NTHS Running Start Info

You must be a Junior or Senior to participate in Running Start. You must also qualify for Running Start by meeting the entry requirements set forth by the community college (ex: placements tests).

Students most successful at Running Start are usually:

• Independent and organized students
• Able to manage several dates and deadlines
• Earning A or B grades already at NTHS
• Feel prepared and interested in college-level coursework
• Have good attendance habits
• Able to provide their own transportation

No. Tuition (the cost of the course) is free, but you will need to pay for books and fees.

Yes, SPSCC has a fee waiver program. https://spscc.edu/running-start-fee-waiver Speak with the SPSCC Running advisor if you have more questions.

Dual Credit provides students with the potential to earn high school and college credit at the same time through successful completion of a course and/or an exam. When you pass a dual credit class, you earn credit at both the high school and at the participating college.

North Thurston offers many dual credit options like College in the High School (CIH) and Advanced Placement (AP). Running Start is another example of Dual Credit. See the college credit page for an overview of these options.

Running start students must be familiar with the High School Course Equivalency List on SPSCC's website. This document shows a list of high school courses and the equivalent course offerings at SPSCC.

 High School Course Equivalency List

Examples: 

1. If you take HIS 146 for 5 credits at the SPSCC, you will earn 1 credit at high school, and you will meet the US history requirement.
2. If you take ENG 101 for 5 credits at SPSCC, you will earn 1 credit at high school, and you will fulfill a year’s worth of English.
3. If you take CCS 101 for 3 credits at SPSCC, you will earn .60 high school credits at high school in the category of CTE.

Some believe that staying at a high school and pursuing Advanced Placement is preferred over Running Start. Communicate with the colleges you plan to apply to and see what they recommend. The best course for a student is dependent on the direction they want to go!

No.  The SPSCC operates on a quarter system.  NTHS operates on a semester system.

SPSCC quarter system

NTHS semester system

You can be a full-time or part-time Running Start student. If you take courses at both institutions, you cannot exceed full-time enrollment (FTE).  Here are some examples: 

Yes, it is possible.  If you are a full-time Running Start Student and you meet the requirements of the two-year degree (set forth by the college) then you can earn a two-year degree.  For the college degree you need to coordinate with the college.  For high school graduation requirements, you’ll need to coordinate with the high school.

Yes, you can still participate in high school activities (ex: sports, school dances, clubs, etc.).

• You must meet with your high school counselor every quarter to get your Running Start Enrollment Verification Form (RSEVF) signed. This is an agreement between you and SPSCC, and you must turn this form in to have your tuition paid for as a running start student. It is important to complete this in time to meet the deadline set by the SPSCC.
• You need to pass your classes. If you do not, you can be placed on academic probation or even be dismissed by SPSCC.
• You need to check your email at both institutions—you are still a high school student, even if you do not attend NTHS. If you want to graduate from both schools, you need to keep up with correspondence in both locations.
• You must complete your High School & Beyond Plan. You can complete the HS&B plan by attending NTHS Advisory or completing the HS&B Plan course equivalencies listed on the North Thurston Public Schools SPSCC Course Equivalency List.
• Become familiar with the North Thurston Public School SPSCC Course Equivalency List.

Complete this form and meet with the athletic director.

Running Start WIAA Form