Running Start Program Information

Running Start is a Washington State tax-funded program that allows high school juniors and seniors students to enroll in tuition-free community college courses.

Students who chooses to participate in the Running Start program should keep informed of PTHS opportunities (ie events, activities, scholarships, etc.) and responsibilities (ie deadlines, requirements, etc.) by watching this website, which includes the Daily Bulletin.

Students are required to have a Planning Form signed by their parents and returned to the Counseling Office. These forms specify the high school courses that a student must complete as well as the college courses that will fulfill these requirements. To obtain a Planning Form please schedule an appointment with your Counselor.

Running Start students must complete a Culminating Project as part of their gradation requirements. This project is coordinated through the Contemporary World Problems course (CWP) at PTHS. Students who are not enrolled in this course must attend the special culminating project class held during the year.

Fall registration

Students who plan to participate in Running Start should contact Peninsula College (385-4605) to schedule a counseling appointment.

Students new to the Running Start program will need to take the Compass Test. Information and scheduling of the test can be obtained at Peninsula College (385-4605).

After successful completion of the Compass Test, new students should schedule an appointment their counselor to obtain a Planning Form. This form outlines the courses that students will need to complete in order to graduate from PTHS. A Planning Form, signed by PTHS, the student and parents, is required before registering at Peninsula College.

Registration information regarding fall course work at Peninsula College may be obtained by contacting the college at 385-4605.

Attention homeschool students who plan to attend Running Start

The legislature in the 2005 regular session amended the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 28A.600.310(1) related to the Running Start program and access by students receiving home-based instruction. Click here to read the OPSI bulletin regarding these changes.

Home-based instruction families and students must meet the following criteria in order to qualify for this program:

1. The family must have filed a declaration of intent to provide home-based instruction by the 15th of September for the year preceding the request for Running Start participation.
   
2. Enrolling students must have received home-based instruction for the school year prior to enrollment in Running Start.
   
3. The family must complete the Running Start Enrollment Request for Home-based Instruction Students form and all related assurances. Click here for a downloadable copy of this form.

NOTE: A student who meets all three criteria will be able to attend Running Start via the home-based instruction option. The student will not have credits transferred to a Port Townsend High School transcript, and will not graduate with a Port Townsend High School diploma.

Students who wish to have their credits recorded on the high school transcript and graduate with a diploma from Port Townsend High School must still enroll at the high school to attend Running Start.