Running Start is a program that “allows 11th and 12th grade students to take college courses at Washington’s 34 community and technical colleges,” according to Seattle Central’s website. Students participating in Running Start earn both high school and college credits, and Roosevelt students who participate likely take classes at either North Seattle College or Seattle Central.
Juniors and seniors are given the option to enroll in Running Start courses part time or full time, depending on what they want their schedule to look like. In non-COVID times, it’s typical for students to drive to local community colleges during the school day and return to Roosevelt if needed. Participating colleges offer courses in many different subjects, allowing students to choose what courses they wish to earn credit for.
There are no fees or tuition prices to join Running Start, aside from needed textbooks and extra courses students may need to consider. With the promise of college-level credit, the program has enticed many Roosevelt students willing to make the journey each day. However, as with many academic programs, Running Start has fully transitioned to online learning this school year.
When asked about his experience being enrolled in Running Start courses since junior year, senior Josh Chervets says teachers have been pretty flexible and online learning hasn’t caused too many problems. Chervets also says “It’s definitely a little harder to retain the information I get from online classes compared to in-person, so that part is a big difference. As well as getting the work done on time because there isn’t a physical class to have all your work done.”
Senior Hendrik Schellings expressed his frustration with the lack of communication and reliance on using just the syllabus to teach courses. however, he says he finds Running Start generally easier than high school courses. “There is a way less time spent on homework and more on learning because of the class amounts you’re required to take…[This] has allowed for clear minded self-control and motivation to get my work done simply because I don’t feel over stressed and worked.”
There are certainly pros and cons to take into consideration with Running Start programs. First of all, before COVID, students enrolled in the program needed to have a reliable form of transportation to get from Roosevelt to their community college for in-person classes.
While some students are lucky to have their own car, this is not a privilege for everyone. While there are several bus routes going to both colleges, it’s most convenient for students with cars to take Running Start courses.
Luckily, students this year will find no issue with transportation, with online learning offered from the comfort of one’s own home.
Other considerations for Running Start may include the social atmosphere taking college-level classes, and whether student life offers the same benefits.
An obvious advantage to enrolling in Running Start is the promise of college credit which gives students a head start in their college learning if that is the path they choose, as well as potentially advancing their graduation date. Seeing as you earn college credit and likely have the same workload as most AP courses, it seems worth it to many students. It could also begin to prepare students looking for a college academic environment, and students might prefer this to the high school classes they are used to.
Senior Aidan Mirick, who takes classes at North Seattle, has thoroughly enjoyed her experience with the program because of all the college credit she has been able to earn. “I think it’s really great that Running Start students can receive college credit and high school credit at the same time…when I graduate I’m going to have about 60 college credits already which is great.”
Mirick also mentions that the hardest part about the program is having to teach herself a lot of the material due to it being online, a common issue among students in all learning environments.
Overall, Running Start is definitely a great opportunity for students at Roosevelt and other Seattle public high schools. It opens doors for college credit, new professors and classmates, and a different academic environment. Even though it’s online this year, Running Start is still a great option for students looking to take college-level courses.
