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CTD’s Weekend Enrichment Program (WEP) gives students the opportunity to engage with advanced content in a fun, collaborative learning environment. Through hands-on activities that encourage application of new knowledge and skills students learn to take on challenges that will prepare them for middle school, high school, and beyond.
Why Choose the Weekend Enrichment Program?
The in-person Weekend Enrichment Program offers challenging, hands-on courses for academically advanced learners age 4 through grade 8 and introduces them to peers with similar interests.
Benefits Include:
- Engagement with accelerated content in a fun, collaborative environment
- Opportunities to develop both independent and collaborative problem-solving skills
- A community of peers and the guidance of expert educators
CTD courses for students in grades 2 and younger are at the Amber Tier for eligibility, which is open enrollment. There are no test scores or further documentation required for participation. Please note that successful completion of a CTD course for students PreK through grade 2 does not pre-qualify students to enroll in future classes outside of the Amber Tier.
Weekend Enrichment Program courses for grades 3 and up are at the Emerald Tier for eligibility. To qualify for Emerald Tier courses, students must provide one of the following:
- Achievement of a score of 90th percentile or higher on a nationally normed grade-level assessment in the required qualifying subject area (Verbal or Math) for the desired course; OR
- Successful completion of a CTD course, with the same qualifying subject area within the past two years; OR
- Submission of a portfolio application, consisting of a teacher recommendation (available after submitting the application) and the student’s most recent report card, demonstrating that the student is performing exceptionally well in the qualifying subject area. This option is for students grade 3 and up, only.
For families looking for insights into student learning or interested in assessment for program eligibility (test scores are valid for 2 years for CTD programs), Center for Talent Development offers REMOTE assessment using MAP. Because of the requirements of remote testing, there are limited dates and times available. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more.
Requests for Grade Advancement/Acceleration
CTD course content is advanced or grade-level accelerated, as reflected in course descriptions and the standard admission requirements. Though course content is advanced, students can engage with intellectual peers who are also age- or grade-level peers. Therefore, most students should apply for courses aligned to the grade-level in which they are currently enrolled. Still, for some students demonstrating a need for an even higher level of instruction than CTD’s advanced and accelerated courses already provide, further acceleration may be an option. Visit the Requesting an Accelerated Placement web page for more information about the process, timeline, and required materials.
Tuition
$395 per each 6-week course.
Withdrawals
Please see CTD's withdrawal and refund information for policies.
Financial Aid
CTD offers need-based financial aid awarded as requests are received. Families are encouraged to apply early because the amount of aid available is limited. Please see the Financial Aid page for details.
- The deadline to complete a financial aid application is two weeks prior to the start date of the class.
- You will receive the FACTS application link in your application confirmation email once the $65 dollar tuition deposit is paid and the application is submitted.
- It is imperative that you complete the financial aid application as soon as possible as it may take FACTS up to ten days to process your information.
- If you previously completed a FACTS application for the 2022-2023 academic year for CTD, you must still attach the 2023-2024 FACTS application to your FACTS account. You will be able to link your FACTS account to this new FACTS information. You may need to update financial information.
If you experience difficulties with the FACTS process please call the FACTS helpline at 866/412-4637.
The following elements make the WEP environment unique:
- Extensive time is spent in-depth with one subject. Choosing a course that suits a student's strengths and interests is crucial.
- WEP courses are dynamic. Students engage in a variety of activities during each class session. Students work independently, in pairs, and in small groups.
- Classes are rigorous, designed to be up to 2 years academically advanced, and there is little unstructured time. This requires significant focus and energy on the part of the students. For more information about CTD enrichment courses and how CTD defines "enrichment," please visit this page.
Locations
Evanston: Northwestern University – Evanston campus
All Weekend Enrichment Program students receive a brief narrative evaluation that includes comments on the student’s performance in class as well as recommendations for future study. An e-mail notification will be sent when the evaluation is available for access via MyCTD.
The health and safety of our students and staff has always been CTD's top priority. This year is no exception. Parents/caregivers are strongly encouraged to monitor their students for symptoms of illness prior to each class, keep sick students at home, and get them tested for communicable illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19, and strep throat.
- For questions regarding WEP admissions and financial aid, please contact:
ctd-admissions@northwestern.edu - For questions about current WEP enrollments, please contact:
ctd-enrichment@northwestern.edu