Tadpole Academy Parent-Child Classes
Does your young child show a keen interest in learning? CTD’s parent-child classes offer engaging play activities that challenge children to think with creativity and increasing complexity. Each Tadpole Academy session includes a series of three parent-child classes. Two sessions take place in the fall, winter, and spring on Saturday mornings on Northwestern's Evanston campus. In the summer, Tadpole Academy is offered during three mornings per week at selected locations. No test scores are required for your child to participate. Children must be three years old (at time of program) and accompanied in each class by a parent or caregiver.
Tadpole Academy provides an introduction to the advanced academic curriculum provided in CTD weekend and summer programs, while also preparing families for the parent/child interactions made available through the CTD Online Family Program.
Classes are 90 minutes: 9:30 am to 11:00 am, and 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm during the academic year sessions.
The application for the winter 2, spring and summer sessions is now open.
New for spring, Sunday morning option!
Tadpole Academy

CTD Parent-Child Classes
CTD parent-child classes stimulate children’s creative thinking and problem-solving skills in math, science, and language arts.
Most young children enjoy playing with their parents and other adults, especially when the children can take the lead and make their own decisions. During class, parents observe and practice interactions and conversations, which foster cognitive growth.
Coding for the preschool set | An interview with former CTD Early Childhood Coordinator, Ann Gadzikowski
Forms & Downloads:
Details
Enrollment Process
There are no test scores or further documentation required for participation in Tadpole Academy. Tadpole Academy is a member of our Amber Tier open enrollment option. Successful completion of the class does not qualify students to enroll in future classes outside of the Amber Tier. Students must be three years old at the beginning of the program, and have a parent or caregiver in attendance for the entirety of each 90-minute class.
Fees, Withdrawals and Financial Aid
Tuition
- $120 for three-day session (90-minutes each day)
Withdrawal Policy
- Requests for withdrawals and refunds must be made in writing by the Tuesday prior to the course start date. E-mail requests should be sent to CTD-admissions@northwestern.edu.
- Withdrawals are subject to a processing fee of $60.
- The tuition is nonrefundable after the Tuesday prior to the session start date.
- Students who withdraw after the start of the session are not eligible for any refund.
Financial Aid
- We are not able to provide financial assistance toward the Tadpole programs.
What's Next After Tadpole Academy?
If you enjoyed the Tadpole Academy experience and want to pursue other CTD options for your child please explore the following: