Grades 1-3

University for Young People 

Since 1983, the University for Young People at Baylor University has served thousands of gifted students in grades 1-12 in the Waco community. As the reach of its exceptional summer and weekend programming expanded with the creation of Baylor TIP in 2022, the UYP brand was modified and now includes only students in grades 1-3.  

Courses offered through UYP are designed to foster gifted students’ critical and creative thinking skills. Curriculum at this level typically relies on a creative problem-solving framework, which involves defining a problem within a specific scenario, brainstorming ideas for solving it, and collaborating with others to implement and analyze the solutions. Through these activities, students develop key skills (such as critical analysis, idea generation, flexible thinking, effective communication, leadership, and teamwork) that are necessary for future academic success.    

Because of the students’ young age, students are admitted to UYP without testing. While all of the UYP classes are designed for gifted students, students do not have to be formally identified as gifted to enroll in these classes. Families who wish to enroll their students in a UYP class can simply register them to take it.