Running Start

Running Start is a program that gives eligible high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to take classes at a community or technical college and earn high school and college credit tuition free. Students can enroll part-time or full-time at the college. They can take courses numbered 100 and above and can take up to 18 credits each quarter. Most courses are 5 credits and a full college courseload is 15 credits. A five credit college level course at TCC equals one full credit at the high school.

High school graduation requirements are established by the high school. Each quarter students meet with their high school counselor to identify how TCC courses will apply toward graduation.

Home school students can enroll through their school district office and are not required to meet high school graduation requirments.

The Running Start program is not available in the summer; however, students who are eligible for the program may register for TCC summer classes at their own expense.

To be admitted to Tacoma Community College's Running Start program, a student must:

• Be enrolled in a public high school. Home-schooled students can enroll directly through their school district office. Private school students can have dual enrollment at both private and public high schools for access to Running Start classes. 
• Be a Junior or Senior according to their high school.
• Place at college level in Reading and English on TCC's assessment test. College level math placement is not required for admission to the program; however, students who plan to enroll in math or sciences courses through Running Start must place at college level math.

Students with high school grade-point-averages of less than 2.50 are admitted, but may be advised to enroll in a college success course their first quarter in the program. Students at Tacoma Community College must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or above and complete all courses. If a student falls below academic standard, they are placed on a series of warning, probation, and then suspension from the program.

STEPS TO QUALIFY

• We encourage students and parents to attend a Running Start information session for general information.  General information meetings are held throughout the year.  See the meeting dates for the current quarter in the test box on the Running Start homepage.
• Meet with your high school counselor to determine Junior or Senior level standing. It is important that students also discuss college readiness, future goals, financial obligations, and transportation when they meet with the high school counselor.
• Take the Assessment Test.  For the Tacoma campus, call 253.566.5158 for an automated message of testing dates and times (no appointment necessary) or the Gig Harbor campus at 253.460.2424 (appointment required). The college assessment is used to determine readiness for college level work. Students will find out their test results immediately following the assessment. The Tacoma campus Assessment office is located in Building 7. |Campus Map|
• If you qualify, you will receive an application packet from the assessment center.   Please follow the directions on the application packet carefully and include all the requested materials.
• Return the above paperwork to the Running Start office in Building 7. At that time we will schedule an orientation and registration appointment.

Students that are of junior or senior status and currently being home-schooled are encouraged to take advantage of the Running Start program.  You may attend full time or part-time and take classes that would be used towards an Associate degree. 

To qualify, you would need to place at college level in Reading and English on TCC’s assessment test.  College level math placement is not required for admission to the program; however, students who plan to enroll in math or sciences courses through Running Start must place at college level math.  Students would need to enroll through their local school district office and have filed an Intent for Home-Based Instruction the year prior to accessing Running Start to have free tuition through the Running Start program.

If a home-schooled student begins in the Fall of their junior year, they would be entitled to 6 quarters (Fall, Winter, and Spring of their junior and senior year).  If the student begins in the fall of their senior year they would be entitled to 3 quarters.  If a student begins mid-year, the number of quarters would be pro-rated.

Program Strengths
Students can experience a college environment while in high school. The experience can make the transition from high school to college easier and clarify students' educational goals.

Save money on college tuition.

Students have access to a wider variety of elective courses than provided at the high schools.

Students can be more challenged in advanced-level courses. 

Students who find that traditional high school does not fit their needs often flourish in a different educational environment. 

In college classes, high school students gain from the participation and broad perspective of other college students.

Students may still participate in high school activities while in college.

Is My Student Ready for Running Start? 
It is important to carefully consider each student's maturity level in choosing the Running Start Program. Although a student is academically prepared for college level course work, he/she may find the independence necessary for a successful experience too demanding. Students are starting a permanent college transcript when they take the first college class. If they perform poorly, they may jeopardize future college plans. Parents and students should carefully evaluate readiness.

Running Start classes place an increased demand on students, so it is important to monitor their class loads. Running Start students should be enrolled full-time between the high school and college, but should not over-enroll or take too few classes. Discuss the total academic picture with the high school and college counselors.

Program Limitations
Costs of transportation, purchase of textbooks and materials are the responsibility of the student. Textbooks can run $100 to $150 per course (book assistance is available for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch at the high school).

The college operates on a quarter system, which is different from the high school academic calendar. Students are expected to attend classes at the college even though their high schools are not in session.

The High School is the authority on graduation requirements. Students must work closely with high school counselors to avoid problems with graduation. 

Students who are socially connected to high school may feel they are missing out on their high school experience.

Parental Access to Faculty and Student Records
Tacoma Community College is covered under FERPA (Federal Education Right to Privacy Act) and follows federal guidelines concerning access to student records. We are not allowed to give information regarding a student's attendance or progress. Faculty will not discuss a student's progress with anyone without the student's participation. Students are expected to conduct themselves like college students.

Release forms are available through the Running Start Office and must be given to the Running Start Advisor for parents to have access to student records such as class schedule and grades. Running Start advisors do not have access to information about attendance or performance in courses until grades are submitted at the end of the quarter.

Student Responsibilities

According to state law, we do not identify Running Start students to their instructors. Once students begin attending the college, they will be considered "regular" college students. The faculty will expect the same level of classroom participation, study habits, homework and respect received from other students. They must meet class deadlines, be prepared for classes, ask questions and conduct themselves as responsible adults. If students are having difficulty or need additional information, it is their responsibility to contact the instructor. On the first day of class instructors provide a course syllabus with their email address, office location and phone numbers. Faculty office hours are also posted in the faculty buildings. 

Class Pace
The pace of college classes is much faster than in the high school. For example, a high school math class taught in one year at the high school is taught in 10 weeks at the college.

Homework
College classes demand approximately two hours of homework for each hour spent in class.

Class Size
Classes vary in size from 15 to 80 students, with an average of 30 students. 

Attendance
The faculty may or may not take attendance. It is the student's responsibility to be prepared each day for class and to meet all deadlines. Some faculty give pop quizzes and expect all papers to be turned in on time, with no make-up possibilities.Progress reports are not given.

Class Participation
Class participation is an integral part of college. Most faculty expect students to participate in classroom discussions.

Tutoring Center
TCC offers free tutoring through the Tutoring Center in Building 7, 2nd Floor. Call  253.566.6032.

College credits are transferable to Washington State public colleges and universities, and to most private colleges in the state. The University of Puget Sound does not conform to this practice and students are encouraged to meet with an admissions representative from the university. It is important for students to consult with college admissions representatives and departmental advisors as early as possible. Students should contact out-of-state colleges for their policies on accepting Running Start credits. We will be happy to furnish information about the program.

ALL Running Start students who plan to apply to baccalaureate institutions should take SAT and/or ACT tests with their high school class to comply with college admission requirements. We strongly encourage them to maintain close contact with their high schools for testing dates, application deadlines and scholarship information in preparation for admission to four year institutions. 

College course fill very quickly and are first come first serve. For the best course options follow the suggested dates listed. Deadlines are the last date we a will accept applications, but students should make every effort to complete their application as soon as possilble.

• Fall Quarter: May 1 (deadline September 17th)
• Winter Quarter: November 1 (deadline December 30th)
• Spring Quarter: February 1 (deadline March 25th)

Reception Desk (Building 7): 253.566.6061

E-mail: runstart@tacomacc.edu

Fall, Winter and Spring Quarter Office Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Office hours can vary. If you are planning to come to our office, please call to verify hours.

July and August Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (We will be closed on July 4th.)

Running Start Staff

Tina Celentano
Educational Planner
253.460.4334
tcelentano@tacomacc.edu

DeAndrea Harris
Educational Planner
253.566.6096
dharris@tacomacc.edu

Christy Perotti
Coordinator
253.566.5320
cperotti@tacomacc.edu