Running Start Program

Welcome to the Running Start program at Flathead Valley Community College. As a high school junior or senior, you’ll discover that your college classes at FVCC offer greater academic challenges than the classes you’ve taken in high school. Plus, you may be able to earn college credit while simultaneously finishing high school graduation credits.

Academic Requirements.
Running Start jump starts your progress toward earning an undergraduate degree. The grades you receive for your Running Start courses will become part of your college transcript. When applying to other colleges, list FVCC as a college you’ve attended and request FVCC to send an official transcript of your grades as part of the college application process.

Classes.
As a Running Start student, you’ll be considered a regular college student, be required to perform the same level of work and will participate in the classroom just as other college students. It’s a great opportunity to take advanced classes that move at a much quicker pace than high school classes. Look over our course schedules. Courses numbered 100 and above are eligible for the program. Your high school counselor can advise you on course applicability and credit equivalency. At the end of each semester, FVCC will mail your grades to your high school.

Academic Calendar.
The FVCC academic calendar is on a semester schedule. Keep in mind, FVCC holiday and vacation days differ from area high school schedules. You’ll be expected to attend your college classes even if your high school isn’t in session.

Cost.
Another great benefit of the program is its price. Tuition for Running Start classes is 50 percent of the regular tuition price for residents. (Only nine credit hours per semester are eligible at the reduced cost.) Fees, books and materials cost the full amount.  

Registration.
You’ll register for classes during the general registration period. Running Start students aren’t eligible for early registration periods. We’ll mail registration times and orientation information to you.

Participating High Schools.
Here are the schools currently under agreement with the FVCC Running Start Program:

  • Bigfork High School
  • Columbia Falls High School
  • Lincoln County High School
  • Flathead High School
  • Glacier High School
  • Libby High School
  • Montana Academy
  • Summit Preparatory School
  • Troy High School
  • Whitefish High School

Home school students are also eligible to participate in the program.

For more information about this program contact the Running Start Coordinator at (406) 756-3847 or email bkelly@fvcc.edu