Center for Talent Development (CTD) Student Programs

Center for Talent Development (CTD) Student Programs offers academic programs organized into tiers, including Amber Tier open-enrollment courses, Emerald Tier courses with specific eligibility options, and Magenta Tier Advanced Enrichment courses that present more content in a compacted timeframe with faster-paced instruction. The program includes advanced enrichment courses that are not graded and do not offer credit upon completion, as well as Honors and AP courses that can carry high school credit for students who successfully complete them. CTD Student Programs also includes Leadership & Service-Learning Programs that focus on building knowledge, experience, and leadership skills.

• Ages: 4–18 years old

Since 1982, Center for Talent Development, part of Northwestern University’s School of Education and Social Policy, has offered comprehensive enrichment and accelerative programs and services for schools and families. Its programs and courses are organized for Pre K–Grade 2, Grade 3–Grade 8, and Grade 9–Grade 12, and include summer, online, and weekend options. CTD provides grade-level assessment for children from age 4 through Grade 3 and above-grade-level assessment for students in Grades 2–9, along with talent development pathways consulting. As an accredited institution, CTD issues high school credit to students who successfully complete Honors and AP courses. Need-based financial aid is available to qualified students for most CTD programs and assessments, and CTD has several scholarship options and collaborates with the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation.

Last updated February 4, 2026.