Discover, experience, and achieve with CTY
The Center for Talented Youth, a nonprofit academic center of Johns Hopkins University, delivers academic excellence and transformational experiences to advanced learners in grades 2-12.
Founded in 1979, CTY fosters intellectual growth in exceptional students from all backgrounds and communities. As a world leader in gifted education, advocacy, and research, CTY provides:
- Accredited, advanced online and on-campus courses often not found in school
- Personalized instruction
- An inclusive community of peers who share a passion for learning
Advanced students thrive when they accelerate their learning, challenge themselves, and follow their curiosity in a safe, supportive environment. So, whether you’re looking to get ahead in your studies, progress in a subject you love, or find a community where you can be yourself, there’s a CTY experience to help you meet your goals.
Join us today.
Educational Programs
Take charge of your learning online, or immerse yourself in summer academics. Our programs deliver rigorous and exciting coursework led by attentive, world-class educators.
Now Enrolling!
- On-Campus Summer Programs at sites across the U.S. Enroll now for the best course selection. Final application deadline is May 19.
- 250+ Online courses available worldwide. Financial Aid is available.
Safety and peace of mind
We know safety is your No. 1 concern when choosing a summer program for your child—and it’s ours, too. We're committed to the highest safety standards for students and staff, and we are implementing a thorough COVID-19 safety plan for our on-campus programs.
We know fun is important to you, too, and students who attend our on-campus programs this summer will have lots of opportunities to have fun together, play outside, and be kids.
CTY is what I have been looking for in school but have never found; a place where I can interact with peers at my level, while still satisfying my need to learn. There truly are others who see the world as a well of knowledge as I do.
Gaynor N.
CTY On-Campus Programs Student
The teacher and teaching assistant were beyond exceptional. The activities, campus community, and unique CTY customs made him feel like a part of a secret society. They foster and embrace individuality while and cultivating academic excellence. This was a life-changing experience for my son.
Denise A.
CTY On-Campus Programs Parent
For our daughter, it was the realization that it’s cool and feminine to want to be a scientist. There’s nothing like 25 girls in a college dorm together taking number theory and astrophysics. At CTY, she feels like she’s ‘among her people.’
Debby W.
CTY On-Campus Programs Parent
The instructors are wonderful. They give you feedback on how you can improve, and highlight what you did well. The live sessions are also a place where you can share your work, and sometimes there is a student chat lounge where you can just chat about whatever you want.
Edward W.
CTY Online Programs Student
CTY has saved our bright kids from boredom, made it possible for our eldest to become an extremely accomplished musician, and helped our youngest continue to be a joyful learner when most educational experiences haven't been challenging enough.
CTY Online Programs Parent
Parent
Online programs offer tremendous academic value that can be accessed from anywhere, anytime. This is exactly what we have been looking for. My children love the learning environment including both the classes themselves, and also the social programs.
CTY Online Programs Parent
Parent
CTY has given Samuel much-needed encouragement and academic inspiration, and opened his eyes to many new opportunities. Each day was like a whole new world.
Diane P.
CTY On-Campus Programs Parent
Our son loves to learn because of programs like CTY. Enriching curricula and friendly teachers and staff create an open, welcoming atmosphere to explore and grow. Thank you!
Kimberly A.
CTY On-Campus Programs Parent
Having instructors who are from all over the country and experience in teaching not only in high school but also college has been invaluable... Taking a CTY class isn't just about getting the grades; it’s about broadening our minds.
Kayla L.
CTY Online Programs Student
Maggie has now taken more than 15 CTY courses. She has grown exponentially, thinks well independently, uses and schedules her time wisely, and has gained boundless confidence as a result of her CTY courses.
CTY Online Programs Parent
Parent
What I love about CTY is that you feel like you're in this bubble of learning and growth surrounded by kids just like you who are just as curious about the world as you are. You make friends and memories that will last you a lifetime.
Lia S.
CTY On-Campus Programs Student
At CTY, I am intellectually stimulated and I can think at higher levels and strive to achieve the best. Everyone seems incredibly different in the beginning, but we are all so similar by the end because we are given a place to be ourselves.
Harini K.
CTY On-Campus Programs Student
The CTY Online Programs are an excellent addition to my children's regular academic course work. The convenience of taking high quality courses from virtually any location is a tremendous advantage.
CTY Online Programs Parent
Parent
His teacher was amazed after he went to CTY last year. He got straight A’s. He’s going to be in a high honors class, and CTY has helped him prepare for that. He used to be like, ‘Mom I don’t want to do that.’ Now he’s like, ‘Mom, I think I’m ready.'
Gloria R.
CTY On-Campus Programs Parent
The intellectual stimulation provided by the instructor, thought provoking assignments, and comprehensive feedback have collectively ensured that my child has enjoyed every bit of her time with the CTY program.
CTY Online Programs Parent
Parent
The impact my years at CTY have had on me are indescribable. Somewhere between the vast knowledge I gained in class and the unbreakable bonds I formed with other students, I was able to discover and accept who I am.
Raaka M.
CTY On-Campus Programs Student
CTY provides me the opportunity to take advanced classes that are not offered at my school. I like the individually paced option because it gives me the flexibility to balance my regular schoolwork with other activities.
Jesse R.
CTY Online Programs Student
I learned not only about writing, which my instructors made more interesting than I could have ever expected, but also about the value of friendship, kindness, and teamwork. This camp truly changed who I was for the better.
Ella Z.
CTY On-Campus Programs Student
Guidance
Every child’s talents are unique—identifying those talents is the first step toward unlocking their potential. We offer a range of programming for all kinds of young minds, as well as support and advice for families looking to nurture them. Help is also available for choosing courses and securing school credit.
Research
Our dedication to supporting young scholars goes far beyond the classroom. Since CTY first began in 1979, we’ve been at the forefront of research in gifted education—equipping educators to better identify, serve, and challenge their most advanced students.
Support for Educators
Interested in working with us? We provide a variety of resources and assistance for educators and institutions alike: identifying exceptional students, integrating CTY coursework, offering professional development, and much more.