The March-May season is the time for incoming Juniors and Seniors to make the decision of whether to start running or not. Running start is the dual enrollment between Arlington High School and Everett or Skagit Community College. There are lots of pros and cons to the decision.
Running start is a free college credit program, with the expenses of text books and travel fees. While we have College In the High School classes at AHS, it can be hard to navigate in order to graduate with an associates degree, but not impossible.
The Community College structure is very different from the public high school one. With classes having a wide age range, hands off instructors, more responsibility on the student and using canvas instead of google classroom.
The student traits that would thrive in the Running Start Program can vary. But they typically include a student who is very independent, willing to track their own work load and schedule. Someone who is not heavily involved in high school, because you will be away most of the time, and a grade driven student who will take it upon themselves to do well.
“The reason that I decided to stay here and not do Running Start is because I love being at school, I like having my friends, being involved in going to sporting events and doing clubs with NHS and all of that,” said Natalie Anderson (27’).
Ultimately, the decision is up to the student. We have counselors at our school who can help you sign up for running start, and help you decide if it’s the best fit for you. To make the smartest decision, give yourself all the information available for you.
“If a student were to come in and ask about Running Start, I would try to listen first of all to what they know about Running Start and what their impressions of running are, and what they’re looking to do,” said Counselor Ms Sullivan.
Running may not be for everyone, but some can excel in it. The freedom of not having to be in classes 8-2:30 nine months out of the year and lesser homework can be enticing to most, but the switch can definitely be a shock for them as well.
“I had some friends that were doing Running Start and I kind of just knew it was a good opportunity to get more college credits and I also didn’t want to get behind. (also) That I only have to get to high school for three hours every day,” said Petra Caldera (27’).
