Center for Talent Development
Developing Children's Talents Through Unique and Challenging Academic Programs
Programs
Enrichment and credit-bearing, accelerated programs designed for students at every age and stage of talent development.
What Makes CTD Special?
Over 40 Years of Experience Developing Children's Talents
Explore. Discover. Excel.
Realizing one’s full potential is a journey. Since 1982, Center for Talent Development (CTD), part of Northwestern’s School of Education and Social Policy, has provided comprehensive enrichment and accelerative programs and services for schools and families that guide and encourage students on that journey. CTD supports young people in finding their individualized strengths and interests and creates learning environments that help them reach their full potential. At CTD, students learn more than content and academic skills. Our students:
- Create lasting relationships with peers and mentors
- Generate attitudes and skills that promote lifelong learning
- Learn and grow from setbacks and disappointments
- Turn interests into career explorations
- Turn career explorations into future goals and achievements
- Have a lot of fun
Grade Levels
Programs and Courses Designed For Every Age Group
Students at different ages learn in different ways, have different needs, and have different goals. They need programs that are designed to help them advance in ways that fit their stage of development and family situation. Whether your child is just discovering their talents or in need of accelerated learning, you can find the right program for now or think ahead to plan your next steps:
Program Types
There’s No One Right Time (or way) To Learn.
Students have a lot of responsibilities throughout the year (and so do families). We’ve designed our programs to fit in every season, adapt to competing schedules, and address multiple interests and goals. View all our program options.
Assessment that informs talent development planning
Understand Your Abilities. Find Your Strengths. Chart Your Path.
Not every gifted student knows their strengths or the level and pace at which they are ready to learn new content and skills. CTD can help. Since its inception, CTD has utilized above-grade-level testing as one way to identify advanced academic ability, connect academically advanced students with resources and educational opportunities, including gifted education services, advanced academic programs, and academic acceleration, and measure growth over time. CTD can provide:
- Grade-Level assessment (Age 4 - Grade 3)
- Above-Grade-Level assessment (Grades 2 - 9)
- Talent development pathways consulting
Services for Educators and Schools that Create Talent Development Opportunities
Partner with CTD to Provide the Best Services Possible in Your School or Youth Organization
Evidence-based practices and continuous improvement in education, particularly gifted education, are at the heart of our mission. Our expert staff members work collaboratively with schools to review and re-imagine gifted education programs and services that are equitable, inclusive, and responsive to the diverse needs of students. CTD provides an array of services, including professional learning for administrators and educators; school-based above-grade-level assessments for talent identification, informing instruction, and monitoring growth; customized program design and review services; enrichment and accelerated honors and AP courses for students; and enrichment curriculum—all grounded in a strengths-based, talent development framework.
Find the Right Course for You
Dozens of subjects. Hundreds of courses. Countless experiences. Start your journey with CTD today.