• Running Start

    Running Start is a statewide program allowing eleventh and twelfth grade high school students to take courses at a local college. Each college course successfully completed can earn both high school and college credit. The term ‘Running Start’ means the enrollment of an eligible student in the school district and college or solely in the college courses, for the purpose of earning both high school credit to be awarded by the school district, and additional college level credit as may be awarded by the college. (RCW 28A.600.390).

    Before reading, please download the LRHS Running Start Acknowledgment Agreement.  If your child decides to enter the Running Start Progam, we will need a signed copy. 

    Going to compete in athletics as a Running Start student?  A WIAA Running Start Form must be completed and submitted to the LRHS athletic director for approval.  This can be a complicated process.  Please contact Dustan Arlt or Kevin Terris for step-by-step help with this document. WIAA Form

    Who Pays for Running Start?

    Running Start is paid for by using funds the state gives the school district to educate each student. These funds only pay for tuition at the college. All books, materials, and fees must be paid by the student.

    Why Consider Running Start?

    • The state will help pay your tuition.
    • You can receive high school credit and college credit for the same class. 
    • You can take more challenging classes. 
    • You can take classes not offered at Lind Ritzville High School. 
    • You can get a ‘Running Start’ on your college degree. 
    • You can experience college while still in high school. This experience can make the transition from high school to college easier and clarify educational goals. 
    • Students can complete more college pre-requisites in a shorter period of time. For instance, 3 years of a Foreign Language can be completed in 1 year. 

    Why Not Consider Running Start?

    • You must pay for classes if you exceed college FTE (credit hours per quarter) or take any classes numbered 099 and below, as well as classes audited.
    • You must pay for your own books, fees, and supplies. 
    • You must provide your own transportation to and from school. 
    • Grades at EWU or SCC stay on permanent college transcripts. This would hinder transferring to a 4-year college if you do poorly and/or impact Financial Aid. 
    • Lind-Ritzville High School transcripts will reflect course titles and grades from all Running Start courses at EWU or SCC. Grades are calculated into your high school GPA. If you do poorly at the college it will lower your GPA on your high school transcripts. 
    • Class schedules and calendars at EWU or SCC and LRHS conflict, causing scheduling problems (vacation breaks, athletics, taking both classes at the high school and college). 
    • College credits earned prior to high school graduation may not transfer to private or out-of-state colleges. Contact specific colleges and ask about their policies. 
    • You may not be socially or emotionally ready for the college atmosphere. 
    • Running Start students who participate in high school activities may have difficulty meeting some of the requirements for membership in those activities. Running Start students must generally abide by the same rules as other high school students in regard to attendance at meetings and participation in projects. Organizations such as class government, Honor Society, and athletics are examples of some activities that could be impacted. 
    • Students involved in athletics must coordinate practices and games with their schedule. Additionally, eligibility standards must be maintained.
    • EWU and SCC are now offering "online" Running Start.  This can be very appealing to students at Lind-Ritzville High School because of the travel concerns often associated with Running Start programs.  Unless your student is a highly motivated, very organized learner, they will struggle, if not fail, with online college courses.  

     Other Information and Responsibilities

    • Students must complete High School graduation requirements at EWU or SCC by the end of the winter quarter of their senior year. Plan accordingly with your advisor at EWU or SCC and counselor at LRHS. Otherwise, a student may not have all the required credits to participate in our graduation ceremonies. 
    • Parents should take into consideration the student’s maturity when discussing the possibility of participating in Running Start. Some students who are academically ready may find the required independence and speed of college classes overwhelming.
    • Students who find the most success have completed Algebra II, and have passed their State Tests in English and Math.
    • Students who change, withdraw, are in danger of failing, or failing a class must inform their counselor immediately.
    • LRHS does not pay for audited classes.
    • The student is responsible for understanding when his or her choice of schedule will result in tuition charges. If the student enrolls for more high school and college credits than are identified in the Running Start Funding Table, the student is responsible for: 1) Paying all college tuition and fees associated with exceeding the college credits identified in the table; or 2) Withdrawing from the excess college or high school course(s).
    • The student is required to pay any class/lab fees charged for college classes.
    • Enrollment in specific college classes cannot be guaranteed, even if the classes are needed to fulfill district high school graduation requirements.
    • To add or withdraw from a course, the student must complete the college Add/Drop process by the college deadline and notify their LRHS counselor.
    • The student is responsible for ensuring that college courses completed as part of the Running Start Program will meet LRHS graduation requirements.
    • If the student plans to transfer, it is the student’s responsibility to find out about admissions policies/deadlines and whether credits will be transferred.
    • The student gives permission for college staff to release his/her grades to the high school and to discuss various aspects of his/her program participation with the high school/district officials.
    • Student athletes must pick up and turn in grade and attendance checks to the Athletic Director’s secretary every 4 ½ weeks. 

    Running Start Enrollment Checklist

    • Read the entire Running Start Contract and agree to the contractual agreements.
    • Attend or view a Running Start Informational Session by EWU or SCC3. Meet with high school counselor to clarify questions and review requirements (recommended).
    • Apply for Admission to EWU or SCC by mid April.
    • Submit Placement documentation for English and Math or take EWU or SCC English and Math Placement Exams
    • Confirm with LRHS Counselor of your decision.
    • Complete online orientation and register to attend a New Student Enrollment session (register for classes).
    • Return your EWU or SCC schedule to your LRHS counselor (required)
      • Your Running Start Enrollment Verification Form will be filled out and signed. *Please see LRHS Running Start website for dates and times we will be accepting Enrollment Verification Forms.
      • This must be completed for each quarter.
      • Return the Enrollment Verification Form to EWU or SCC (required) to ensure tuition is paid
        • Student/family is responsible for paying additional fees at EWU or SCC.
        • High School counselors will verify if you are eligible for Free or Reduced Lunch in order to waive some additional fees. 
        • Buy Books, supplies and materials
        • Go to classes. Study hard. 
        • Please inform your counselor of any schedule changes or concerns