A Parents' Guide to Requesting Credit or Placement

CTYOnline 

Parent's Guide to 

Negotiating with Schools 

CTY works closely with schools, and it is our desire that all students receive the appropriate 

credit or placement for coursework completed through our program. However, CTY is not a 

credit-granting institution; only your school can grant placement or credit, and this may 

take some negotiation. Before beginning a course, you should discuss credit and/or 

placement issues with a school administrator. You may also want to discuss the possibility 

of substituting an appropriate CTYOnline course for the student’s current class at school. 

The school may want to review curricula or discuss course content. Visit the appropriate 

course page at http://cty.jhu.edu/ctyonline/courses to print out the course description and 

the Detailed Course Description linked to each course description. 

Meet with the school official 

Identify a school official who can help and who understands the needs of academically 

talented students. In the elementary or middle school, this may be the person who 

distributes information about our Talent Search. In the high school, this may be a guidance 

counselor, coordinator of Gifted and Talented programs, or the principal. If your child is in 

middle school or junior high school, you may need to talk to high school personnel if you are 

interested in receiving credit. To prepare for your meeting: 

• understand your child's educational options 

• be knowledgeable about the CTYOnline course you have chosen 

• gather data about your child's academic strengths 

Understand your child's educational options 

Be familiar with the courses that are available to your child at the local middle or junior high 

school and high school and when those courses would normally be taken. Ask your school 

what options are available for your child. Discuss the possibility of substituting an 

appropriate CTYOnline course for the child's current class at school. This might mean, for 

example, that the child would work on a CTYOnline math course at school instead of 

attending the scheduled math class. Alternatively, the student might remain in the 

regularly scheduled math class at school and work on the CTYOnline program at home. 

Be knowledgeable about the CTYOnline course you have chosen 

Assure the school that CTYOnline courses are rigorous. Visit the appropriate course page at 

http://cty.jhu.edu/ctyonline/courses to view the course description and detailed course 

information for the course your child will be taking. 

Students enrolled in CTYOnline courses are assigned to an instructor with both 

subject matter expertise and understanding of the needs of gifted students. They 

include Doctoral candidates, high school teachers, and graduate students.

Gather data about your child's academic strengths 

Keep a portfolio of your student’s work. Submit the student’s portfolio for review 

every quarter or semester. All students receive course completion documents after 

successfully completing coursework through our program and these should be 

included in your child’s portfolio. Parents and students have found these documents 

very useful in negotiating with schools for credit and placement. 

Schools may wish to know that students are admitted to CTY programs based on 

their SCAT, ACT, or SAT I results which testify to a youngster's exceptional ability. 

For example, a SAT I score that qualifies a child for CTYOnline is at least equal to the 

score of an average college-bound high school senior. 

Tips for negotiating with schools 

• Let your school officials know that you can request a grade for CTYOnline course 

work. Grades can be issued, upon parent’s request, for course work completed. 

• Some schools may require the student to take a final exam after completing a 

CTYOnline course to confirm mastery of content. If this is the case, the student 

should take the examination as soon as possible after completing the CTYOnline 

course. 

• Be sensitive to the circumstances at hand. Avoid words that trigger defensiveness 

such as “My child is bored in your class.” Refrain from accusing or complaining 

that your child’s academic program is insufficient. Get involved at a different level 

where programming and policy decisions are made. Be sensitive to the limitation 

of the classroom teacher and offer to help with materials, ideas, time, resources, 

or mentorship. Focus on solutions through shared responsibility. 

After the successful completion of a CTYOnline course 

When your child successfully completes a course through CTY, phone the school to 

reconfirm the date of any placement examination that may be required. Remind the school 

to arrange your child's schedule before the new school year starts in September. When 

documentation of your child's successful course completion arrives, make sure copies of the 

Course Completion Documents or final evaluations are received by school officials and keep 

copies for yourself. Don't forget to acknowledge the efforts of the school officials who have 

assisted you. Working together with your school, you can help your own child, and at the 

same time, pave the way for other highly able students. 

Parents or guardians may request a CTY Official Academic Record through MyCTY at 

cty.jhu.edu or by contacting ctyreg@jhu.edu. This document, which lists a student’s 

complete participation with CTY, can be sent to the student’s home, school, or college 

address for a nominal fee. For additional information about earning credit or placement, visit 

http://cty.jhu.edu/ctyonline/about/credit.html. For additional information about CTYOnline’s 

partnership with schools, visit http://cty.jhu.edu/ctyonline/schools.

CTYOnline Guidelines for Credit & Placement 

The CTYOnline staff is familiar with traditional course offerings in American elementary and secondary 

schools, and the recommendations below are based on this knowledge. These are, however, only 

recommendations, and local schools may wish to review course content in the context of their own curricula 

before making decisions. For this purpose, each CTYOnline course description on the web is linked to 

Detailed Course Information. 

Although CTY is an accredited institution, * only the student's school can grant credit or placement. While 

CTY does not grant credit or guarantee advanced standing for its courses, we do urge schools to consider 

granting credit or placement for appropriate courses. 

CTYOnline courses are designed to cover all the materials presented in standard pre-college and college 

curricula. All our courses provide an in-depth rigorous foundation as well as a lateral strengthening of 

knowledge. Many courses have quizzes and tests, as well as mid-term and comprehensive final 

examinations. Students who complete writing and language arts courses receive periodic feedback and a 

detailed final evaluation instead of grades, but grades can be given upon request. 

* The Center for Talented Youth is accredited for grades 5 through 12 by the Commission on Secondary Schools 

of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, 215- 

662-5603. 

Mathematics 

Core Curriculum courses: Each course is designed to give students a rigorous foundation in mathematics. 

The strand-based curriculum emphasizes material on sets, logic, probability, arithmetic, fractions, decimals, 

geometry, measurement, graphs, and equations. Progress is tracked independently in each strand. As 

students master concepts they are moved more rapidly through the material, while strands needing more 

explanation or practice are given additional exercises. 

Enrichment Courses: These courses sharpen investigative skills, broaden mathematical understanding of 

concepts, and enhance reasoning skills. Designed around performance objectives that reflect national and 

state mathematical standards, these courses demonstrate how mathematical issues arise out of real-life 

situations. 

Honors Math Program: The program begins with Honors Grade 5 and extends through college-level 

courses. It incorporates dynamic explanations that use graphics, animation, video, and real-time feedback. 

Students use online math tools to expand their knowledge and explore mathematical ideas. They practice 

concepts by solving real-world problems and taking online quizzes and unit exams. 

Course Title 

Grade 1 Math 

Grade 2 Math 

Grade 3 Math 

Grade 4 Math 

Recommended School Credit 

after Completion 

Not Applicable 

Recommended Placement after 

Completion 

Grade 2 Math 

Grade 3 Math 

Grade 4 Math 

Honors Grade 5 Math 

MATHCOUNTS© Prep 

and MATHCOUNTS© 


Math Olympiad for 

Elementary School 

Students 

Not Applicable

Problem Solving 1-4 Not Applicable Next course in school’s math sequence 

Competitive Mathematics 

Prep and Competitive 

Math for High School 

Students 


Honors Grade 5 Not Applicable Honors Grade 6 

Honors Grade 6 Not Applicable Honors Pre-algebra 

Honors Pre-algebra 


Next course in school’s math sequence 

(Honors Algebra I) 

Honors Algebra I 

1.0 credit 

Next course in school’s math sequence 

(Honors Geometry or Honors Algebra II) 

Honors Geometry 

Honors Algebra II 

1.0 credit Next course in school’s math sequence 

(Honors Algebra II) 

1.0 credit Next course in school’s math sequence 

(Honors Geometry, Honors Precalculus 

with Trigonometry, Honors Trigonometry, 

Discrete Math, etc.) 

Honors Trigonometry 0.5 credit Honors Precalculus with Trigonometry 

Honors Precalculus with 

Trigonometry 

1.0 credit AP Calculus AB or 

AP Calculus BC 

AP Calculus AB 1.0 credit AP Calculus BC 


2.0 credits if the student enrolls and 

completes both Calculus AB and BC. 

1.0 credit if student enrolls and 

completes Calculus BC only. 

Linear Algebra or 

Multivariable Calculus 

Linear Algebra 


Differential Equations 

1.0 credit Multivariable Calculus or 

Differential Equations 

1.0 credit Differential Equations or 

Linear Algebra 

1.0 credit Linear Algebra or 


Science and Engineering 

In these courses, students interested in scientific inquiry, problem solving, and critical thinking are 

engaged through a vibrant online environment with graphics, animations, video, real-time feedback, labs, 

activities, and projects. In addition, students demonstrate their understanding of science concepts by 

taking online quizzes and exams. 

Course Title 

Inventions in 

Engineering 





Completion

Life Science 0.5 credit Next science course 

Physical Science 0.5 credit Next science course 

Earth and Space Science 0.5 credit Next science course 

Intro to Forensics 


Honors Biology 1.0 credit Honors Chemistry or AP Biology 

Honors Chemistry 1.0 credit Honors Biology or AP Chemistry 

Honors Physics 1.0 credit AP Physics B 

Computer Science 

In addition to the work that students do within the course software, students enrolled in computer science 

courses are expected to write a significant number of programs that they submit electronically to 

instructors for evaluation. These courses provide a hands-on, in-depth, programming-intensive 

introduction to computer science and programming. 

Course Title 




Completion 

Scratch Programming Not Applicable Introduction to Web Design 

Introduction to Web 

Design 


Advanced Web Design 

Advanced Web Design Not Applicable JavaScript 

JavaScript 


Computer Security 

Fundamentals 


Introduction to Java 0.5 credit Advanced Java Programming 

Advanced Java 

Programming 

0.5 credit 

Advanced Placement (AP) 

CTYOnline AP courses follow the curriculum guidelines outlined by the College Board subject course 

descriptions (www.collegeboard.com/apcentral) and have been approved by the College Board. They are 

taught at a first-year college level and are designed to prepare students for the College Board’s AP exam 

in the subject area. 

AP Course Title 

Recommended School 

Credit after Completion 

Recommended Placement 


AP Biology 1.0 credit Next AP Course 

AP Calculus AB 1.0 credit AP Calculus BC


1.0 credit 

Linear Algebra or 


AP Chemistry 1.0 credit Next AP Course 

AP Language and Composition 1.0 credit Next AP Course 

AP Macroeconomics 1.0 credit Next AP Course 

AP Microeconomics 1.0 credit Next AP Course 

AP Physics B 1.0 credit Next AP Course 

AP Psychology 1.0 credit Next AP Course 

AP US Government and Politics 1.0 credit Next AP Course 

AP US History 1.0 credit Next AP Course 

AP Chinese Language and Culture 1.0 credit Next AP Course 

Writing 

Most regular school English classes are literature-based reading courses. CTYOnline offers above-gradelevel 

instruction in writing and language arts. Schools granting credit and/or placement generally allow a 

CTYOnline writing course to replace, at the least, a one-semester high school writing course. Beginning 

with Crafting the Essay, the challenge level for Writing Series courses is college freshman and above. 

Writing students receive periodic feedback and detailed descriptive final evaluations rather than grades, 

but a grade can be provided on written request. 

Course Title 

The Process of 

Writing 

Writing for an 

Audience 

Crafting the Essay 

Writing Analysis & 

Persuasion 

Crafting Poetry or 

Crafting Fiction 

Recommended School Credit after 

Completion 

0.5 credit 

0.5 credit 

0.5 credit 

0.5 credit 

0.5 credit 

Placement Recommendation 

Review of student portfolio and instructor’s 

final evaluation. ** 







High school placement probably not an 

issue. ** 

** Students who have succeeded in a CTYOnline course have demonstrated success handling 

advanced or above-grade-level material and should do well in honors courses and programs. In 

classes using differentiated instruction, CTYOnline students should be assigned to groups that 

are given above-grade-level content and assignments. CTYOnline provides guidance to schools 

in making individual decisions. 

Language Arts 

The challenge level of these grammar and critical reading courses varies. Generally, credit is not an issue 

for elementary school students. However, schools should place these courses on the school transcript. To 

aid differentiated instruction, some schools use these courses to supplement or replace part of their 

regular language arts courses. Language arts students receive periodic feedback and detailed descriptive 

final evaluations rather than grades, but a grade can be provided on written request.

Course 

Title 

Young 

Readers’ 

Series for 

Grades 2 & 3 

Young 

Readers’ 

Series for 

Grades 4 & 5 

Building 

Blocks 

Grammar 

Fundamentals 

From 

Structure to 

Style 

Art Meets 

Science: 

Literature 

or Nonfiction 



Supplements or replaces part of 

a language arts course. 







0.25 credit 

0.25 credit 

Placement 

Recommendation 

Review of student portfolio and 

instructor’s final evaluation. ** 




instructor’s final evaluation.** 







Challenge 

Level 

Grade 5 and above 

Middle School and 

above 

Middle School 

Middle School 

College Undergraduate 

High School Junior 

** Students who have succeeded in a CTYOnline course have demonstrated success handling 

advanced or above-grade-level material and should do well in very advanced programs. In 

classes using differentiated instruction, CTYOnline students should be assigned to groups that 

are given above-grade-level content and assignments. CTYOnline provides guidance to schools 

in making individual decisions. 

Music 

Course Title 

Grade Levels 


After Completion 

Music Theory I: 

Mastering the 

Fundamentals of Music 

Grades 5-8 


Visual Fluency 

Course Title 



Grade Levels 

Challenge 

Level 

Visual Literacy 0.5 credit Grades 7-12 College Freshman 

Visual 

Communication 

0.5 credit Grades 7-12 College Freshman 

STEM for English Learner 

Course Title 

Learning through 

Vocabulary 

Learning STEM 

through 

Vocabulary Part I 



Grade Levels 

Not Applicable Grades 5-9 


Grades 5-9 

Placement 

Recommendation 

Learning STEM through 

Vocabulary Part I 

Learning STEM through 

Vocabulary Part II

Learning STEM 

through 

Vocabulary Part II 


Grades 5-9 

Ready for STEM courses 

World Languages 

CTYOnline offers above-grade-level instruction in Chinese, Arabic, and Spanish. We emphasize the four 

essential communication skills – listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Schools granting credit and/or 

placement generally allow a CTYOnline course to replace, at the least, a one-semester high school foreign 

language course. 

Course 

Title 


Completion 


Chinese for Elementary School Students, Basic 

Part I Not Applicable † 

Chinese for Elementary School Students, 

Basic, Part II 

Part II Not Applicable † 


Intermediate, Part I 

Chinese for Elementary School Students, Intermediate 

Part I 0.5 credit † 


Intermediate, Part II 

Part II 0.5 credit † 


Intermediate, Part III 

Part III 0.5 credit † 


Intermediate, Part IV 

Part IV 0.5 credit † 


Advanced, Part I 

Chinese for Elementary School Students, Advanced 



Advanced, Part II 



Advanced, Part III 



Advanced, Part IV 

Part IV 0.5 credit † Placement test to next level 

Chinese Language, Basic 

Part I 1.0 credit Chinese Language, Basic, Part II 

Part II 0.5 credit Chinese Language, Basic, Part III 

Part III 0.5 credit Chinese Language, Intermediate, Part I 

Chinese Writing 

Chinese 

Character 


Chinese Language, Basic, Part II 

Writing 

Chinese Language, Intermediate 

Part I 0.5 credit Chinese Language, Intermediate, Part II 

Part II 0.5 credit Chinese Language, Intermediate, Part III 

Part III 0.5 credit Chinese Language, Intermediate, Part IV 

Part IV 0.5 credit Chinese Language, Advanced, Part I

Chinese Language, Advanced 

Part I 0.5 credit Chinese Language, Advanced, Part II 

Part II 0.5 credit Chinese Language, Advanced, Part III 

Part III 0.5 credit Chinese Language, Advanced, Part IV 

Part IV 0.5 credit AP Chinese Language and Culture 

Course 

Title 


Completion 

Arabic for Elementary School Students 


Part I 0.5 credit † Arabic Elementary, Basic Part II 

Part II 0.5 credit † Arabic Elementary, Basic Part III 

Part III 0.5 credit † Placement tested for next level 

Arabic Language, Basic 

Part I 1.0 credit Arabic Language, Basic Part II 

Part II 0.5 credit Arabic Language, Basic Part III 

Part III 0.5 credit Placement tested for next level 

Arabic Language, Intermediate 

Part I 0.5 credit Arabic Language, Intermediate Part II 

Part II 0.5 credit Arabic Language, Intermediate Part III 

Part III 0.5 credit Arabic Language, Intermediate Part IV 

Part IV 0.5 credit Placement tested for next level 

Arabic Language, Advanced 

Part I 0.5 credit Arabic Language, Advanced Part II 

Part II 0.5 credit Arabic Language, Advanced Part III 

Part III 0.5 credit Arabic Language, Advanced Part IV 

Course 

Title 


Completion 

Spanish for Elementary School Students, Basic 




Spanish for Elementary School Students, Intermediate 


Spanish for Elementary School Students, 

Basic, Part II 


Basic, Part III 


Intermediate, Part I 

Part I 0.5 credit † Placement tested for next level 

Spanish Language, Basic 

Part I 0.5 credit Spanish Language, Basic, Part II 

Part II 0.5 credit Spanish Language, Basic, Part III 

Part III 0.5 credit Spanish Language, Basic, Part IV 

Part IV 0.5 credit Placement tested for next level 

† 0.5 credit for Elementary Chinese, Arabic, and Spanish Students is only recommended for 

students in grade 6 and above.

Official Academic Record 

Students who participate in CTY programs, including Talent Search, Summer Programs, CTYOnline, or 

others are eligible to request a CTY Official Academic Record. This document shows all the academic 

courses the student has completed, with grades if applicable, and also lists other types of participation and 

achievements. Students may wish to include a CTY Official Academic Record with their applications to 

schools and colleges. There is a nominal charge for the Official Academic Record, which can be ordered by 

logging into MyCTY and selecting “Student Participation.” 

The unofficial academic record, a list of the same activities, can also be accessed through the student’s 

MyCTY account, under “Student Participation.”

A Parents' Guide to Requesting Credit or Placement

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