Academic Talent Search (ATS) provides academically challenging, fast-paced courses to highly able and motivated 4th through 9th grade students in the greater Sacramento area.
ATS is a non-profit organization which receives no state or federal funds. Sponsored by California State University, Sacramento (Sacramento State), ATS has an established tradition of providing educational experiences that are both mentally stimulating and fun. Over 2,000 students apply for ATS classes each summer. Since its founding in 1982, ATS has educated and inspired over 35,500 students.
- ATS provides 6th through 9th grade students with the opportunity to accelerate their learning in traditional subjects like mathematics and to explore new topics which are not always available in regular school.
- Through ATS, 6th through 9th grade students have the opportunity to experience a collegiate environment. Classes are held on the Sacramento State campus, and students are granted many of the same privileges that regular University students receive.
- Students in 4th and 5th grades can discover new approaches to traditional topics and experience enrichment opportunities in new subject areas.
- The ATS teaching staff includes University faculty, community college professors, area public and private school instructors, and industry professionals.
- ATS brings together intellectual peers from throughout the Sacramento Valley region, allowing them to make new friends and improve social skills.
- Current 4th through 9th grade students qualify for ATS.
- Students in these grades who are interested in taking classes should take the ATS Qualifying Exam (intermediate for 4/5, advanced for 6-9).
- Over 71,000 students have taken the qualifying exam as part of ATS.
Summer Classes for 6th - 9th Grade Students
- Over 100 classes are offered each summer.
- Classes are scheduled in one-, three-, and five-week sessions.
- Course fees range from $114 to $399 depending on the length of the course.
- Financial aid available.
Summer Classes for 4th and 5th Grade Students
- Over 20 classes are offered each summer.
- Classes are scheduled in one-week sessions.
- Course fees: $235 per class
- Financial aid available.
- ATS is a commuter program, and students must make their own arrangements to get to and from campus and classes.
- Sacramento State is located near Highway 50 and Howe Avenue.
- Carpooling can also be an economical and convenient way of traveling to and from the Sac State campus.
- ATS qualifying exam test dates, summer session schedules, and other important events are included on the calendar of upcoming activities.
- ATS program materials, including the complete summer catalog, are available for download in pdf format.
- Answers to the most commonly asked questions about the qualifying exam, classes, and the ATS program in general.
- How to reach ATS by mail, phone, fax, email, or in person. A listing of office staff is also included.
- Brief historical background on the program.
Accelerated College Entrance (ACE) Center
- Companion program to ATS. Founded by ATS Executive Director Dr. Terry Thomas in 1985, ACE is designed for high school juniors and seniors. ACE allows qualified high school students to enroll in classes at Sac State and earn university credits while completing regular school studies.
- Alphabetical index of all pages on this website.
