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:

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 aboutour mission andjoin us today.

Join CTY     Learn More

Now Enrolling!

  • Registration is now open for CTY's 2025On-Campus Summer Programs!
    Apply by May 2.
  • Registration is now open for CTY's summer and fallOnline Programs!
    Apply by April 1 to start May 1. Apply by May 20 to start the week of June 16. Apply by June 17 to start the week of July 14. Apply by Aug 5 to start the week of Sept 8.

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.

Not sure where to start? We can help.

CTY on-campus programs student working in a lab

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

A CTY Online Programs student sitting outside with a laptop

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

CTY Online Programs student Jesse R. sitting outside with a dog and holding book

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

CTY on-campus programs student Harini K. writing on a chalkboard

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

CTY Online Programs student sitting on his bed with a laptop

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

two CTY students working in a lab, wearing goggles and gloves, and smiling

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

Two CTY on-campus programs students laughing, outside

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

CTY Online Programs student, Edward W. looking at a laptop with his dad

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

Two CTY students playing with slinkies on stairs

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

Two CTY on-campus programs students writing on a chalkboard in a classroom

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 on-campus programs student Lia S. doing a science experiment with another student

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

CTY Online Programs student wearing headphones and sitting at a desk with 2 computer screens

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

Young CTY Online Programs student sitting at a desk with laptop and microscope

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

CTY Online Programs student Kayla L.

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

CTY Online Programs student sitting outside, looking through microscope and writing in a notebook

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 student Gaynor N. with classmates and instructor, all looking at a laptop

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

A group of teenaged CTY students taking a selfie, outside

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

CTY Online Programs student sitting at computer, wearing headphones

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

Latest at CTY

Registration is now open for CTY’s fall 2025 online courses!

This fall, encourage your child to dig deep and go beyond subjects typically offered in schools with CTY’srigorous, fresh, and fun online courses. Starting in September 2025, CTY is introducing a synchronous component to many of our rigorous online courses to emphasize peer community. We are alsointroducing new course types designed to showcase the CTY Experience. 

The deadline to enroll is August 5.

Learn More

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.

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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.

Learn more