Running Start atHCC

The Running Start Program is authorized by the Washington State Legislature and the AuburnSchool District. The program allows qualified students to attend classes at community/technical colleges to earn college and high school credit simultaneously. Students must pass specific criteria to be eligible to participate in this program.

Tuition is fully funded under the Running Start Program. Students are responsible for purchasing any required books, lab and miscellaneous fees, and for providing their own transportation.

Who is eligible?

A student must be a Junior or Senior as defined by the High School’s policy. Typically a Junior will have earned at least 10.5 credits by the end of their sophomore year and a senior will have earned 15.5 credits by the end of the junior year.

A student must also take the COMPASS or ASSET exam at the community college. The student must earn college level placement scores on the exam in order to qualify.

What do I do if I am interested?

  1. Talk with your parents about the program. (See the attached Contact for things to discuss)
  2. Take the COMPASS/ASSET exam.

See what the questions are like at act.org/compass/sample/index.html.

Take the placement test in April at the college you plan to attend for Running Start.

Do Your Best!

  1. Have parents sign the contract sheet and bring with you when you meet with your counselor. Make an appointment to meet with your counselor.

Bring your COMPASS score report to the appointment.

You and your counselor will discuss if you qualify.

  1. Receive the Running Start Authorization form.

Fill in all the demographic information you can and your counselor will complete the rest. (This form must be completed for each quarter of participation.)

  1. Apply to the community/technical college you plan to attend.
  2. Register for college classes by turning your form in to the college and register for college classes.
  3. Bring a copy of your college class schedule to your ARHS counselor.

Your counselor will then be able to adjust your high school schedule to coincide with your college schedule.

What if my parents or I have other questions? Please call your counselor in the Auburn Riverside High School Counseling Office (253) 804-5161

Running Start

You must be a junior or senior and enrolled in a public high school.

Step 1Plan to submit your Authorizationform and assessment scores by the following deadlines:

For Application deadlines and Fees see:

Step 2 Complete the Highline application and pay a nonrefundable application fee. (See Above)

Step 3Take the complete COMPASSassessment. Photo ID is required. To qualify for Running Start, you must have the following: Writing score of 65 and Reading score of80.

For Compass Course Placement see:

Step 4Meet with your high school counselor to complete the Running Start authorization form.

Step 5Bring your Running Start authorization form to the High School Programs
office to receive your orientation/registration appointment.

COMPASS

The COMPASS test is a computerized placement test. It is not a timed test and therefore we are unable to tell you how long the session may last but the average time is between 1 and 2 hours. The test includes reading, writing and math. Your results will be available minutes after the test is completed.

Testing Process

  • No appointment is necessary come during open hours. For Hours go to:
  • Check-in at Entry Services in Building 6 (The fee is included in the application fee.)
  • Picture I.D. is required.
  • We supply scratch paper, calculators and pencils.

Retesting Policy

What is on the COMPASS test?

  • Math For Sample Items see:
  • Reading and WritingFor Sample Items see :

Running Start

Advantages | Considerations | How to Apply

Tuition and lab fees covered by your school district. You can earn up to two years of tuition-free college credits while finishing high school. A maximum of 18 college-level credits may be funded per quarter.

Advanced coursework. You will have the opportunity to take a greater diversity of beginning and advanced courses than may be available at your high school.

Adult educational setting. You will attend classes with people of diverse ages and cultural backgrounds.

Class scheduling flexibility. You can choose to take classes solely at Highline or split your day between Highline and your high school. Highline offers classes in the morning, afternoon and evening. In addition, some classes are offered online or as telecourses.

Credits. A five-credit college course equals one high school credit.

Student clubs and organizations. You are encouraged to participate in all college activities except for intercollegiate athletics. These activities include student government, Team Highline, clubs, music groups, special events, and the student newspaper.

Maturity is essential. You must have the discipline to handle the independence and fast pace of college classes. You will be held to collegiate standards.

Class content is not censored. The curriculum is collegiate and, therefore, adult. You may be exposed to subject matter that is controversial. You will not be exempted from class participation based on personal or family objections.

Transportation is your responsibility. Travel time and parking time should be considered when scheduling classes.

You are responsible for certain costs. you will pay for books, student fees, and application fees. The average cost for books is approximately $100 per course. Highline offers a Running Start book assistance program for students who qualify for their high school's free or reduced lunch program.

Access to student records is restricted by law. Highline follows federal guidelines concerning access to your records, and no information will be released-even to your parents or guardians-without your written permission. This includes information about class attendance, status of assignments, and grades.

Running Start is available fall, winter and spring quarter only.

URL: RUNNINGSTART

Running Start Contract

Dear Parent/Guardian:

Your son/daughter, ______, has indicated a desire to participate in the Running Start Program. Along with the benefits of Running Starts (R/S) there are also responsibilities you need to be aware of:

College Responsibilities/Expectations:

  • Students will have adult expectations and classroom discussions will reflect a wide diversity of backgrounds and experiences.
  • All academic information is confidential between the college and the student. Parent and HS staff cannot access that information.
  • Tuition is paid by the school district for courses at the 100 level or above and if the credit load does not exceed the scale prescribed by the state on the (R/S) Enrollment Verification Form.
  • Books, supplies, fees, and transportation are the responsibility of the student and their family.
  • College classes progress at a much faster pace and demand about 2 hours of homework for each hour of class.
  • Instructors:
  • May give pop quizzes and will expect daily preparation.
  • May not take attendance.
  • Will not provide make-ups
  • Will not provide progress reports, only final grades.

ARHS Responsibilities/Expectations:

  • Although registered at ARHS, (R/S) students take courses at the college and they should not be on the ARHS campus during the school day unless they have an ARHS class – and then only during that class time. This includes areas such as the library, the commons during lunch, and the parking lot.
  • (R/S) may conflict with high school extracurricular activities, vacations, or even classes the student is taking at ARHS. Mid Semester and even Semester schedule changes at ARHS to accommodate (R/S) course are difficult and should be avoided at all costs.
  • (R/S) students are expected to:
  • Check the ARHS website, mobile app and daily bulletin for sport/activity requirements, PSAT testing, scholarship application deadlines, portfolio deadlines, adjusted schedules etc.
  • Complete all regularly required graduation expectations including state testing, Senior Portfolio/HS and Beyond plans, etc. (R/S) students are assigned a Portfolio Advisor for support and completion sign off, check with your counselor in the fall.
  • All HS communication will now use the school district email address not a student’s personal address. Students need to be checking this on a regular basis.
  • If a student completes all academic requirements at the end of their junior year, earning 22.5 credits in the appropriate areas, (not including state testing or Portfolio requirements) they will no longer be eligible for the (R/S) program. They are still eligible to take classes at ARHS.

Student SignatureDateParent SignatureDate

Counselor SignatureDate Received