Students Can Get Ahead with the Running Start Program at Marquette Academy

Educational success is measured by more than just a report card.

When opportunities arise to take the proactive steps to get ahead, the benefits are many – including significant time and cost savings – and a smoother transition to the next level of education. Through a unique partnership with Illinois Valley Community College, the Running Start Program at Marquette Academy offers just that – and much more.

Running Start is a special academic initiative that is open to juniors and seniors at Marquette who are able to take college-level courses at both Marquette and IVCC. We are the only school in the area that offers this opportunity to its students.

To qualify for the program, students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and are able to earn dual college credits, or complete an Associate’s Degree while in high school. Academic motivation and a desire to take early steps ahead are crucial to the success of students who enter the program, but in doing so, the benefits are valuable.

With Running Start, students will earn college credit while completing the required high school courses, saving heaps of time. Additionally, the dual-credit courses can be taken at only 60% of the standard tuition rate at IVCC, which saves significant money in the short and long-term.

One of the biggest benefits to the program, though, is that it smoothly bridges the gap between high school and college. Often, the transition to the collegiate experience can be daunting, but Running Start makes taking those initial steps in a college career smooth and easy, so that the student will already hit the ground running at the college level.

For more information on the qualifications and details of the Running Start Program at Marquette, visit www.marquetteacademy.net/runningstart.cfm. For additional questions, call 815-433-0125.

Marquette Academy High School

1000 Paul Street

Ottawa, IL 61350