Federal Way Running Start Home School

The Federal Way Running Start program, hosted through the Federal Way Public Schools district, serves as a bridge for eligible high school juniors and seniors to earn college credits while completing their high school diplomas. By partnering with local community colleges—most commonly Highline College or Green River College—the program allows students to bypass traditional high school courses in favor of tuition-free college-level classes. This opportunity is designed to help students get a head start on their post-secondary education, reduce the future cost of a college degree, and gain exposure to an academic environment that emphasizes self-directed learning.

The program at the 8th Avenue South location functions as a centralized administrative hub for students enrolled in the district who are participating in the Running Start pathway. It provides the necessary oversight, counseling, and logistical coordination to ensure students remain on track to meet both high school graduation requirements and their college enrollment goals. Because the program operates in a dual-credit format, it is best suited for students who are ready to handle the increased rigor, pace, and independence of the college system while still balancing their social and academic obligations within the K-12 school district.