Running Start

Beginning after 10th grade, Running Start provides student with an option to take classes at a local college tuition-free, and simultaneously earn both high school and college credit. Students enroll in classes at the college, while continuing to be an IHS student. Both full-time (all college) and part-time (some college classes, some high school classes) scheduling options are possible.

Counselors support students interested in Running Start (RS) by helping students explore if RS is a good fit, planning/tracking graduation credits, and signing quarterly Enrollment Verification Forms. Students are responsible for proactively applying to the college, scheduling timely conversations with their counselors, submitting forms to the college, and registering for college classes each quarter.

Signing up for RS at IHS
RS Colleges/Programs

Signing up for RS at IHS

New RS Students for 2026-27 School Year

Wondering if Running Start is right for you? Please review our family/student presentation:
- Presentation slides & recording

RUNNING START REGISTRATION PROCESS

Complete the enrollment process at your college
- Get started with BC RST Steps: Apply here (under the RS General Admission Items header).
- Running Start Steps to Apply slide deck will walk you step-by-step through how to apply to BC.
After you complete the steps to apply, submit the New to Running Start Request form to be cleared for an enrollment meeting with your counselor. Ms. Lipsen will review your submission (allow a few days), and will email you directions for your appointment. Carefully check your email regularly!
- You have the option to upload required documents when you request the meeting. See details in Step 3.
Ahead of the meeting, complete your portions of the necessary forms. You can pick up a paper packet in counseling, or download the forms linked below:
- Participation Agreement
- Fall Enrollment Verification Form (must be 2026-2027 version)
  - Fill out top left box & student/guardian signatures at the bottom only, leave the rest blank for counselor.
- (Only if you are doing summer) Summer EVF
  - Fill out top left box & student/guardian signatures at the bottom only, leave the rest blank for counselor.
- (Only for IHS athletes) WIAA Eligibility
- Want all the forms in one pdf? Click here to download!
After you complete & sign your portion of the required forms, you can upload them (see step 2), or you can bring them to your Counselor appointment. We cannot successfully meet without these forms, so if you forget them, the appointment will have to be rescheduled.
After you meet with your Counselor, you will upload your finalized EVF form on the BC website (Step 4: Submit RSEVF).
Remember to complete the college's English and Math placement requirements - very important to complete this BEFORE registering for classes in May.
- Bellevue College - English and Math Placement
BC will email you with your enrollment time/day (May 13 or later), and at that time, you log into your BC account to actually enroll in classes.

Current RS Students

HEADS UP - there's a NEW 2026-2027 Enrollment Verification Form for Fall quarter. Please complete your portion (left box on the tope, student and guardian signature at the bottom) to send to your counselor.
Connecting with your counselor:
- You can email your signed form to your counselor if you have a clear plan on what you want to do next year, and they'll send the completed form back.
- If you need to discuss your plan with your counselor, schedule an appointment via their Bookings link (on the Contact Us page) or drop in during lunches.
Summer & Fall Enrollment begins May 11 -- plan ahead to submit your form to the college by early May.

Summer Running Start

Students interested in taking Summer quarter courses at Bellevue College can read more about eligibility and process on the Bellevue College website. There is a unique summer EVF form that must be filled out with your counselor as well as a detailed process depending on whether you are a new or returning Running Start student. Please be sure to follow the college enrollment process prior to meeting with your high school counselor. If not attending Bellevue College, please follow the directions for your college.

2026 Summer Enrollment Verification Form

FAQs and Resources

RS Colleges/Programs

Every college has their own Running Start application process, and interested students are responsible for navigating these steps. Follow each step carefully, and carefully read all emails from the college. We highly encourage attending a college information session before applying! STUDENTS must drive the application process as the first step of being ready for the responsibilities of Running Start.

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Signing up for RS at IHS

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FAQs and Resources

RS Colleges/Programs

Bellevue College

Renton Technical College

Lake Washington Technical College

Central Washington University