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 spring online courses!
- Apply by Jan. 5, 2025 to start courses the week of Jan. 26, 2026
- Apply by Feb. 17, 2026 to start courses the week of March 23, 2026
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.
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 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
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
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 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 Programs 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 Programs 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 Programs Parent
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
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
Researchers Explore How AI Could Shape the Future of Student Learning
As students settle into the new school year, one question looms large: How will artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT affect their learning? Seeking answers, a team from Johns Hopkins—including several CTY researchers—recently introduced a chatbot into a classroom of middle and high school students to act as a co-tutor and study the impact.
CTY director of research Kathryn Thompson was the lead author in the study. Co-authors included Kimberley Chandler and Emily Delinski of the Center for Talented Youth; and Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering computer scientists Daniel Khashabi, Candice Morgan, and Benjamin Van Durme.
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.