College Summer Day Camps for Gifted Elementary
Midwest and Eastern U.S. Gifted and Talented University Day Programs
Jul 6, 2008
Gifted learners often cite summer learning experiences as their favorite part of academics. Summer day programs allow in depth exploration of their favorite topics. Gifted students learn to stretch academically while having fun with children of similar abilities. Camp is often the first opportunity to meet true peers and form lasting friendships.
These university gifted centers offer multidisciplinary activities targeted to elementary aged gifted youth. Most balance experiential learning with ample recreation. For similar elementary gifted and talented camps in California, please read the companion article “College Summer Day Programs for Gifted Elementary Kids”
Northwestern Center for Talent Development (CTD) Leapfrog
Leapfrog emphasizes hands on learning for young gifted students. Classes such as Currency Exchange, Inside the Human Brain, and Investigative Reporting challenge gifted kids acquiring and reinforcing skills. Fourth graders in the Apogee program can experience the 4th-6th grade residential program in a one-week day camp format.
- Serves: PreK-3rd (Apogee day camp available for 4th graders)
- Duration: One to three weeks, morning or afternoon, with all day option for 3rd grade
- Focus: Hands on math, science, and language learning in multi-age groupings
- Location: Northwestern University, Evanston and Glen Ellyn, IL
- Admissions: 95th-99th %ile on a standardized achievement subtest OR 2nd and 3rd graders may submit a portfolio including 2 teacher recommendations and report card
- Cost: $50 application + $235-475 per week-long course
- Financial Aid: Yes
John Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY)
CTY participants take humanities, math, or science courses depending on subject area strengths identified by achievement tests. Younger gifted learners take courses such as Stories and Poems, Math Problem Solving, and Be a Scientist! Older gifted students explore topics including Bay Ecology, Robotics, and Elements of Drama.
- Serves: 2nd-6th (5th and 6th residential option available)
- Duration: 3 weeks
- Focus: Humanities, math, and science
- Locations: Baltimore-Washington, DC metro (California locations also available)
- Admissions: SCAT test
- Cost: $50 application + $1690 ($2060 for 5th and 6th grader commuter option)
- Financial Aid: Yes
Carnegie Mellon Institute for Talented Elementary and Secondary Students (C-MITES)
C-MITES summer program focuses on hands on learning for gifted students. Recent courses include Math Mania, Forensic Science, Green Engineering, and Roaming Ancient Roam. Humanities offerings are limited. Admission is preferential to those with EXPLORE test scores administered by C-MITES.
- Serves: 3rd-8th
- Duration: One and two week classes, may apply for two courses, optional afternoon activities
- Focus: Math, science, humanities
- Location: Carnegie Mellon University and various Pennsylvania locations
- Admissions: Teacher recommendation, EXPLORE OR (1) SAT, SCAT, or PLUS score OR school gifted program OR 95th-99th %ile on a standardized test
- Cost: $180-$400, discounted prices for EXPLORE candidates
- Financial Aid: Yes
Summer Institute for the Gifted (SIG)- American Institute for Foreign Study
SIG programs run at a variety of northeastern U.S. locations. SIG offers innovative multidisciplinary, creative and performing arts courses, along with standard gifted fare in math and science. Gifted students will enjoy classes such as Creatures of Habitat, Move Over Sherlock, Writers Block, and Musical Theater Expression.
- Serves: K-6th (additional residential programs available for 4th-11th)
- Duration: 3 weeks
- Focus: Students select three courses from math, science, humanities, and multi-disciplinary offerings
- Locations: Bryn Mawr College (PA), Fairfield University (CT), Manhattanville College (NY), Moorestown Friends School (NJ), and Stuart County Day School (NJ) and affiliates
- Admissions: Talent Search program participant OR 95th-99th %ile on a standardized test
- OR PSAT, SAT, ACT, or SSATB OR school gifted program OR two letters of recommendation
- Cost: $150 application + $1745 tuition
- Financial Aid: Yes, also discounts for returning students, siblings, multiple sessions
Iowa State University Adventures! Summer Program
The Adventures! Program is offered through the Iowa State Office of Precollegiate Programs for Talented and Gifted (OPPTAG). This gifted program offers students a balance of academic and artistic courses such as Exploring Genetics, Web Page Design, and Creative Clay.
- Serves: 3rd-7th
- Duration: One week
- Focus: One or two courses in art, technology, science, math, and history
- Location: Iowa State University
- Admissions: 90th %ile or higher on Iowa Test of Basic Skills, teacher recommendation
- Cost: $50 application + $160 per course
- Financial Aid: No
These university summer day camps broaden your gifted learner's academic horizons. Other summer options for your gifted child include residential camps, distance learning, and outdoor adventures. Subject specific camps and workshops are great choices for those excelling in math, science, and computers. Explore these opportunities today!
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