Running Start Assistance

Running Start is a Washington State program that allows 11th and 12th grade students to take college courses at one of 34 community and technical colleges — earning both high school and college credit at the same time, with no tuition cost to families.

What is Running Start?

Running Start is a dual-credit program administered by the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC). Eligible juniors and seniors attend college classes alongside regular college students, earning credits that count toward both their high school diploma and a future college degree — at no tuition cost. Families are responsible for books, mandatory fees, and transportation.

The program is available at all 34 of Washington's community and technical colleges. Learn more at the SBCTC Running Start page.

How Running Start Works

1

Check Eligibility

Students must be in 11th or 12th grade. Talk to your high school counselor to confirm eligibility and get the Running Start enrollment form your school requires.

2

Choose a College and Courses

Apply to one of Washington's 34 participating community or technical colleges. Meet with a Running Start coordinator to choose courses that align with both high school requirements and college goals.

3

Earn Dual Credit

Completed courses count toward your high school graduation and your college transcript simultaneously — giving you a head start on a degree before you even graduate high school.

Program Details

Who Can Participate

  • 11th and 12th grade students in Washington State
  • Students at public, private, and homeschool programs
  • Must meet the college's placement requirements for courses
  • Enrollment is coordinated between your high school and the college

Cost Breakdown

  • Tuition: FREE (waived for eligible Running Start students)
  • Mandatory college fees: student responsibility
  • Textbooks and course materials: student responsibility
  • Transportation to and from campus: student responsibility

Credit and Graduation

  • Credits count toward both high school and college graduation
  • 34 community and technical colleges participate statewide
  • Students can take courses full or part time
  • Some students graduate high school with an AA degree already completed

How ClubZ! Academy Supports Running Start Students

College-Level Tutoring

Running Start courses move at college pace. We provide subject tutoring in math, science, English, and more to keep students on track.

Study Skills and Time Management

Managing high school and college simultaneously is demanding. We teach organization, planning, and study habits built for that workload.

Course Selection Guidance

We help students and families think through which courses to take, how they transfer, and how to balance Running Start with high school requirements.

Writing and Research Support

College-level papers and essays require a different level of rigor. We support students with essay structure, research, citations, and editing.

Test and Placement Prep

Many colleges use placement tests to determine which courses a student can take. We help students prepare so they place into the right level from the start.

Transition and Confidence Building

Going from high school to a college classroom is a big shift. We help students build the confidence and independence to succeed in that environment.

Book a free consultation to discuss Running Start support for your student

Call 425-429-7268 or leave us a message.