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Running Start

Home → Resources → Counseling → HS Counseling → Running Start

Running Start is a program that allows 11th and 12th grade students to take college courses at Washington’s 34 community and technical colleges, including Bellevue College. The added bonus is the cost savings, as students receive both high school and college credit for these classes, thus accelerating their progress through the education system.

When the decision is made to become a Running Start student, the student assumes the personal responsibility of making sure they are knowledgeable about state required tests and events at Big Picture School and Bellevue College class registration dates.

If interested in learning more about Running Start, students and parents/guardians are encouraged to attend an Information Session at BC. For dates, times and locations, go to https://www.bellevuecollege.edu/runningstart/

Key Points for Running Start Students to Remember:

  • The student is responsible for setting up a meeting with the high school counselor at least 2 days prior to each enrollment period to have the Enrollment Verification Form signed. To schedule a meeting, email the High School Counseling or Counseling Secretary.
  • The student must attend BPS’s daily 3rd period LTI advisory class.
  • The student must attend a seven hour, not interrupted, internship on Thursdays.
  • Is is the student’s responsibility to coordinate their BC schedule to not miss scheduled BPS classes. Arriving late or leaving early from a BPS class is not an option.
  • The Bellevue School District covers the tuition for BC classes up to the state limit of 15 college credits per quarter. Students are responsible for other costs including:
    • Tuition for each credit beyond that authorized on the Enrollment Verification Form
    • Tuition for any below college-level class (classes numbered under 100 – for example: Math 075-099)
    • Textbooks and class fees
    • Parking and transportation
  • Additional Considerations for BP Students

Running Start Steps

2024-2025 School Year
Students must be Juniors or Seniors to participate in Running Start.

  • Step 1: Attend the Information Session for Bellevue College*
  • Step 2: Apply for Running Start at Bellevue College*
    • Complete all steps necessary in the application process
    • RUNNING START INTENT
    • BELLEVUE COLLEGE APPLICATION
    • http://www.bellevuecollege.edu/testing/placement/
      Must use the Placement button on the Placement website to submit requests
  • Step 3: Complete Steps 1 and 2, then set up a meeting with your High School Counselor.
    • You must already have applied and completed the placement process before you have this meeting
  • Step 4: Meet with your High School Counselor to review credits and complete the paperwork
  • Step 5: Turn in your completed enrollment verification form to the college’s Running Start office. They will tell you the next steps to register.
    • Check your email (BSD email, college email) all along the process for information about registration, next steps, etc.

*or LWTech, another college

Additional BSD Running Start Resources

Bellevue College Resources:

Big Picture and Running Start School Counselor Presentation:

HS Counseling
The Bellevue School District acknowledges that we learn, work, live and gather on the Indigenous Land of the Coast Salish peoples, specifically the Duwamish and Snoqualmie Tribes. We thank these caretakers of this land, who have lived and continue to live here, since time immemorial.