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About Center for Talent Development

CTD is dedicated to helping academically talented students, PreK through grade 12, realize their full potential.

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Talent Development Is A Journey

Our Pathways Approach

No student is born with a set destination, and talent development takes many forms. We know that talents, passions, and goals are discovered through exploration, challenge, dedication, and mentorship. When a student finds their desired path, Center for Talent Development (CTD) is there to provide guidance and support.

Learn More About CTD Pathways

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Celebrating Over 40 Years of Success

Our History and Mission

Since 1982, CTD has evolved from a single focus on talent identification to a multi-faceted research and service organization, which has impacted the lives of hundreds of thousands of students, their families, and educators. We have remained committed to four central activities:

  • Talent identification,
  • Talent development,
  • Research, and
  • Advocacy.

By continually assessing programs, conducting new research, and surveying participants, CTD remains at the forefront of gifted education and talent development. Today, CTD offers hundreds of enrichment and accelerated courses for students age 4 to grade 12, parent and educator learning communities, and program development for schools.

Read Alumni Stories and About Our Impact on Our 40th Anniversary Website

Review Our History and Mission

Advancing the Fields of Gifted Education and Talent Development

CTD Research

CTD programs are informed by the vast amount of research conducted by former long-time director Paula Olszewski-Kubilius and other members of the CTD staff and faculty. As a long-standing leader in the fields of talent development and gifted education, CTD strives to advocate for students, their families, and educators.

View CTD Research

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A Commitment to Quality

Accreditation

CTD has been accredited through Cognia® as a Nonpublic-Supplementary school. Cognia is the parent organization of the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI). CTD has been accredited since April 1, 1994. Accreditation not only means CTD adheres to high quality standards; it also means CTD can grant academic credit for the rigorous high school courses offered through its various programs.

View Accreditation Information

"I’d recommend CTD to anyone. It’s challenging, exciting, fun, and different from any experience I ever had in school or at another summer camp. CTD has given me lifelong skills, knowledge, and friendships.” - CTD Alum

Coughlin Scholars Luncheon 2023
Expertise and Experience

CTD Leadership

The CTD leadership team brings extensive experience and dedication to their roles within the center. Their commitment to research is evident in the center's initiatives, which strives to integrate the latest evidence-based findings into our programming. This passionate drive ensures that CTD remains at the forefront of the gifted education domain, continuously evolving and setting benchmarks for excellence.

Meet CTD Leadership

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Creativity, Innovation, and Passion

CTD Staff

All CTD staff share a commitment to education, a passion for excellence, and enthusiasm for helping students reach their potential. Their diverse backgrounds and areas of study allow staff members to contribute to the center through unique individual skill sets, while collaborating to best serve the overall CTD mission.

Meet CTD Staff

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Support CTD

Make A Gift

Gifts to CTD provide life-changing programming and expand CTD's positive impact around the world. Learn more about scholarship funds and how your donation can make a difference.

Donate

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