Discover. Explore. Celebrate.
Duke TIP helps gifted students discover their abilities, explore new academic challenges, and celebrate their accomplishments.
Welcome
Duke TIP is a nonprofit organization that supports academically talented students in grades four through twelve. We offer above-level testing, enrichment resources, year-round learning options, residential summer programs, online courses, and need-based financial aid. We also conduct original research into the needs of gifted students to inform our advice to parents and educators. Our programs are designed to challenge gifted students, inspire them to take pride in their abilities, and foster their educational, social, and emotional development. Enrollment in the 4th–6th Grade Talent Search or 7th Grade Talent Search is required to participate in most Duke TIP programs.
Already know about Duke TIP?
Are you an educator who would like to work with Duke TIP in serving your academically talented students? Learn more about how you can get involved.
Find the Program for You
Explore TIP's opportunities for gifted students in grades four through twelve.
"TIP has produced the happiest moments in my life. It provides an academic atmosphere while still being fun and engaging. Plus you'll find the best people you'll ever meet."
Employment Opportunities
We're always looking for great instructors, administrative staff, and residential counselors We hire year-round and are presently seeking outstanding candidates for our Summer of 2017 staff. Working at Duke TIP is one of the most rewarding work experiences you will ever have—explore your opportunities now.
Happening Right Now at Duke TIP:
Applications for Field Studies are now open! Field Studies students get to experience their academic passions firsthand and see if a college major or potential career is right for them. All students in grades nine through twelve are welcome to apply. Financial aid is available for all US-based courses.
Applications are also open for Summer Studies at Duke Kunshan University. This three-week program for eighth through tenth graders takes place in China and offers advanced courses and a dynamic residential experience. Courses are conducted in English and financial aid is available.
Enrollment is now open for Duke TIP's 4th–6th Grade Talent Search and our 7th Grade Talent Search is offering enrollment via our 2Step online enrollment process. Both programs provide you with access to above-level testing opportunities and are the entry points to our educational programs. To enroll in either program, students must meet minimum scoring requirements on one of a variety of standardized grade-level tests.
The annual Duke TIP Writing Contest is now open! Members of the 4th–6th Grade Talent Search are encouraged to submit a short story telling the story of a hungry, dirty dog. Winners and their schools are awarded cash prizes, and an illustration component will open in March 2017 based on the winning stories. See the full prompt and guidelines for more information.
Applications for Academic Adventures and Scholar Weekends are also open, so take a look at spring courses now! The programs take place on weekends in February and March in North Carolina and Florida.
We have also recently posted information on the summer of 2017, including details on the courses we will be offering and the program sites. Please begin reviewing your options and qualification levels now. Programs will begin opening for applications starting in January; visit our Key Dates section for more details.
Finally, TIP's new online store is live—and we have items for every budget, with all proceeds going to need-based financial aid for families as well as keeping the cost of our programs as low as possible. Check out the TIP Store now.
"I spend three weeks of my life at TIP and the other 49 weeks waiting for it to come back. This experience is worth it."
Research & Resources
Duke TIP is a leading researcher in the field of gifted education. We use our original research to support a variety of resources and advice for students, families, and educators seeking to know more about how academically talented children can reach their full potential.
Resources for Parents and Educators
Does My Gifted Child Have Asperger Syndrome?
January 13, 2017Parents and educators have long understood that social savvy and emotional intelligence are not to be taken for granted among gifted youths. Because they must learn to engage and play with others far less mature in interests and capabilities, social interaction can be rocky terrain. For those with Asperger syndrome, social difficulties can be especially […]
Love the Child, Not the Gift
December 16, 2016Why should we help gifted students? What is the impact of the Common Core standards on gifted students? What are the greatest myths about gifted students? What can be considered good advice for parents who have gifted children? I recently had the opportunity to ask these questions to two giants in the field of gifted […]
Academic Acceleration and Ability Grouping Work
December 12, 2016Academic acceleration and most forms of ability grouping are associated with academic achievement gains for academically talented students. We know that many students perform above grade level (estimated that between 20 and 40 percent of students perform above grade level in reading and between 11 and 30 percent perform above grade level in math). If […]
Resources for Students
Dealing with bullies
December 20, 2016By Eric O’Neal, Duke TIP Intern and NCCU Graduate Having a conducive day at school is every young scholar’s ideal scenario. But what do you do when another student is bullying you, physically, verbally, and interrupting your learning environment? It can often be hard to deal with such a negative force, and you may often […]
Placement change requests
November 30, 2016by Eric O’Neal, Duke TIP Intern and NCCU Graduate The memories of my years in elementary school seem almost a lifetime ago now. The days of walking in a single file line down halls and keeping that bothersome lunch PIN are no longer necessary. Though elementary school may seem a minor step in your educational […]
Extracurricular activities and how they benefited me
November 30, 2016By Eric O’Neal, Duke TIP Intern and NCCU Graduate Extracurricular activities in school are a great way to build teamwork skills, stay active and build friendships. I, in particular, participated in multiple sports, from track to wrestling. They personally helped me overcome a lot of issues in my life, especially dealing with my introverted nature, […]