Why Choose Running Start?

About Running Start

Running Start participants are extremely successful and academically advanced. Did you know:

Over 1,100 students participated in Running Start in 2022-2021.
The majority of Running Start students (95%) take academic prep/transfer classes.
At least 51% of Running Start students earn an associate degree and high school diploma at the same time.

Many Running Start students find that they thrive in a college environment, challenge themselves to perform their best, and exceed their academic goals.

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Contact Us!

Running Start

Email

360-475-7646

Bldg. 4, Rm. 103

Running Start Website

Office Hours

Mon. - Fri.: 8am - 4:30pm

Virtual Office Hours

Mon., Wed., Fri.: 8am - 4:30pm

Virtual Office

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Enrolling as a Running Start is a multi-step process.

Apply to Olympic College and email required documents to the Running Start office.
Once you've been accepted, complete all of the new student enrollment steps listed in your acceptance email.

Apply to Olympic College Complete Enrollment Steps

Running Start Benefits & Limitation

Benefits

Tuition for Running Start classes is free (up to a maximum of 1.4 full-time equivalency combined enrollment between the high school and college).
Students have the opportunity to take a wide variety of classes that may not be offered at their high school.
Students can earn up to two years of college credit and save on two years of college tuition costs.
Students have an opportunity to experience college classes while still in high school.
Students may continue to participate in high school sports and activities.
Academically qualified students have the opportunity to take more challenging or advanced courses.
Our diverse college student population provides for a rich classroom learning environment.
Students have an opportunity to enroll in both academic transfer and professional technical skills classes with outstanding college faculty.
Students have access to instruction using state-of-the-art technology.

Limitations

Running Start students are not eligible to participate on college sports teams .
Students are not eligible for traditional state or federal financial aid.
Full-time Running Start students may particularly feel a loss of social connection with peers at the college; high schools provide a social network and experiences geared toward teenagers .
Transportation arrangements and costs, book purchases, and class fees are the responsibility of the student.
The scheduling of college classes may conflict with high school classes or extracurricular activities.
The college operates on the quarter system while most high schools operate on the semester system, thus Holiday and school breaks may be different.
Students may be exposed to alternative viewpoints and material of an adult nature.
Students are not guaranteed enrollment in Olympic College courses or class schedules.
Grades in college courses are recorded on the high school transcript and become a part of the student’s permanent record at Olympic College. Low grades or failure to complete courses may jeopardize high school graduation, admission to another college or other future educational plans.

Student Voices

Read these testimonials and words of wisdom from previous students to get a sense of what it will be like for you in Running Start.

Before being involved in running start, I felt very out of place in my educational life. After engaging myself in this academic opportunity, I feel I have truly found an environment in which I thrive in personally, mentally, and educationally. I have been introduced to a whole new world of academic possibilities, giving me the opportunity to explore different courses, clubs, and school involvement. Since beginning running start, I have found myself thriving academically and personally, with my grades at an all-time high and support services to help me succeed. I feel as if my goals are achievable, and my future is full of opportunities for success. Through this program I have grown comfortable with my educational career, making my life and academic goals a reality.

Shea Dwyer, Central Kitsap High School, 2025

Don't put too much pressure on yourself. If you were a 4.0 or high grade student in high school, don't expect to have the same grades here. It isn't impossible, but it will take a lot of work and diligence. One of the lessons I learned from this experience is that you will start to find your group in college. While you have your friends in high school, you start to develop your true character on campus.

Hailey Connell, North Mason High School, 2020

I don't think there is just one way to be successful. We're all different and we need different things. Your professor are there for you and want to help you. Email them and visit them when you need some help. They don't bite. Get help early! Either from a professor or the tutoring center.

Lili Bell, Home School Student, 2020

Something I didn't expect Running Start to teach me was that it's a great opportunity to experiment with your education. There is such a variety of opportunities at OC, I was able to try a little bit of everything. Specifically, I was able to experiment with different subjects to figure out what I was and wasn't interested in, and I tried out different class times (morning and evening) and structures (online and in-person). I'm really grateful for those opportunities because learning my preferences now will make the rest of my college journey easier.

Vianne Daniels, Kingston High School, 2020

Time management skills are very important in college. Having a planner filled out with everything I needed for for the quarter was very helpful for me. One thing I learned in Running Start is knowing that it is okay to fall down. But the way you pick yourself up in the experience will determine the outcome. You have to always be positive in your work and try the best that you can in everything that you do.

Sharonrose Chacon, Olympic High School, 2020