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. Learn more about our mission and join us today.
Now Enrolling!
- Online courses available worldwide for 2025, including 10 rigorous, fresh, and fun new offerings!
- Registration is now open for CTY's 2025 On-Campus Summer Programs!
- Join CTY this spring on a wild and immersive cultural adventure in Costa Rica. Learn more and register by Dec 12.
- Join CTY this spring on an underwater adventure at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. Learn more and register March 12.
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.
Online Programs
Find real-time, self-paced, session-based, and individually paced courses that fit your learning style and schedule.
On-Campus Summer Programs
Join a community of young scholars tackling exciting and challenging subjects.
Talent Search and Testing
Identify the extraordinary academic skills of your young scholar through CTY's variety of above-grade level assessments.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
The CTY Scholars Program was the perfect guide throughout high school. I was not only given the resources to succeed, but it also provided with access to a community that wants to see me reach my fullest potential.
Cyrus Castellanos
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
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
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 John
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
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
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 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
Latest at CTY
CTY Is Now Enrolling for Summer 2025!
Registration is now open for CTY’s 2025 summer On-Campus Programs! At CTY summer sites, students in grades 2-12 spend three weeks forming a vibrant learning community and making lifelong friends. Our courses are designed for kids and teens who enjoy rigorous, hands-on coursework, lively discussions, and a culture of curiosity and academic exploration. Students can dig deep and learn about subjects not always found in school, like Biotechnology, Crafting the Essay, Cloudy with a Chance of Science, Examining the Evidence, Exploring Ethics, Fiction and Poetry, Introduction to Astronomy, Inventions, and Number Theory.
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.