Writing, Language Arts, and Humanities

Gifted students whose writing skills are ahead of their agemates should not be held back. The Johns Hopkins University CTYOnline Writing Series is designed especially for these children. Begun in 1983 with a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, these courses provide gifted writers in grades 5-12  rare opportunities to work with professional writers to explore both academic and creative writing.

The CTYOnline Writing Series includes courses that are both session-based and flexi-paced, and many are offered in both email and web-based formats. For more information, including prerequisites, see the course descriptions:

The Process of Writing (Grades 5-7)

Writing for an Audience (Grades 6 and 7)

Crafting the Essay (Grades 7-12)

Writing Analysis and Persuasion (Grades 8-12)

Crafting Poetry (Grades 8-12)

Crafting Fiction (Grades 8-12)

AP English Language and Composition (Grades 9-12)

CTYOnline also offers challenging critical reading, grammar, math, science, computer science, foreign language, and AP courses, all led by CTY instructors. For more information about CTYOnline courses, visit the website, contact ctyonline@jhu.edu , or call 410-735-6166.

Eligibility

CTYOnline admits students who demonstrate outstanding academic abilities. Students in grades 2-8 are usually admitted by first applying to the CTY Global Talent Search, arranging to take an above grade level test at a nearby testing center, and earning qualifying scores. Students in grades 7-12 can submit qualifying SAT, ACT, or PSAT scores. Provisional admission may be offered for students who are eligible to enter the CTY Talent Search, but unable to test in time.

How To Apply

Step 1: Become eligible by registering for the CTY Global Talent Search for grades 2-8, or by submitting qualifying PSAT, SAT, or ACT scores. If you do not have qualifying scores on an above grade level test, CTY Talent Search will send you the materials you need to schedule the student to take a test at a nearby testing center. Students who achieve qualifying scores in the verbal section are eligible to participate in the CTYOnline Writing Series. For more information about , visit CTYOnline Admission and Eligibility.

Step 2: Choose an appropriate Writing Series course based on the prerequisites and your child's grade: 

The Process of Writing (Grades 5-7) 
Writing for an Audience (Grades 6 and 7)
Crafting the Essay (Grades 7-12)
Writing Analysis and Persuasion (Grades 8-12)
Crafting Poetry (Grades 8-12)
Crafting Fiction (Grades 8-12)
AP English Language and Composition (Grades 9-12)

Step 3: Apply online by the writing application deadline. Writing Series' session-based courses are held during fall, early spring, and two summer sessions. Several courses are also offered in the flexi-paced format. If you are interested in your child taking a course during the summer, learn about the two different summer sessions to choose the one that best fits your child's schedule. Contact ctyonline@jhu.edu if you registered for the Talent Search, but are unable to test in time and would like to apply for provisional admission.

Since 1979, the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth (CTY) has served the needs of academically gifted students worldwide, providing challenging programs matched to their abilities. CTYOnline courses offer qualified students opportunities to accelerate and enrich their learning. During the school year, students supplement their school curriculum with these advanced and engaging courses, all led by experienced CTY faculty. Summertime offers even more flexibility, as students blend online study with summer fun. CTY also offers summer residential and commuter courses, family academic programs, and more, all designed to nurture gifted young students and help them achieve their academic potential.

CTY is fully accredited, and many schools offer credit and/or placement for CTYOnline courses. Check with your school if you intend to seek credit, since school policies vary.