Running Start
Running Start is a component of the Learning by Choice bill that allows qualifying juniors and seniors to enroll in tuition-free college level courses at Community Colleges in Washington state. Students must have junior standing (12 credits), have a GPA of 2.5 or higher (no GPA requirement at Seattle Central), and must pass the placement test given at the Community College.
Taking classes through the Running Start program allows eligible juniors and seniors the opportunity to earn both high school credit and college credit simultaneously.
BHS students typically take Running Start courses at Olympic College (Bremerton and/or Poulsbo) or Seattle Central College. There are many factors to consider in trying to determine if this program is right for you or your student. For more information, contact Olympic College or Seattle Central Community College directly.
*Interested or have further questions? Contact BHS Running Start Counselor:
It is recommended that students interested in Running Start take the placement test/submit Smarter Balance** test scores in April to determine initial placement, so students are ready to register for Fall quarter classes by early to mid May.
In lieu of an English and Math placement test, both Olympic College and Seattle Central will accept a student's 11th grade Smarter Balance ELA (English Language Assessment) for English Placement. Only Seattle Central will accept Smarter Balance Math results for Math placement.
Important Dates for Seattle Central College for the Spring Quarter
SCC RS Admission: They have no priority application deadline, but the sooner the better.
SCC RS Advising: As soon as the student takes the placement test/presents SBA test scores,
they can pick up an
application packet at the SCC RS office and then set up an
advising/registration appointment.
SCC RS Registration: Continuing Students begin 2/14; New Students begin 2/28
Important Dates for Olympic College for the Spring 2022 Quarter
OC RS Admission: 2022 - 2023 School Year Dates TBD
OC RS Advising: Bremerton Campus appointments TBD
Poulsbo Campus TBD
OC RS Registration: Continuing Students begin 2/14; New Students begin 2/28
** Advising appointment timeframes are based on the availability of the online class schedule.