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Chief Sealth International High School/Resources/Counseling Center/Running Start and International Baccalaureate/International Baccalaureate/Running Start Information Night Recap

International Baccalaureate/Running Start Information Night Recap

PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT

This summary is for students and families who were unable to attend the IB & Running Start Information Night. It recaps the key information that was presented so families can better understand each option, how they differ, and which pathway may be the best fit.

Both IB and Running Start are strong choices. The best option depends on a student’s goals, learning style, and readiness for independence.

PART 1: INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB)

International Baccalaureate (IB) Defined

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an internationally recognized, rigorous academic program offered at Chief Sealth. IB focuses on developing:

  • Critical thinking
  • Writing and research skills
  • Global awareness
  • Independent learning

IB courses are taken within the high school setting and are designed to prepare students for college-level expectations.

Why Students Choose IB

Students and families often choose IB because it:

  • Is a strong college-preparatory program
  • Looks excellent on college transcripts
  • May offer college credit for strong IB exam scores
  • Is associated with higher college admission and completion rates
  • Emphasizes skills colleges value, such as analysis, reflection, and communication

IB Program at Chief Sealth

Students may participate in IB through two pathways

IB Diploma Program (Full Diploma)

  • 6 IB courses total, including:
    • 4 core academic subjects
    • 1 world language
    • 1 elective
    • Includes 3 Higher Level (HL) and 3 Standard Level (SL) courses
  • Required core components:
    • Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
    • Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
    • Extended Essay (independent research paper)

IB Course Candidate (Partial IB)

  • Students take one or more IB classes without completing the full diploma
  • No TOK, CAS, or Extended Essay required
  • Offers flexibility while still accessing IB rigor
SL vs. HL Courses
  • Typically, both SL and HL courses consist of the same:
    • educational aims
    • core syllabus
    • curriculum and assessment models
    • assessment scoring criteria
  • Higher Level (HL):
    • addresses more content and generally moves quicker pace
    • Allows students to explore content with more depth
    • 2 year commitment
  • Standard Level (SL)
    • focuses on core curriculum
    • ensures students are exposed to a range of disciplines that they might otherwise opt out of
    • can be a 1 or 2 year commitment
IB Exams & Credit
  • Exams are scored on a 1–7 scale
  • A score of 4 is considered passing
  • Washington public colleges typically award credit for scores of 4+
  • Private and out-of-state credit policies vary
  • Exam fee: $124 per exam (fees are waived for students on Free/Reduced Lunch)
  • IB courses include:
    • Internal Assessments (completed during class)
    • External Exams (taken at the end of the course)
Students Who Have The Most Success with IB

IB is often a good fit for students who:

  • Want to stay fully engaged in the high school experience
  • Plan to apply to selective or out-of-state colleges
  • Are strong in reading, writing, and time management
  • Want structured academic rigor with consistent adult support

PART 2: RUNNING START

Running Start (RS) Defined

Running Start is a tuition-free dual enrollment program that allows 11th and 12th grade students to take college classes at local colleges.

  • Students
    • Earn high school and college credit at the same time
    • Become official college students

Why Students Choose RS

Families often consider Running Start to:

  • Save money on college tuition
  • Earn an AA or AS degree
  • Experience a new learning environment
  • Access a flexible schedule
  • Pursue an academic challenge

Running Start at Chief Sealth

RS students have a unique experience at both Sealth and Seattle Colleges

  • Students are treated as college students
    • Professors do not contact parents
    • Grades and attendance are protected by FERPA
    • Classes move at a faster pace with fewer weekly meetings
    • Running Start grades become part of a permanent college transcript
    • Credit transfer:
    • Most reliable within Washington State
    • Out-of-state and private colleges may not accept all credits
    • Many classes are online or hybrid

NOTE: Running Start students are not eligible to be selected as Valedictorian or Salutatorian

Full-Time vs. Part-Time Running Start Outcomes

Full-Time Running Start Students:

  • take entire course load at Seattle Colleges
  • earn high school diploma
  • earn AA or AS degree
  • earn approximately 90 college credits
  • earn18–20 high school credits
  • have a strong connection to their college; minimal connection to Chief Sealth

Part-Time Running Start Students:

  • take a combination of courses and Chief Sealth and Seattle Colleges
  • earn approximately 60 college credits
  • earn 14 high school credits
  • enjoy connection to both Chief Sealth and their Seattle College
Academic & Personal Readiness

Running Start is best suited for students who:

  • Are independent, organized, and self-advocating
  • Can manage less structure and fewer reminders
  • Are comfortable asking questions and seeking help
  • Can handle online learning if required
  • Are comfortable being less connected to high school activities
Risks & Challenges
  • GPA consequences are significant:
    • Below 2.0 GPA → warning → probation → suspension
  • There is very little flexibility to recover from failed classes
  • Returning to Chief Sealth mid-year can be difficult
  • Running Start grades permanently affect:
    • College admissions
    • Financial aid eligibility
    • Future major access
College Admissions Considerations
  • Running Start students apply as first-year applicants, not transfer students
  • Colleges still expect:
    • Four years of core academic subjects
    • CADR requirements (which differ from high school graduation requirements)
  • Selective and out-of-state colleges may:
    • Accept credits only as electives
    • Decline subject-specific equivalencies
  • Building strong relationships with professors is important for recommendations, but can be more challenging at the college level
Students Who Have the Most Success with RS
  • Are very independent learners
  • Have clear academic and career goals
  • Are comfortable in adult learning environments
  • Want to save money and move more quickly through college coursework
  • Prefer fewer, longer classes rather than a traditional high school schedule

Quick Summary

International Baccalaureate (IB)

  • clear structure that is similar to students’ experience
  • teacher and staff support
  • globally recognized rigor within high school setting

Running Start

  • early college experience
  • higher independence
  • higher stakes for students

If you have questions or would like help deciding, please reach out to your counselor at Chief Sealth.