About
Northwestern University Center for Talent Development offers academic programs and courses organized for Pre K–Grade 2, Grade 3–Grade 8, and Grade 9–Grade 12. The program includes Summer Programs with residential, day, and online options, Online Programs, Weekend Programs, and Leadership & Service-Learning Programs. It also offers advanced enrichment courses, Honors and AP courses, and talent assessments.
• Ages: 4–18 years old
Since 1982, Center for Talent Development, part of Northwestern’s School of Education and Social Policy, has provided comprehensive enrichment and accelerative programs and services for schools and families. Its mission is “Developing Children's Talents Through Unique and Challenging Academic Programs.” CTD offers grade-level assessment for children from age 4 through Grade 3 and above-grade-level assessment for students in Grades 2–9, as well as talent development pathways consulting. As an accredited institution, CTD issues high school credit to students who successfully complete Honors and AP courses, while advanced enrichment courses are not graded and do not offer credit upon completion. The program uses a tiered course structure, with Amber Tier courses open enrollment with no documentation required, Emerald Tier eligibility based on an admission portfolio, test scores, above-grade-level testing, or prior CTD coursework at the same or higher tier in the subject, and Magenta Tier Advanced Enrichment courses presenting more content in a compacted timeframe with faster-paced instruction. Need-based financial aid is available to qualified students for most CTD programs and assessments, and several scholarship options are offered in collaboration with the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation.
Last updated February 4, 2026.
• Ages: 4–18 years old
Since 1982, Center for Talent Development, part of Northwestern’s School of Education and Social Policy, has provided comprehensive enrichment and accelerative programs and services for schools and families. Its mission is “Developing Children's Talents Through Unique and Challenging Academic Programs.” CTD offers grade-level assessment for children from age 4 through Grade 3 and above-grade-level assessment for students in Grades 2–9, as well as talent development pathways consulting. As an accredited institution, CTD issues high school credit to students who successfully complete Honors and AP courses, while advanced enrichment courses are not graded and do not offer credit upon completion. The program uses a tiered course structure, with Amber Tier courses open enrollment with no documentation required, Emerald Tier eligibility based on an admission portfolio, test scores, above-grade-level testing, or prior CTD coursework at the same or higher tier in the subject, and Magenta Tier Advanced Enrichment courses presenting more content in a compacted timeframe with faster-paced instruction. Need-based financial aid is available to qualified students for most CTD programs and assessments, and several scholarship options are offered in collaboration with the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation.
Last updated February 4, 2026.
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