early April).