Running Start for Ingraham Students

Ensure that your student attends the Running Start meeting hosted by Ingraham Counselors each spring for the most up-to-date information! Exact date to be determined.

Running Start Program Overview

The Running Start program allows students to take courses at any community college for both college and high school credit. Most of our students enroll in one of the following colleges:

• North Seattle Community College
• Seattle Central Community College
• Shoreline Community College

Each college has a slightly different enrollment process, so it’s essential to stay in contact with your school counselor throughout this journey. Your counselor will assist in creating your college schedule and will need to sign off on it with you. Please remember that appointments are required for meetings with your school counselor regarding Running Start.

Required Forms for Running Start Enrollment

Turn these forms in to Merrily Matthews at mqmatthews@seattleschools.org.

Running Start Facts

• Credit Limit: You can take a total of 15 college credits per quarter.
• Tuition Coverage: Running Start is associated with Seattle Public Schools (SPS), which covers the tuition costs for the courses. However, students are responsible for purchasing any required textbooks.
• Placement Standards: To qualify for college-level courses, students must meet placement standards set by the community college of their choice. This can be achieved through:
  • SBAC
  • SAT
  • ACT
  • The college’s placement test
  For more details, please visit the specific college’s Testing Center webpage.
• Transportation: Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the community college and Ingraham High School (IHS).
• Eligibility: Students can start the Running Start program at the beginning of their junior year and continue for a total of two years (junior and senior years).

Potential Limitations on Future Planning

• Seattle Promise: Running Start + Seattle Promise covers up to 90 credits total
• WA State Public Colleges: All credits and GPA transfer (credits for specific majors may be applied differently)
• Private/Out-of-State Colleges: Acceptance of Running Start credits varies – do your research to determine transfer credit and eligibility
• International Colleges: Credits don’t transfer and these schools prefer AP and IB coursework for admissions. Running Start is NOT recommended. 
• Revising Running Start plan mid-year: not following thru with full year RS plan can impact college acceptance. Colleges admit students based on past, present, future courses.

If you have any follow-up questions after reviewing the Running Start information on your college’s website, please reach out to Ms. Matthews at mqmatthews@seattleschools.org.