School counselors play a vital role in supporting the well-being and success of all students. They provide academic guidance, career planning, and social-emotional support through one-on-one meetings, group sessions, and classroom lessons.
At Cascade High School, we meet the needs of our students through a variety of services, offered not only by school counselors, but also by many other professionals. Most are conveniently located in the main office building.
Please click on the "Contact Information" button on the right to get more information about the services we offer.
BEFORE attending your registration appointment with your school counselor, please complete the following steps:
Counselors will meet with students individually during their ELA classes. Please refer to this Pre-Registration schedule to find your assigned day.
Some classes have several students assigned to one counselor, making it impossible to meet with everyone during the assigned period. Every effort will be made to make up the appointment as soon as possible, if not the same day.
If you do not have an English class at CHS, you will be scheduled during an open time.
Students have access to the REQUESTS tab until March 27, 2026.
Some core courses have been pre-loaded. If you want a different class, please delete the pre-loaded option and enter a different course in that subject area.
Students are required to enter options for a full schedule and several alternatives. See page 11 of the course catalog.
Running Start is a partnership between high schools and community colleges in Washington State, and is funded by the state legislature. This program provides high school juniors and seniors with the opportunity to take college-level courses tuition-free.
Qualities held by successful Running Start students:
Independent
Responsible
Highly motivated
Mature
Organized
Focused
Have developed a solid educational foundation
College courses are faster paced and require more outside study as compared to most high school courses. The instructors generally expect two hours of work outside of class for each hour of instruction. Therefore, a full-time (15 college credits) R/S student would expect to spend roughly 45 hours per week studying and attending classes.
Start here: Click this presentation image to learn more about Running Start.
The video/PPT will help you gain basic knowledge about the program and requirements, so the information found below will make more sense.
Counselors will be meeting with groups of students to review the information in the above PPT in more detail. These meetings are intended for current 10th and 11th grade students who want more information about Running Start, and to learn if it is a good choice for them. Passes will be sent to students who sign up using the Google Form by clicking on the title link above.
We look forward to meeting with you soon!
Click on any of the images below to quickly access the college Running Start webpages:
CURRENT RUNNING START STUDENTS
Be Prepared!! When next quarter's classes are posted, complete & email or bring your quarterly RSEVF to your counselor.
It is your responsibility to plan ahead to get signatures from your counselor & to be aware of the college deadlines, CHS school hours & holidays, summer closures, early or late start schedules, etc. Counselors need at least 2-3 school days turn-around to fill out R/S forms. Busier times may take longer.
CHS Running Start Agreement must be completed each year, signed by the student and parent/guardian, prior to completion of RSEVF.
NEW RUNNING START STUDENTS
Step #1: Go through the PPT above to learn the basics about the Running Start program.
Step #2: If offered, attend a Running Start Information Sessionmeeting with the college you plan to attend.
Each college posts the days and times of the information sessions on their websites. Look over the resources provided on the college Running Start website, and reach out to them with your program specific questions.
Step #3: Apply & complete placement requirementswith the college Running Start office.
Each college follows their own specific rules about placement. Look at the details on the college Running Start website and contact the college with specific questions.
Step #4: Once you have been accepted to a college...
To help map out your classes, use the following CHS Running Start Planning Formand the CHS Running Start HS/CC Credit Chart(this chart shows which classes at the college cover the high school graduation requirements)
Step #5: When the college you plan to attend has posted their next quarter class schedule, complete the Running Start Enrollment Verification Form (RSEVF) and submit it to your counselor via email or in person. Make sure you include the classes/credits you plan to take. Your CHS Counselor will fill in what those credits equal at CHS.
It is your responsibility to plan ahead to get signatures from your counselor and to be aware of the college deadlines, CHS school hours & holidays, summer closures, early or late start schedules, etc. Counselors need at least two to three school-days to complete RSEVF forms. Busier times take longer.
Running Start FAQs
Where can I attend?
Students may attend Running Start at any Washington State Community College. Local examples include Everett Community College, Edmonds College, Shoreline College, and Cascadia College.
What classes should I take?
Running Start funds will only cover 100 level courses or above.
Generally, students begin with courses in areas of their strengths. Psychology, sociology, speech, history, and art classes are often good places to start. Students can also choose to jump directly into working on English and Math classes. Wherever you start, be sure you select college courses that will complete district graduation requirements. You can also work to complete the requirements for an associate degree or certificate program at the same time.
If you have not yet completed Washington State History, US History, Civics, or English credits, be sure to discuss this with your high school counselor. You will need to take very specific courses at the community college to gain credit for these requirements.
How many courses may I take?
Running Start students may register for as many credits as the community college allows, but the program will only pay for a maximum of 21 credits each quarter (a full-time course load is 15 credits). Part-time Running Start students will divide their studies between high school and the community college. Each five-hour (5.0 credit) course at the community college is equal to one (1.0) high school credit.
Students are eligible to participate in the Running Start program for six consecutive college quarters, starting with the junior year. If you do not use them, you lose them.
Please be aware that the community college and high school calendars are different (semesters vs. quarters).
Students who enroll in "part-time" Running Start, must plan in travel time between campuses, by choosing a college class schedule that does notconflict their high school class(es). When a conflict occurs, high school courses should take precedence, and students should not leave their high school class(es) early or arrive late.
How do I qualify?
To take part in the Running Start program, you must be under the age of 21, enrolled as a junior or senior in high school, and meet all college eligibility requirements. Fifth-year seniors are eligible under certain conditions. Please see your counselor for information.
Am I automatically admitted?
No. Each community college has an admissions process which helps determine whether a student is ready for college-level study. Before admitting students, community colleges want to be sure they are capable of doing college-level work, which includes writing clearly and being able to read for full understanding.
How do I apply?
Each community college has their own Running Start Application process (which is different from the regular student application). See the college Running Start webpage for more information. There may be a required testing fee.
What will it cost me?
While in the Running Start program, you will be required to pay for all book and lab fees, parking permits, transportation, additional fees, and credits taken over the credit maximum in any one college quarter, etc. You must also provide your own transportation and meals.
Who can advise me?
High School counselors can answer general questions about the Running Start Program and courses needed to meet district graduation requirements. See the college Running Start Advisor to answer questions about courses, available degrees, transfer questions and other college related issues.
Important Notes about Running Start
If your college GPA drops below a 2.0, or you fail to complete a class (withdraw or fail), you will be placed on academic probation, which will cause your Running Start eligibility to be jeopardized.
** Not all colleges/universities (e.g., out-of-state) will accept Running Start credits for transfer. It is suggested that you contact any colleges/universities you may consider attending in the future to learn if they accept credits from other colleges.
School counselors play a vital role in supporting the well-being and success of all students. They provide academic guidance, career planning, and social-emotional support through one-on-one meetings, group sessions, and classroom lessons.
Counselors help students develop coping skills, build positive relationships, guide students in their academic journey, help them explore future college and career opportunities and set goals for the future. They also collaborate with families and staff to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive school environment. Counseling services are available to all students throughout the school year.
MISSIONCascade High School counselors are committed to providing a caring community while fully developing each student’s academic, emotional, social, and vocational potential by actively engaging students in a comprehensive school counseling program.
College & Career Readiness
CCR supports students through the High School & Beyond Plan, helping them set goals and explore future pathways. With College in High School opportunities and financial assistance, students are prepared for success after graduation.
Crisis Intervention provides support for students facing challenges such as bullying, harassment, or issues with drugs and alcohol. Services also connect students to mental health resources and safe reporting options.
Learn more about district graduation requirements, including credits, assessments, and alternate pathways to graduation for students who need different ways to meet requirements.
IEP and Section 504 resources provide guidance, tools, and support for students, families, and educators to access specialized instruction and accommodations. They help ensure every student can succeed in school and reach their full potential.
Family support services provide essential resources for Homeless–Kids in Transition, 2-1-1 assistance, and military families. They help connect families to the help they need for stability, well-being, and continued success throughout the school year.
Social Emotional Learning helps students build self-awareness, social skills, and responsible decision-making. It builds empathy, resilience, and emotional intelligence, empowering students to manage emotions, set goals, and create positive connections within their school community.
