Running Start

The North Kitsap School District Running Start program is a partnership between the North Kitsap School District and Olympic College that allows eligible high school juniors and seniors to enroll in college-level courses and earn both high school and college credits simultaneously. Through this program, students attend classes on the Olympic College campus or online and have access to the same resources as regular college students. The courses available cover a wide range of subjects, from English and math to science and social sciences. The North Kitsap School District Running Start program offers students the opportunity to get a head start on their college education while still in high school, potentially saving them time and money in the future.

Running Start and Advanced Placement (AP) courses are both programs designed to provide high school students with college-level coursework and opportunities to earn college credits. However, there are some key differences between the two:

1. Program structure:

• Running Start is a dual-enrollment program available in some states, like Washington, that allows high school students to take college courses at local community colleges or universities while still enrolled in high school. Students earn both high school and college credits simultaneously.
• Advanced Placement (AP) courses are college-level courses offered within the high school setting. They follow a standardized curriculum developed by the College Board, and students take AP exams at the end of the course to potentially earn college credit based on their scores.

2. Accessibility:

• Running Start is typically available to high school juniors and seniors, with eligibility requirements varying by state and institution.
• AP courses are generally available to high school students of various grade levels, depending on the school's offerings and prerequisites.

3. Course offerings:

• Running Start students have access to a wider range of courses offered by the participating college or university, which may include technical or vocational courses in addition to traditional academic courses.
• AP courses are more limited in scope, focusing on specific subjects like math, science, history, and literature. The College Board offers over 30 AP courses, but not all high schools provide every course.

4. Credits and transferring:

• Running Start credits are typically awarded based on course completion and grade, making it easier for students to earn college credits as long as they meet the minimum grade requirement. However, transferring these credits to other colleges or universities may depend on individual institutional policies.
• AP credits are awarded based on a student's performance on the AP exam, with scores ranging from 1 to 5. Many colleges and universities accept scores of 3 or higher for credit, but specific policies vary by institution.

5. Costs:

• Running Start programs may be funded by the state, with tuition costs potentially waived or reduced for eligible students. However, students may still need to cover fees, books, and transportation costs.
• AP courses are generally offered within the high school setting, but there is a fee associated with each AP exam. Exam fees may be reduced or waived for students with financial need.

Ultimately, the choice between Running Start and AP courses depends on factors such as a student's goals, interests, and access to the programs. Both options can provide valuable academic experiences and help students get a head start on their college education.

North Kitsap School District students who participate in the Running Start program primarily attend classes at Olympic College. These high school students take courses on the Olympic College campus, where they study alongside other college students. Some Running Start courses may also be offered online, subject to the availability of courses and resources provided by Olympic College.

For accurate information about Running Start class locations and available courses for North Kitsap School District students, it is important to consult with your local high school and Olympic College.

Transportation is not provided for Running Start classes. Students attending Olympic College through the Running Start program are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the college campus. It is important for students and their families to plan accordingly and ensure reliable transportation for the duration of the Running Start program.

Students have the opportunity to take up to 15 tuition-free credits per quarter, with the number of credits depending on their enrollment level at the high school. This allows them to potentially complete up to 2 years of college coursework while they are still in high school.

By participating in the Running Start program, motivated students can work towards earning an Associate's Degree alongside their high school diploma. This can provide them with a significant head start in their college education and potentially save time and money by reducing the number of credits needed to complete a degree at a four-year college or university.

It is important for students to carefully plan their course schedules in consultation with their high school counselors and college advisors. This ensures that they meet both high school graduation requirements and college credit requirements for their desired degree program. Additionally, students should be aware of the workload and time management skills required to successfully complete college-level coursework while still attending high school.

While the Running Start program does not charge tuition fees for students taking college-level courses, it's important to note that there are other costs associated with participating in the program. These costs can include class fees, books, transportation, parking, and fees for any courses taken that are not college-level (i.e., courses numbered below 100).

Running Start students have a high level of responsibility when attending college classes. They are treated as college students and are held accountable for their attendance, participation, and behavior in these classes, alongside adult students.

Running Start students who attend both college-level courses and high school courses must follow the policies and procedures set by both the college and the high school. This includes adhering to attendance policies, meeting academic requirements, and following behavioral expectations, among other things. It is essential for Running Start students to familiarize themselves with the specific policies and procedures set by their college and high school to ensure that they are meeting all the necessary requirements and responsibilities.

Unfortunately, Running Start is unavailable during the summer quarter.