Learn what and how you want with CTY’s online courses.
The Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth’s online programs are designed to challenge and inspire academically advanced students, providing opportunities to explore beyond their traditional school curriculum.
From space colonization and crime scene investigation to creative writing and competitive math, our virtual classrooms will expand your knowledge and spark your curiosity. Led by expert instructors who are skilled at engaging bright learners, CTY’s online programs offer courses year-round in a variety of formats—so you can work at a pace that fits your schedule and learning goals.
As a CTY online student, you’ll have fun connecting with a global community of peers, exploring intriguing topics you won’t find in school, and developing new skills.
Now enrolling online courses for 2025, including 10 rigorous, fresh, and fun new offerings! Apply by 11/15 for the best selection of courses beginning in January.
Upcoming deadlines
LIVE courses: Apply by January 5 to start the week of January 20, 2025
Session-Based courses and Clubs: Apply by January 5 to start January 21, 2025
Individually Paced courses: Apply anytime and get started in 2 weeks for most courses. Select courses have registration deadlines. Please see individual course descriptions for details.
Explore CTY’s Online Course Topics
Immerse yourself in CTY’s online programs, designed specifically for bright learners looking to expand their skills and knowledge. Our online courses provide rigorous and fun learning opportunities designed to foster your love for discovery and innovation. Find the perfect course for your interests and schedule:
- Computer Science and Technology
- History and Social Science
- Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science and Engineering
Online Programs Calendar
CTY online program enrollment is open year-round. Start your learning journey within two weeks of applying. Explore our flexible options. View Calendar
CTY Online Course Formats
Session-Based
Get ahead in your studies with session-based CTY online courses that connect you with other advanced learners from around the world. These asynchronous courses provide the structure of assignment deadlines, along with the flexibility to do your coursework independently. Select courses also have set meeting times. You and your classmates may interact via discussion forums and virtual meetings. See individual course descriptions for meeting times (if applicable).
Good for students who:
- Prefer some interaction with classmates
- Benefit from having some structure while learning
Individually Paced
With this CTY online course option, you’ll take on an academic challenge customized to your advanced abilities and schedule. These asynchronous courses allow you to develop your own learning plan within course guidelines. Work independently at an accelerated pace or take breaks if needed. Your instructor provides guidance on appropriate pacing, gives personalized feedback on your work, and meets with you virtually as needed to help you master challenging concepts.
A good fit for students who:
- Are self-motivated, with strong time management skills
- Want to accelerate their learning
- Enjoy an academic challenge that goes beyond their school curriculum
- Want some flexibility to take breaks
LIVE
CTY’s LIVE online courses let you connect with other bright learners and enrich your studies while exploring fascinating topics not often found in school. In these hybrid synchronous/asynchronous courses, you’ll meet to participate in real-time online sessions with fun lessons and lively discussions with your classmates and instructor. You’ll also read and complete activities on your own outside of class.
A good fit for students who:
- Enjoy a lively virtual class setting and are also motivated to work independently
- Love diving into special-interest topics that spark their curiosity without the pressure of a high-stakes academic setting
- Enjoy using technology to connect and share ideas with classmates from around the world
Clubs
In weekly club meetings, you’ll learn and have fun in real time with a diverse group of fellow students who share your interests.
Meet our instructors
Your CTY online instructors hail from cities and universities around the world, but they all have one thing in common: a dedication to helping our students engage and connect with advanced concepts.
One of the joys of teaching science is encouraging students to observe closely the world around them. I enjoy when students start to think critically about how everything in the natural world interacts with everything else, and how they can apply what they have learned in class to real life.
Keith Gallinelli
Science and Engineering Instructor
I truly enjoy the creativity and enthusiasm that the students bring to their projects. The students are so tenacious and exhibit a great work ethic. Being online they need to "figure things out" on their own and they do a great job!
Krysten Hall
Computer Science Instructor
Programming is all about breaking the problem into small manageable pieces. I teach students how to brainstorm, code a small piece, and test. Then add another piece into it and continue until you are done. This is like driving at night. You keep driving until you reach your destination.
Tarequl Hassan
Computer Science Instructor
I love watching young writers try new things and take chances. It's especially exciting when a student starts to see revision differently–as an opportunity rather than a chore.
Elisabeth Dahl
Language Arts Instructor
I am so excited when students are able to persevere and decode a very challenging cipher in the course! I love that Cryptology teaches patience and dedication, and that mathematics is so much more than just the study of numbers and equations.
Jillian Green
Mathematics Instructor
I am amazed at the level of tenacity of my students and am inspired by their quest to learn beyond walls and defined standards. They inspire me to learn more about our dynamic scientific world for continuous growth of their eager minds.
Tamica Stubbs
Science and Engineering Instructor
Teaching AP World History: Modern, I'm frequently astonished at how natural it is for students from both the United States and across the world to meet and learn about a global subject from not just their instructor but, just as importantly, so many different student perspectives!
Tyler Meinhart
History and Social Sciences Instructor
Students are always curious and full of interesting ideas when starting their programming course. I have enjoyed teaching them the tools to help bring their ideas to life and seeing their interest continue to grow.
Eric Tsai
Computer Science Instructor
I love that through CTY, I get the chance to work with gifted students from all over the world. I consider it an honor to be part of their journey!
Amanda Broton
Mathematics Instructor
Being able to connect with my students, whether they live in New York or New Delhi, has been an unparalleled experience. I value and appreciate the ability to be able to help foster my students' growth as readers, writers, and independent thinkers.
Sasi Goldstein
Language Arts Instructor
I enjoy building relationships with students, facilitating their learning, and helping them achieve a refined understanding of the complex world around us. Using a high energy, enthusiastic approach to learning allows me to deeply connect with my students while having lots of fun!
Alejandro Lozano
History and Social Sciences Instructor
I realize that I love teaching on an almost daily basis. It comes to me in the form of a student's 'ah-ha' moment, when everything clicks and the student understands a challenging concept. I get goose bumps just thinking about it!
Yvonne Borresen
Language Arts Instructor
I love helping students understand difficult topics and make connections between them. Understanding Calculus is what makes advanced engineering applications possible, so it is extremely relevant to today's world and to the inventions of tomorrow.
Donna Miller
Mathematics Instructor