Rolling enrollment open. Courses prorated.
Explore now.*TAKE THIS COURSE AND GET COLLEGE CREDIT! *ONLY OPENS FOR ENROLLMENT ONCE A YEAR For students with exceptional empathy and a passion for understanding the human mind, AP Psychology offers a rigorous, college-level exploration of mental processes and behavior. Centered on scientific inquiry and research-based learning across the seven core areas of psychology, this course strengthens analytical thinking while fostering deep self-awareness and understanding of neurodiversity. This course mirrors a college psychology survey and is ideal for students planning to take the AP Psychology Exam or pursue careers in mental health. Through inquiry-based investigations, hands-on research, and empathetic discussion, students will expand their understanding of psychological principles while gaining profound insights into their own minds and neurodiversity.
In a world where mental health has taken center stage, the significance of empathetic and gifted mental health professionals cannot be overstated. Who better to embrace this vital role than our remarkable 2e students? Renowned for their exceptional empathy, these individuals possess a unique capacity to understand and support others.
Enroll in this transformative program and embark on a journey of self-discovery and intellectual growth through the study of college-level psychology. Together, we will delve into the fascinating realms of cognitive development, personalities, influential psychologists, groundbreaking theories, and diagnoses. Yet, above all, students will gain profound insight into themselves and their neurodiversity, unraveling the intricate layers of their own minds.
By embarking on this illuminating academic expedition, students will not only acquire an in-depth understanding of psychology but will also develop invaluable insights into their own minds and neurodiversity. 2e AP Psychology prepares students to make a profound impact as empathetic mental health professionals, armed with the knowledge, understanding, and passion to support others in their journey towards well-being. This rigorous college-level psychology course empowers students to:
Embrace a scientific and systematic approach to the study of human behavior and mental processes. Through inquiry-based investigations, students will actively explore the core concepts of psychology, conducting research, gathering evidence, and critically analyzing the factors that shape our thoughts, emotions, and actions.
Investigate the intricate interplay between biology and behavior, delving into the physiological mechanisms that underlie human cognition, emotion, and motivation. Explore the fascinating world of neuroscience, genetics, and brain structure to unravel the mysteries of human consciousness.
Analyze how our senses shape our understanding of the world and delve into the intriguing processes of perception. From visual illusions to auditory sensations, students will uncover the intricate mechanisms by which our brain interprets and constructs our perceptual experiences.
Investigate the cognitive processes that drive learning, memory, and problem-solving. Understand how motivation influences our behavior and drives our pursuit of goals. Through psychological experiments and theoretical frameworks, students will gain insight into the intricacies of human cognition.
Examine the lifelong process of human development, from infancy to old age. Explore the factors that shape our personalities, social interactions, and identity formation. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the psychological milestones and challenges that individuals encounter across the lifespan.
Explore the assessment of human behavior and individual differences. Examine psychological testing methods and interpret psychological assessments. Investigate the treatment and understanding of abnormal behavior, cultivating empathy and compassion for individuals navigating mental health challenges.
Delve into the fascinating realm of social interactions and group behavior. Examine the impact of social influence, prejudice, and interpersonal relationships on our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Understand the complexities of human social behavior and the factors that shape our social identities.
The thinking, collaboration, and confidence your child builds in this course do not stay in the classroom. Parents consistently tell us they see the difference at home, at school, and in social situations. When learning is driven by genuine interest, the growth is real and lasting.
For gifted and 2e kids, finding a place where they feel understood can change everything. This course surrounds your child with peers who think like they do and a mentor who celebrates what makes them different. Parents tell us this is the first program where their child truly felt at home.
Dive deep with an expert mentor who meets every student where they are and pushes them to grow 
Build confidence, critical thinking, and genuine expertise through hands-on learning and real engagement 
Connect with a small group of like-minded peers who share their interests, forming real friendships in the process 
Develop skills that transfer beyond the classroom, including communication, collaboration, and independent thinking 
Jake Noonan is a deep thinking, dynamic teacher and writer who approaches education in a creative and multidimensional manner. Jake has over 10 years of teaching at traditional and alternative K-12 schools. In each grade, Jake specialized in working with neurodivergent students while offering authenticity and understanding. Jake is passionate about collaborating with each student to ensure that the individual goals are supported in all projects and discussions. Jake graduated from American Public University Systems in 2023 with an MFA in Humanities and from Temple University in 2014 with a BA in Secondary Education with a focus on English and Philosophy. Jake is also an Academic Coach specializing in individuals with ADHD and/or giftedness. In this role, Jake also co-hosts and produces a podcast on neurodiversity. Outside of academia, Jake spends time working on a multitude of creative projects at once such as music production, playing drums in several bands, writing fiction, and digital illustration.
WHAT PARENTS ARE SAYING
Parents don't just see happier kids. They see sharper thinking, stronger friendships, and a child who actually wants to log on.
★★★★★
"Jake Noonan is truly a teacher who wants to see his students thrive and will put forward the best effort to see that happen. Through patient guidance, structure, and empathy he truly helps students shine."
Laura B.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"The psychology course gave my daughter language for her own mind. She understands her neurodiversity in a way that has genuinely settled her."
Angela B.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"Jake Noonan is truly a teacher who wants to see his students thrive and will put forward the best effort to see that happen. Through patient guidance, structure, and empathy he truly helps students shine."
Laura B.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"The psychology course gave my daughter language for her own mind. She understands her neurodiversity in a way that has genuinely settled her."
Angela B.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"College level material, eight students, and Jake making neuroscience click for my son. He feels ready for the exam and proud of it."
Melissa B.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"My daughter wants to be a therapist now. Jake showed her how her empathy could become a real profession."
Nadia B.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"College level material, eight students, and Jake making neuroscience click for my son. He feels ready for the exam and proud of it."
Melissa B.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"My daughter wants to be a therapist now. Jake showed her how her empathy could become a real profession."
Nadia B.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"Jake connects the theories to real life, so my son is not memorizing. He is understanding himself and the people around him."
Carrie B.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"The way Jake runs the room is special. Small group, real attention, and my daughter finally feels safe to speak up."
Bethany B.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"Jake connects the theories to real life, so my son is not memorizing. He is understanding himself and the people around him."
Carrie B.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"The way Jake runs the room is special. Small group, real attention, and my daughter finally feels safe to speak up."
Bethany B.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"Jake Noonan is truly a teacher who wants to see his students thrive and will put forward the best effort to see that happen. Through patient guidance, structure, and empathy he truly helps students shine."
Laura B.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"The psychology course gave my daughter language for her own mind. She understands her neurodiversity in a way that has genuinely settled her."
Angela B.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"College level material, eight students, and Jake making neuroscience click for my son. He feels ready for the exam and proud of it."
Melissa B.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"My daughter wants to be a therapist now. Jake showed her how her empathy could become a real profession."
Nadia B.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"Jake connects the theories to real life, so my son is not memorizing. He is understanding himself and the people around him."
Carrie B.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"The way Jake runs the room is special. Small group, real attention, and my daughter finally feels safe to speak up."
Bethany B.
YSA parent
If you’re not 100% in love with the course, you have options depending on how you enrolled:
You can switch to another course of equal or lesser value that’s a better fit or get a credit to use toward a future course.
You can either get credit toward a future course, switch to another course of equal or lesser value that’s a better fit, or stop all future payments after a 30-day processing period.
No risk. No stress. Just the learning and belonging you have been looking for.
We can offer this because we know what we do works for thousands of other families. Kids become more self-confident. They find their people. And families tell us this is the place where their student finally feels welcome. We know it will work for your family, too.
All-Access Passes have separate terms and conditions. Please see the All-Access Pass pages.
It goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway... to qualify for the satisfaction guarantee policy, you have to actually attend the classes. This is not a cancellation policy. It’s a satisfaction guarantee. You can’t be satisfied or dissatisfied if you don’t attend.
Young Scholars Academy is a virtual village that offers one-of-a-kind, engaging enrichment courses and community for 5-18-year-old bright, quirky kids to empower them to develop their strengths, make like-minded friends, cultivate life skills, build confidence, and feel great about themselves under the loving care of expert mentors. description2: >- Picture a place where your child fits in, is celebrated, mentored, and loves learning the unique content their beautiful brain craves. That happens every day at YSA for over 1,200+ families, and it can happen for your family, too.
WASC Accredited · 1,200+ Families · 93% Re-Enroll · 47+ States, 17 Countries, 6 Continents
Learn more about YSAQUESTIONS ABOUT THIS COURSE
Everything you need to know before enrolling your child.
Our AP courses cover the full College Board curriculum with a critical advantage: 8 students max per section. Your child gets direct mentor attention, real discussion, and personalized support that a class of 30 cannot provide. Students also build college-level study skills, evidence-based note-taking, and test strategies. Many families use our AP courses to supplement or replace their school offering entirely.
Yes. YSA families join from 47+ states and 17 countries across 6 continents. All you need is an internet connection. We schedule sections across multiple time zones so families worldwide can find a time that works.
AP® Psychology (75 min) meets once per week for 75 minutes, every week from August through December. Your child joins the same tight-knit group of up to 8 students and the same mentor all semester long. Same friends, same mentor, a new challenge every week.
Our gifted and 2e students experience such asynchronous development that hard age limits rarely tell the full story. If your student should be aged up or aged down, contact us at support@youngscholarsacademy.org or click the chat in the bottom right corner of the screen. We do this all the time.
Please don't confuse reactive distance learning with what happens at YSA. When a kid is engaged in a course they chose, with a mentor who gets them and peers who share their interests, the screen disappears. They're not on a screen. They're with their people. Parents tell us their children fight to log on to YSA.
If your child isn't loving a course by the end of the first week, swap into a different course. Same semester. No questions. Not the right fit within the first month? We'll stop payments, switch courses, or issue credit toward any future course. The credit never expires. And you keep every bonus you've received. Over 93% of YSA families don't just stay. They add more courses.
No. Cameras are always optional. Always. Many of our students start with cameras off and turn them on when they're comfortable. Our mentors engage every student equally, cameras on or off.
No. If you're here, you're in the right place. We don't require paperwork, evaluations, or labels. Whether your child has been formally identified as gifted or twice-exceptional, whether you suspect it but haven't pursued testing, or whether you just know your kid's brain works differently and nothing else has fit, they're welcome here.
Yes. YSA is an approved vendor with 10+ state ESA programs including Arizona ESA, Utah Fits All, ClassWallet, My Tech High, Florida Step Up, and others. Enroll directly to secure your child's spot, submit the invoice to your ESA, and your payment method is refunded when funds transfer. Many families pay zero out of pocket.
Click "See Available Times" on this page, pick the section that fits your schedule, and your child's spot is secured immediately. No phone call. No placement test. No prerequisite.
Right now, a kid who thinks like your kid is in a course they chose, with a mentor who was once just like them, surrounded by friends who don't think they're weird... they think they're interesting.
Your child is one click from finding out what that feels like.
A strong internet connection and a can-do attitude!