The Running Start Program allows high school juniors and seniors to earn college level credits while completing high school requirements.

Students may enroll simultaneously in classes at their high school and at the college, or solely in classes at the college. They earn both high school and college credit for college level classes.

Tuition is paid by the school district. Books, class related fees and transportation are the responsiblity of the student.

Key changes to the Washington State Running Start program took effect Fall 2011. Please carefully review important changes to the Running Start Program and contact the Running Start office with any questions.

Check the Academic Calendar and Events Calendar for more deadlines, dates and event information. 

• February 20 - President's Day Holiday, campus closed
• February 21 - No class day, campus open
• February 28 - Last day to withdraw from Winter quarter classes
• March 9 - Running Start Spring quarter registration and Book Fund deadline
• March 21 - Last day to return Book Fund books to Running Start office. Do not sell them back to the Bookstore!
• March 22- Deadline for Spring Quarter admission

Spring Registration Dates

• Kelso - February 15, 16 at Kelso High School
• R. A. Long - February 22 at R. A. Long High School
• Mark Morris - February 27 at Mark Morris High School

For all other schools, call 360.442.2440 to make an appointment for one of the following days: Feb. 21, 23, 24, 28 or 29.

Running Start Information Sessions

• February 7 - 3:30 pm and 6 pm, Student Center
• February 9 - 6:30 pm, Castle Rock Library
• February 23 - 6:00 pm, Student Center
• February 28 - 6:30 pm, Woodland High School Commons

• Book Cost Estimate Sheet
• Free/Reduced Lunch Form
• State Enrollment Verification Form

Running Start Office, Student Center, Room 109 (inside the Student Activities Office located on the first floor lobby)

For advising appointments or other information please contact:

Director of Student Programs

Running Start Coordinator

Running Start Assistant

• Benefits of Running Start
• Running Start Dual Credit Programs
• College Catalog
• Academic Calendar
• Events Calendar
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Fields of Study
• Running Start Handbook - coming soon
• Overview of Running Start - see Program Cards, 'Running Start'

Lower Columbia College offers the Running Start program to high school students seeking to earn college credits while completing their high school education.