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Running Start

Washington High School Students Take College Classes at CCC

Approved by the Washington State Legislature in 1990, Running Start allows eligible Washington high school juniors and seniors to attend college part-time or fulltime and receive both high school and college credit. Students do not pay tuition, but are responsible for textbooks and material fees. The college courses must meet the high school’s graduation requirements, and must be courses numbered 100 or above. Washington high school students are eligible to attend Clatsop Community College as Running Start students.

Is Running Start a Good Program for You?

Running Start is a great opportunity for students to get a head start on their four-year college plans and save on college costs.  Most of the Running Start students have excelled at Clatsop, however, Running Start is not for everyone. College life and classes offer much more flexibility and independence than high school. RS students are held to the same standards as any other college student. This may present problems for those students who are not quite ready for the college experience.

What are the Eligibility Requirements?

  • You must be considered a junior or senior at Illwaco or Naselle High School. Home school students may register with their local high school to access Running Start.  
  • You must be a resident of Washington State. 
  • You must have a 2.5 high school GPA 
  • You must be making satisfactory progress toward high school graduation as determined by your high school. 
  • You must place into college level writing and reading on the ACCUPLACER placement evaluation.   The ACCUPLACER  is available at your high school or CCC.

How Much Does Running Start Cost?

Students are responsible for college fees, textbooks, and transportation. Students eligible to receive free or reduced priced lunch may be eligible for a “non-consumable” fee waiver.  Click here for information about fees and the waiver process. (.pdf, 30KB)

How Do I Get Started?

In 2005, the Oregon State Legislature enacted Senate Bill 300, also known as Expanded Options.  The purpose of Expanded Options is to help students in 11th and 12th grade access additional courses, continue or complete their education, earn concurrent high school and college credit, and gain early entry into post-secondary education. Courses must not be considered duplications of the offerings available at your high school.  For a copy of the 2011 Oregon Revised Statues related to SB300 click here. Speak with your high school counselor or principal to see if you are eligible!

We are Here to Help You!

At Clatsop Community College, we want each of our students to have a positive and enriching educational experience. We will do everything we can to ensure that Running Start students succeed. We offer counseling and advising and we communicate regularly with high school counselors and Clatsop instructors as we monitor the progress of each Running Start student.

Important Dates

Information pending…

Click here for more information on Running Start from the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Points to Ponder...

You must provide your own transportation. If getting to and from Clatsop Community College in a timely manner will be a problem for you, Running Start is not a viable option for you. 

  • Class participation is an integral part of college. Most instructors require students to participate in discussions. 
  • The students in your classes will range in age from 16 – 86 so you should expect a variety of opinions and adult topics. 
  • You must meet deadlines. Even though you may be academically ready, the independence and speed of college classes can be overwhelming. 
  • Grades earned at Clatsop Community College become part of your permanent college transcript. 
  • College classes typically demand an average of at least two hours of homework outside of class for each hour in class. 
  • The College faculty may or may not take attendance. It is your responsibility to be prepared for class and to meet all deadlines. 
  • Some of the art classes at Clatsop use undraped models as a part of the learning experience. 
  • College classes may conflict with high school classes or some extracurricular activities, such as sports. 
  • The College operates on a quarter system. Most high schools operate on a semester system. Holiday and vacation periods may be different. You will be expected to attend classes at the college even though your high school is not in session. It is important to plan carefully to avoid conflicts between college classes, family, and activities. 
  • The high school is the final authority on what is required for high school graduation. You must work closely with your high school counselor to ensure that you meet your graduation requirements. You will be responsible for keeping informed about high school deadlines and activities. 
  • You and your parents will sign a Release of Information form so that your grades and progress can be shared with your high school and your parents.