Are CTY summer programs worth the cost?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is where UVA's SEP fit so perfectly - a very enriching experience in a sleep-a-way environment, at a reasonable price point. Unfortunately, it went virtual 2020, 2021 and is cancelled altogether for this summer.

I found the 2022 cancellation so disappointing and frustrating. My daughter did the virtual program last year; they seemed appreciative of parents supporting the program; and this year they cancel altogether. UVA should do better.

My daughter also did SEP virtually last Summer. Incredibly disappointed they gave up this Summer. It’s not as if they are a small outfit - they’re part of UVA! No good excuse.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No. They are not worth the money. Not even close. I would find other, more affordably priced, camps for the summer.

What camp has the same academic bend for less money as a sleep away camp?

[Anonymous]

DC went to CTY residential for 4 summers - 5th grade to 8th grade and was so sad when it got canceled the summer after 9th... then the summer after 10th.

He loved CTY's "for the love of learning" method and it has really shaped him as a student.
He did 2 summers of online classes, which was good for academics but of course, it did not compare to the residential experience.

The age-out is 16 but due to the pandemic, CTY opened up locations for 9-12th graders.
In retrospect, I'd say it was worth it. He was the right student for CTY.
I'm glad we did it when we did. DC's hoping he can do one last camp this summer, but may already have other commitments that will be more college-focused. I did tell him that if he doesn't get into any other low-cost competitive programs he applied for, we'd spring for one last hurrah at CTY.

[Anonymous]

No, not at all worth it.

[Anonymous]

I did residential several summers as a kid, and I adored it. One of the best parts of my childhood. I would have despised it if it wasn't residential.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DD got into CTY right before the pandemic so she hasn't done any of their courses yet, since she didn't want more online classes. Now that they plan on in-person summer classes, I'm trying to determine if they are worth the commute and hefty price compared with other courses in the area. Any thoughts from those who have taken CTY or other similar courses are very welcome!

I am not a fan of asking kids to study college level courses during high school summer. I would rather use the time to relax to some extent, stay fit participating in some summer sports, prepare for SAT before Junior year starts, do some research in an university since it is important to show extracurriculars aligned with your interest. Do something that relates to their passion

MIT application question - "We know you lead a busy life, full of activities, many of which are required of you. Tell us about something you do simply for the pleasure of it." - Took CTY class during summer???