Gifted LearningLinks



Distance Learning Program with Northwestern University Center for Talent Development

(gr. K-12)

Gifted LearningLinks is a distance learning program of the Northwestern University Center for Talent Development (CTD) for academically talented students in grades K-12. Enrichment, high school honors and Advanced Placement courses are offered online or through regular mail correspondence. Students need to be independent learners and self-motivated.

Gifted LearningLinks Enrichment (grades 4-6)

Each of the enrichment courses for grades 4-6 is three months long. There are three entry points in the year – fall, winter and summer. Students receive a textbook. Blackboard CourseInfo is used, which requires network access at home. Course assignments and notes are available through a Web page, and students can communicate with the teacher electronically. Teachers are also available by phone. One to one-and-a-half hours per week is expected to be devoted to course homework. Students receive a written evaluation in lieu of a grade.

Gifted LearningLinks Honors/AP Level (grades 6-12)

All Honors and AP level courses run for 9 months from the start date (Fall, winter and summer sessions are available.), but students may accelerate their learning with notice to their teachers at the start of the course, and time extensions may be granted after review. Students should plan to devote 4-6 hours per week to homework.

Most courses are taught by Midwest high school teachers who regularly teach the same course or one with similar content at their local high school. Other teachers are college professors who teach similar content at their schools. The Center for Talent Development is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and students may earn one or two semester of high school (and sometimes college) credit for most Gifted LearningLinks courses. The acceptance of those credits should be discussed with an Eden Prairie school counselor or g/t coordinator before beginning the course.

Many Honors courses are available, some in traditional subjects such as Algebra I, Algebra II & Trig, Geometry, Pre-calculus, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and U.S. History; and others in subjects such as Latin I-III, Intro to Philosophy, English Vocabulary I & II, Musical Theater, etc.

AP courses are available in many typical subjects, including

  • English Language & Composition
  • English Literature & Composition
  • U.S. History
  • European History
  • World History
  • Government & Politics
  • Calculus (AB & BC)
  • Statistics
  • Computer Science
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Environmental Science
  • Physics B & C
  • Micro & Macro Economics
  • Psychology

New AP courses were added recently in Latin IV: Virgil’s Aeneid and Human Geography. AP courses begun in the fall will prepare students to take the AP test(s) that May. Students who begin in winter or summer will need to wait until the following May to take the AP exam.

Gifted LearningLinks Accelerated Summer Option

(grades 6-12)

The summer option allows students to complete high school honors-level courses such as Algebra I Honors in 6 weeks rather than 9 months. A student may sign up for only one class because of the pace and time commitment.

Education Program for Gifted Youth (K-12)

College math, science and writing courses are offered in conjunction with Stanford University. Students can sign up through CTD (and may especially desire to do so if they have taken part in the Midwest Academic Talent Search) or they may sign up directly through EPGY. Where school credit is desired, please consult a school counselor or g/t coordinator before taking the course. See more information about this program on our website or directly through EPGY at http://epgy.stanford.edu/index.html


For more information on all Gifted LearningLinks options, see www.ctd.northwestern.edu


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