Enrichment Programs for Academically Gifted Children

International Programs

These are some options for the gifted community to consider that are outside of the United States:

iEARN

iEARN is a non-profit global network for teachers and young people to collaborate on projects that both enhance learning and make a difference in the world.

Manitoba Science Academy Summer Program (Canada)

This six-week, residential summer program is open to international students with futures in science and engineering. Students (grades 10-12) earn 2 high school credits which are transferable to their State/Province. Gifted youth work as full members of the research team and are involved in the collection and analysis of data. Students must generate a Scientific Report and deliver an oral presentation of the findings of their study to successfully complete the program.

National Programs

All About Learning

All About Learning harnesses the motivational effects of video game making, renewable energy, and engineering education for students using their LEGO® kits to teach science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) concepts and educational skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, agility and adaptability, curiosity and imagination. All About Learning works with summer camps and school enrichment programs providing classes for kids throughout the United States.

Ascanius: The Youth Classics Institute

Ascanius: The Youth Classics Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the knowledge of and inspiring lifelong learning about Latin, Greek, and the ancient Greco-Roman world, especially at the elementary and middle school levels. To accomplish its goals, Ascanius maintains a number of programs. The centerpiece of the Institute is its student program, known as LatinSummer, a summer enrichment program.

Envision – Leadership, Scholarship and Career Programs

For decades, Envision (formerly LeadAmerica) has been a home for students with high academic achievement and a desire to build a focused plan for their future. With programs for elementary, middle, high school and college students, Envision offers career, technology, and National Youth Leadership opportunities in a variety of subject areas. Activities mirror real-world challenges and facilitate critical thinking and communication among the groups. Many students are nominated by teachers; others are selected via a national student talent identification program; and still others are selected by the Admissions Board based on GPA, test scores, and passion for a specific area of career or leadership interest.

Expanding Your Horizons in Science and Mathematics (EYH)

The Math/Science Network is a non-profit membership organization of educators, scientists, mathematicians, parents, community leaders, and government and corporate representatives. Our mission is to promote the continuing advancement in mathematics and science education of all people, with a particular emphasis on the needs of women and girls. The goal of the Math/Science Network is to increase the participation, retention, and advancement of girls and women in mathematics, science, and technology.

Play-Well TEKnologies

Play-Well TEKnologies hosts K-8 engineering summer camps, after-school enrichment programs and special events with LEGO for approximately 100,000 students per year in 23 states, as well as in France. Their Core Engineering programs are their biggest “sandbox”, creating a safe space for students to learn and discover through play. Themed classes and camps explore imaginative worlds that students already know and love, such as Star Wars or Ninjago. The Core Engineering curriculum consists of Intro to STEM and STEM Challenge. These programs are broad in theme and draw upon the greatest variety of possible projects. Returning students will be given new building challenges. Advanced Engineering programs are designed for experienced students. Themed classes and camps such as Jedi Engineering and Super Hero Engineering incorporate many engineering concepts, and have no prerequisites.

Smithsonian Associate Programs

Monthly activities include lectures, seminars, study tours to local and world-wide destinations, children’s events, films, courses, embassy receptions, performances, and much, much more! In depth Campus on the Mall courses include special programming areas: African American Studies, Art and Architecture, Civil War Studies, Contemporary Issues, Culinary Arts, Humanities, International Studies, Performing Arts, and Science & Technology. Programs and Performances Lectures, Films and Tours on a variety of subjects by experts in their field(s) of interest.

Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (SEEC)

SEEC has three specially designed facilities. The original Center, located in the National Museum of American History, opened in 1988 and serves fifty pre-kindergarten children, ages three to five. In 1991, the Center for infants and toddlers opened in the Arts and Industries Building and serves thirty children, ages three months through two years. The third facility, located in the National Museum of Natural History, is the site of the SEEC kindergarten and also offers additional classes for toddlers and two-year-olds.

Russian School of Mathematics (Various Locations)

The Russian School of Mathematics is an award-winning, after-school math program for K-12 students. The RSM programs help children of all levels build a solid math foundation and develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Their systematic curriculum and approach is based on the best practices of math schools in the former Soviet Union and Europe, adapted to the U.S. educational environment. More than 15,000 students attend branches across the country in a variety of after school and summer programs ranging from day camps to sleep away camps. Online courses are also available for students in locations without a physical branch.

Army Educational Outreach Program

Through AEOP, the Army continues its long tradition and strong commitment to the advancement of STEM education and literacy. Leveraging its most valuable assets – world-class scientists and engineers and research facilities – AEOP offers our nation’s youth and teachers a collaborative, cohesive portfolio of opportunities that effectively engage future workforce generations in meaningful, real-world STEM experiences, competitions and paid internships. From elementary school through graduate school, students of all proficiency levels, interests, social and economic backgrounds are encouraged to participate in real-world STEM experiences while also engaging with Army-sponsored mentors.

National Summer Programs

Envision – National Youth Leadership Forums (NYLF)

Envision’s National Youth Leadership Forums (NYLF) are designed and created specifically for the nation’s most outstanding elementary, middle and high school students for career exploration of specific fields in various locations throughout the United States.

SuperCamp – Quantum Learning (Multiple Locations)

SuperCamp provides three age/grade-specific learning and life skills summer camp programs, including academic summer camps for students entering grades 6-8 in the fall, teen summer camps for students starting grades 9-12 and college summer camps for incoming and current college students, Quantum U.

Online Programs

SIG Online Learning Program

This is an exciting 8-week online program for gifted and talented students. These courses offer students curriculum beyond what is offered during the school day, are wide-ranging in potential interest areas for individualized learning, and engage students in hands-on learning while applying school content through speaking, writing, researching, analyzing, reasoning and questioning.

Art of Problem Solving Academy

Math students have trained with Art of Problem Solving’s textbooks since 1993. Each year, over 15,000 students take classes in the AoPS Online School. Through AoPS Academy’s after-school, weekend, and summer programs, the depth and rigor of the AoPS curriculum is brought to the classroom. The AoPS Academy curriculum is carefully designed to prepare students for the rigors of advanced university classes and highly competitive careers. In math and language arts classes, they stress both the fundamentals and extend those fundamentals to advanced applications.

Institute for Mathematics and Computer Science (IMACS)

IMACS gives K-12 students a competitive edge by teaching them how to think critically using logic and reasoning in mathematics and computer science. IMACS classes cover high-level material in innovative and exciting ways designed to keep talented students challenged and engaged. IMACS serves students from across the United States and around the world through its online programs. Parents with elementary school children may register for a free math enrichment placement class. Parents looking to give their bright secondary school child a deep foundation in mathematics may enroll their child in the first course of Elements of Mathematics: Foundations (EMF) at no charge. Parents considering university-level courses in computer science and advanced mathematical logic may register their child for a free aptitude test.

Idea Math (Various Locations)

The IDEA MATH program was created to help talented students who want to advance their problem solving skills – both to expand their mathematical horizons, and to maximize their performance in math competitions. They offer the following for students entering 6th to 12th grade: weekend program; winter program (AMC 123); summer program; and an online program.

Scholars Online

Scholars Online offers a full college preparatory course curriculum in a classical Christian mold. Our rigorous curriculum includes up to seven years of Latin and Greek, and a full range of science, mathematics, literature, and writing instruction.

K5 Learning

This is an online math and reading enrichment program for kindergarten through fifth grade allowing students to work independently with more than 3,000 lessons. Their philosophy about gifted students as stated on their website is that gifted children should work at their skill level, not grade level. It is recommended that gifted students complete the free online reading and math assessments. Then, each student is placed in the lessons according to their skills, not their grade levels. A gifted child may be placed several grades ahead in particular skill areas.
The K5 material is typically suitable for gifted kids in a younger age range (pre-k to grade 3/4).

PCS Edventures Online

PCS Edventures! is an educational adventure where kids discover how things work using exciting hands-on projects, safe and secure communication tools, and a powerful reward system to motivate students. Subject areas are diverse ranging from art to engineering and there is a strong emphasis on technological skills, computer and Internet use, and design skills.

Gifted Academic & Enrichment Programs by State

Academic & Enrichment Programs in California

Gifted Academic Programs

Call of the Sea (COTS) (Sausilto, CA)

Call of the Sea is an educational nonprofit with the mission to inspire youth to unleash their potential through experiential, environmental education under sail. Their vision is to empower generations of students to become environmental stewards and transform their world through sailing. From three-hour educational day sails to multi-day overnight adventures, Call of the Sea’s youth programs provide hands-on, impactful learning experiences for youth in grades 3-12.

Electivity (Novato, CA)

Electivity has helped parents and schools in the North Bay area launch a full spectrum of activities that promote new knowledge and life-long skills through enriching learning opportunities that complement the school day. Electivity’s Enrichment Programs provide the opportunity for students to continue to learn new skills and discover new abilities after the school day has ended. Electivity adopts an ecosystem model where parents, schools, communities and partners collaborate closely to customize and provide the best and most affordable programs for children to explore their interests. These programs are conducted in the comfort of the children’s Elementary and Middle schools as an extension of the school day.

Euler Circle (Palo Alto, CA)

Euler Circle is a mathematics institute for advanced students in the San Francisco Bay Area who love mathematics. The organization offers a range of college-level mathematics classes, specifically tailored to the needs of advanced high school students, many of whom have exhausted the mathematics curriculum at their schools and want to learn more. Each class offered is the equivalent of an upper-division college mathematics class.

Gifted Children’s Association (GCA) of the San Fernando Valley (CA)

GCA is a non-profit, membership-based organization providing enrichment classes for gifted and high-achieving students from Pre-K through 9th grade in the San Fernando Valley. Among the classes we have offered in past sessions are: All the World’s a Stage, World of Harry Potter, Making a Newspaper, Jurassic Art, Rocketry, and much more.

Lyceum (Santa Clara Valley, CA)

Lyceum of Santa Clara Valley is an organization that provides enrichment seminars for intellectually gifted children and is primarily staffed by volunteers. Seminars are developed and taught each year within four areas: Art, Humanities, Natural Science and Physical Science.

Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO) Scholars (San Francisco, CA)

SEO Scholars is an academic advocacy program based in New York City and San Francisco, which aims to motivate low-income public high school students to get to, and graduate from, competitive colleges and universities. High school students are offered classes on Saturdays, after school and during the summers to prepare them for college. Once in college, SEO Scholars are supported through direct, ongoing counseling to assist with adjusting to college life, building academic success skills, exploring career options and securing internships.

School & Education

Excel for Youth Program – Sonoma State University (Rohnert Park, CA)

This program offers students in 4 -1 0th grades the opportunity for academic enrichment in accelerated classes. Classes are held at Sonoma State University and utilize labs, guest speakers and field trips. An exciting variety of courses are designed to stimulate, challenge and provide participants with resources to enhance their learning experience. Classes range from Shakespeare to clay, microscopes to jewelry, chemistry to inventing, researching and performing to Web page design.

Schools & Programs: Public

School in the Park (San Diego, CA)

School in the Park is an innovative program that shifts the location of “school” from a traditional classroom setting in an inner-city school, to the resources and educational opportunities available at museums in San Diego’s Balboa Park. A relevant instructional environment is created as hands-on learning challenges students to become active participants in their own education. Rosa Parks and Hamilton Elementary Schools participate in this program that allows third, fourth and fifth grade students to spend up to eight weeks at Balboa Park, where they participate in week-long educational programs at nine institutions.

Summer Programs

Bay Area Writing Project – Young Writers Camps and Teen Writing Camps (Berkeley, CA)

The Bay Area Writing Project sponsors both the annual Young Writers Camps and Teen Writing Camps. Young Writers Camps offer students entering grades three through nine a unique opportunity to develop their creative abilities and writing talents. The Teen Writing Camps are for incoming ninth through 12th graders. Enrichment opportunities for students who enjoy writing, literature and poetry, both camps are offered on the University of California Berkeley campus.

Academic & Enrichment Programs in Colorado

Gifted Academic Programs

Denver Museum of Nature and Science Youth and Family Programs (Denver, CO)

Workshops offer your child the opportunity to investigate the Museum’s unique collections and specimens, venture into various cultures, and wonder at the human body through activities, experiments, and crafts. We also offer parent-child workshops, so you can explore the world together. The Adult Programs Department offers a year-round selection of courses, workshops, and lectures for the 18-and-older crowd. Classes are on subjects ranging from Artifact Illustration to Space Art, and slide
presentations from visiting scientists and Museum curators.

School & Education

CU Wizards Program (Boulder, CO)

Professors from different fields at CU Boulder give lectures with demonstrations on topics related to their research as part of the CU Wizards program, which generally occur on the second or third Saturday of each month. While the programs are advertised as targeting 5th-9th graders, the target age for gifted students is around grades K-4. Starting in 5th or 6th grade, gifted students can switch to the Saturday Physics Series, hosted by the CU Physics Dept once monthly.

University of Colorado – Science Discovery (Boulder, CO)

Science Discovery, established in 1983, is an experience-based educational outreach program of the University of Colorado in Boulder. Science Discovery’s mission is to stimulate scientific interest, understanding, and literacy among Colorado’s youth, teachers, and families by interfacing with university resources and academic expertise. Science Discovery is dedicated to engaging the whole person in the journey of learning, and strengthening individual capacities to participate actively in local and world communities. Programs include after-school classes, homeschool classes, summer programs, and wilderness camps. They also offer professional development programs for teachers.

Space Voyage Academy – Summer Programs, Weekend Programs (Littleton, CO)

Space Voyage programs bring to life the importance of math and science, reinforces concepts identified in academic content standards, build confidence through genuine achievement and offer a fun place for kids to imagine the possibilities, learn and grow. Parents of gifted children report that the program is challenging and supportive of their gifted children. The Summer Camp offers 10 weeks to choose from for ages 5-16.

Summer Programs

University of Northern Colorado (UNC) – Summer Enrichment Programs (Greeley, CO)

These university programs are designed primarily for students entering grades 5-10. Students enroll in four classes for 10 days to explore their interests. Students select activities ranging from research to arts & crafts. Saturday sessions led by experts from the university provide an additional opportunity for learning. The cost includes housing, food, tuition and staff fees. For children ages 4-9, a Young Child Program is offered daily from 9 a.m. to noon. Students entering the 11th and 12th grades in the fall are eligible to participate in the Leadership Enrichment Program.

Academic & Enrichment Programs in Connecticut

Gifted Academic Programs

Saturdays at Talcott Mountain Science Center (Avon, CT)

TMSC’s Saturday program reaches the needs of high-ability, high-interest students in grades 4-8, all areas of the state, and accepts both individual applications and students in local Gifted & Talented programs. Students meet for five Saturdays, and for an additional day’s worth of enrichment programs for each course. Some programs will meet by arrangement (astronomy nighttime programs) and some even continue to ‘meet’ over the Internet during the week.

School & Education

Dr. Joseph S. Renzulli Gifted and Talented Academy (Hartford, CT)

The Renzulli Academy in Hartford, CT is an inner city school designed for students who have a passion for learning and are capable of gifted performance. Students not only share academic talents, a knack for curiosity and high levels of task commitment, but they also display an abundance of additional gifts and talents that extend beyond the formal classroom. They are original thinkers who are open to discovering their gifts in a creative educational setting. Students are characterized by intrinsic motivation, creativity and high aptitude.

Academic & Enrichment Programs in Florida

Gifted Academic Programs

Engineering Minds (Tampa, FL)

Engineering Minds is an engineering education program teaching theory, application, and career skills to intellectually gifted middle and high school students. Saturday, weekly, and summer workshops are offered and include high level technical discussions and videos on topics such as artificial intelligence, quantum mechanics, entrepreneurship, intellectual property, and much more.

Leon County Gifted and Talented Programs (FL)

The mission of Leon County’s gifted program is to identify and serve students with demonstrated gifts and talents as well as those who may be able to develop their talent potential with appropriate educational experiences.

Sunshine Math Superstars (Chipley, FL)

Sunshine Math is “a K-8 program designed as an enrichment opportunity for self directed learners in mathematics. It provides the extra challenge needed by self-motivated students.”

Sunrise Learning Lab (Wesley Chapel, FL)

The Sunrise Learning Lab Gifted Pilot Program serves highly and profoundly gifted students, ages 9-13. It provides a completely individualized, customized program, with partial scholarships available.

Summer Programs

Stetson University, High Achieving Talented Students (HATS) (DeLand, FL)

High Achieving Talented Students (HATS) is a three-part program sponsored by Stetson University. In collaboration with the Belin-Blank International Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development at the University of Iowa, Stetson provides outstanding educational opportunities for high-achieving Florida students in grades 4-9. These opportunities include the HATS Summer Program, above-level testing through the Belin Blank Center’s academic talent search and Stetson scholarships.

Academic & Enrichment Programs in Georgia

School & Education

Georgia Tech CEISMC (Atlanta, GA)

The Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Computing (CEISMC) is a partnership between Georgia Teach and educational groups, schools and opinion leaders throughout the state of Georgia. The mission of CEISMC is to enhance STEM education in schools leading toward an improved appreciation and performance in STEM for all students in grades K-12.
Programs offered to students through CEISMC include academic mentoring, a variety of summer programs and camps, and the K.I.D.S. Club Saturday program for gifted students. CEISMIC also works with educators and schools providing professional learning initiatives and programs focused on to bring STEM into classrooms.

Summer Program

Saturday School For Scholars and Leaders – Georgia State University (Atlanta, GA)

This summer program is for grades K-8 and is taught by educators from the Atlanta, Georgia area.
Saturday is not your typical day for school but participants in Georgia State University’s Saturday School for Scholars and Leaders are not your typical students. Since 1975, parents and school personnel have identified scholars and leaders to participate in this special Saturday program. Each session, Atlanta area educators teach a variety of enrichment classes, ranging from the fine and applied arts to math and science, designed to challenge participants at all levels.

Academic & Enrichment Programs in Idaho

Gifted Academic Programs

Treasure Valley Mathematics & Science Center (TVMSC) (Boise, ID)

The Treasure Valley Mathematics & Science Center (TVMSC) is a unique learning community that offers opportunities in mathematics and science education unlike those found in traditional school settings. The curriculum is specifically designed for students with a strong interest/desire to excel in mathematics and science. A key focal point of the instructional program will be activities that require students to work as a member of a research team. Students will collaborate in posing questions, designing experiments, acquiring and analyzing data, and finally, presenting their findings. The Center will run a half-day junior high program and a half-day senior high program.

Academic & Enrichment Programs in Illinois

Gifted Academic Programs

Illinois – Friends of the Gifted and Talented (FRoG) (Downers Grove, IL)

This non-profit organization in Downers Grove, IL, has been a resource for gifted youth and their families for 26 years. FRoG co-sponsors a science fair, offers weekend enrichment programs and has a support group for parents of gifted youth.

School & Education

Center for Talent Development (CTD) – Northwestern University (Evanston, IL)

The Center for Talent Development (CTD), housed at Northwestern University’s School of Education and Social Policy, is an accredited learning center and research facility serving gifted students, their families and educators for nearly 30 years. Some of their programs include: the Midwest Talent Search, summer programs for pre-K through grade 12, Saturday enrichment programs for pre-K through grade 9, an Accelerated Weekend Experience (AWE), Gifted Learning Links for K through grade 12, a Civic Education Program for grades 7 through 12, scholarship programs for underrepresented students, and educator and parent programs.

College of DuPage Talent Search Program (Glen Ellyn, IL)

The College of DuPage offers gifted students in grades 3 – 12 the opportunity to take courses in math, science, information technology, problem solving, literature, language and writing. Located in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, this talent search admits students who score in the 95th percentile or higher on a qualifying standardized test.

Keller Regional Gifted Center (Chicago, IL)

The Chicago Public School Gifted and Enriched Academic Programs is a citywide network of program models and services avalible to gifted children. They are designed to challenge children identified as gifted and talented who demonstrate superior general reasoning ability and/or potential to excel in a specific academic, creative or artistic area.

Saturday Enrichment Program (SEP), Center for Talent Development – Northwestern University (Evanston, IL)

The Saturday Enrichment Program (SEP) at Center for Talent Development (CTD) offers challenging and enriching courses for academically talented students age 4 through grade nine. SEP courses in mathematics, science, technology, English & writing, and social science engage students during eight Saturdays in the fall and winter and a six-week term in the spring. These research-driven courses, outstanding instruction and the camaraderie of learning with like-minded peers make SEP the place to be on a Saturday.

Summer Programs

Kids and College – McHenry County College (Crystal Lake, IL)

Kids and College is an expanded enrichment program for all students in grades pre-kindergarten through 12th. Classes are designed for four different age categories to help all students explore new interests, gain additional skills, and start the process of life long learning. Programs include: Discovery Crew PreK to 3rd Grade; Kids on Campus 4th to 8th Grade (Summer Program); Investigators 4th to 8th Grade; Home School Connections 4th to 12th Grade; and, G.O.L.D. 9th to 12th Grade.

Academic & Enrichment Programs in Indiana

School & Education

Gifted Education Resource Institute (GERI) – Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN)

The Gifted Education Resource Institute (GERI) at Purdue University conducts research into the psychology of gifted and talented individuals and effective educational practices for high ability youth. Super Saturday and the GERI Summer Camps, GERI’s youth talent development programs, provide challenging learning opportunities and a healthy social environment to a diverse population of high ability children and teens.

Academic & Enrichment Programs in Iowa

School & Education

Iowa State University – Office of Precollegiate Programs for Talented and Gifted (Ames, IA)

This organization, located at Iowa State, is designed to match exceptional students with advanced learning opportunities well-suited for their advanced needs. Some of the services OPPTAG offers are: A talent search program, summer and academic year programs for students (grades 2-11) and links for helpful resources. Students will find each of the three summer programs challenging: CY-TAG, which addresses individual needs and learning styles; Explorations!, which covers areas of study usually not taught in a high school curriculum; and Adventures!, designed for those who excel academically at a very young age.

Challenge Saturdays – Belin-Blank Center (Iowa City, IA)

Challenge Saturdays are for high-ability students and are offered through the University of Iowa’s Belin-Blank Center for Gifted Education. The Challenge Saturday Program is an academic program for high-ability students that takes place over five successive Saturdays in the fall semester on the Des Moines Central Academy campus or on The University of Iowa campus.

Weekend Institute for Gifted Students (WINGS) (Iowa City, IA)

Belin-Blank Center offers half-day weekend enrichment opportunities for elementary and junior high students. Classes include science, art, math, writing, computer science and social studies.

Academic & Enrichment Programs in Kentucky

Gifted Academic Programs

Super Saturdays – The Center for Gifted Studies (Bowling Green, KY)

Since 1992, The Center has been providing this opportunity for young people to explore their interests. Students select from many courses that take place in Bowling Green, on the campus of Western Kentucky University and also in Owensboro, on the campus of Owensboro Community and Technical College. Classes range from science and mathematics to Spanish, puppetry, poetry and making web pages.

The Center for Gifted Studies – Western Kentucky University (Bowling Green, KY)

Located on the Western Kentucky University campus, The Center for Gifted Studies has been serving children who are gifted and talented, their educators, and their parents for more than 35 years. The Center provides exciting educational opportunities for gifted young people, including residential summer programs for sixth through tenth graders. It also provides professional development for teachers, including one of the largest Advanced Placement Summer Institutes in the country and a Master’s Degree in Gifted Education and Talent Development.

School & Education

Liberal Arts Academy at Henry Clay High School (Lexington, KY)

The Liberal Arts Academy at Henry Clay offers academically gifted Fayette County high school students an alternative, challenging, liberal arts curriculum.

Academic & Enrichment Programs in Maryland

School & Education

Center for Talented Youth (CTY) Discovery Series – Johns Hopkins (Baltimore, MD)

CTY Talent Search participants in grades five through seven are invited to experience the wealth of resources and activities available at prestigious museums, aquariums, and nature and science centers. As determined by the unique focus of each host institution, scientists, naturalists, historians, artists, and other educators guide participants through an exploration of on-site exhibits and activities, using their professional expertise to address the learning needs and lively curiosity of highly able students. Overall, the series provides a stimulating environment where families share a common love of learning while discovering new interests. The Discovery Series includes one-day, overnight, and extended programs.

Academic & Enrichment Programs in Massachusetts

Gifted Academic Programs