DD took a science class last summer at CTY Alexandria (after 3rd grade). Due to her personality I am not sure how much she gained from it. It was almost a one hour commute both ways and she did not enjoy having to do homework after that (esp given it was summer break).

DC just did an online writing course. Great. Good format for learning how to write and edit -- I was impressed.

My daughter has loved her experience with CTY camps. She started the summer before entering 7th grade, and this summer will be her fourth year at a CTY camp. She has made many friends who have similar interests, and she has kept in touch with many of them and has even met up with a few who live relatively close by.

The CTY summer program for those who have completed 5th and 6th grade has a lot more "hand-holding" than the one for 7th graders on up. They have a fairly low student:counselor ratio, and the counselors, teachers, and administrators work very hard to make sure everyone feels included and that problems get addressed quickly. At the 7th grade level, it is a lot more hands off; there is still supervision, but not to the point of being overbearing. It's just more appropriate at that age level.

DS, 5th grade, qualified for CTY classes this summer in both math/science and humanities, and wants to take a science class. They look fantastic, but are very expensive. I'd love to hear whether people have had a good experience with the program, and what area they studied. Also, I know DS sometimes feels different from other kids in his class because he is a reader who loves robotics, but does not watch TV, or play video games or team sports. Is it realistic to think he might find other kids who share his interests? Thanks for any guidance-