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 day, residential, and online 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. Learn more about our mission and join us today.
The CTY Experience
Our day, residential, and online courses are designed to reflect the CTY experience of rigorous coursework; novel context or approach; and a fun and engaging community of advanced learners.
Now Enrolling!
Registration is now open for CTY's summer and fall courses!
- Enroll by June 8 to start courses as early as the week of July 12
- Enroll by August 11 to start courses as early as September 8
- Enroll by September 15 to start courses as early as October 11
Upcoming Educational Travel Programs include:
- Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, New Jersey, June 15, 2026, for CTY students in grades 6-12 and their families
- Mount St. Helens Institute, Mount St. Helens, Washington, Aug. 12-14, 2026, for students in grades 3-8 and their families
Day Programming
CTY day sites offer three-week courses for students to come to campus on weekdays and attend classes, eat lunch, and participate in various activities.
Residential Programming
CTY residential sites offer three-week courses for students to live on campus while learning and making friends in an active, diverse, and inclusive community.
Online Programming
CTY online courses provide rigorous and fun learning opportunities designed to foster discovery and innovation, while connecting you with a global community of peers.
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 In-Person Courses 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 In-Person Courses Parent
Being a part of the CTY Scholars Program was the greatest thing I could have done. They were by my side every step of the way from high school to getting into the best college for me.
Aaliyah J.
CTY Scholars 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 Courses Parent
Parent
CTY Scholars gave me something to work towards, it kept me motivated. Without the program, I would have given up in the 10th grade. Knowing there was someone there to help me see beyond what I was able to see really inspired me to push forward and continue to work toward my goals.
Carlos P.
CTY Scholars Student
CTY Baltimore Emerging Scholars is different from my regular classes because we decipher messages and have a lot of fun while learning. It's also special because we do group work, and the groups always make me laugh.
Blake H.
CTY Baltimore Emerging Scholars Student
I love the lessons and how they teach me clearly through videos, real-life situations, and different units. I also like that my online course is self-paced, which means I can learn and practice whenever I want.
Zane M.
Student
My child became self-reliant in learning, taking tests and following timeliness. It helped him build self-confidence while increasing his true knowledge about the subject.
CTY Online Courses Parent
Parent
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 Courses Parent
Parent
The level of academic rigor exceeds anything my daughter has experienced in school to date. In fact, this year she's homeschooling with CTY as her main resource.
CTY Online Courses Parent
Parent
Being a part of CTY has provided a safe, engaging, rigorous, and fun learning experience to help students like myself develop a higher level of academic skills that would impact our lives for the future.
Ta’Ziyah O.
CTY MAPS Student
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 Courses Parent
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 Courses Parent
Parent
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 Courses Parent
Parent
What sets CTY apart is the peer environment, which supports out-of-the-box thinking. My CTY classmates value your coursework, not if you're good at sports.
Edison L.
CTY Student
Latest at CTY
Now Enrolling: CTY’s Fall 2026 Courses!
Help your child start the school year strong by enrolling in CTY’s fall online courses. From history and social science to robotics and technology, CTY offers a deep dive into courses not typically found in schools. Your child will challenge themselves and connect with classmates while completing hands-on activities in our dynamic, interactive virtual classrooms.
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.