A California girl is set to earn two college degrees this spring—at just 10 years old—proving academic excellence is alive and well.
At a Glance
- Alisa Perales will graduate from Crafton Hills College with degrees in math and science
- She began reading at age 2 and started college at 8
- Her father homeschooled her and shaped her accelerated path
- She maintained a near-perfect GPA throughout college
- Alisa hopes to study computer science and work in AI
Academic Supernova in Sneakers
While most 10-year-olds are worried about recess and Roblox, Alisa Perales is preparing to graduate from college. This pint-sized prodigy from San Bernardino is set to walk the stage at Crafton Hills College in Yucaipa this May, collecting not one but two associate degrees—in mathematics and multiple sciences. According to People, her feat will make her the youngest graduate in the school’s history.
Alisa’s academic story started years before most kids enter kindergarten. She was reading fluently at age 2 and doing algebra by 5. By 8, she was enrolling in college courses after a counselor recognized her potential. What might sound like fantasy is very real: the young student clocked full-time hours, studying six days a week under the guidance of her father, Rafael Perales, who homeschooled her using funds from an inheritance.
Watch a report at 10-Year-Old Prodigy Set to Graduate at Calif. College.
Alisa has not only earned her degrees with a near-perfect GPA, as reported by People, but she could have graduated with more. Another semester could have netted her additional credentials in physics and computer science—but two degrees before middle school was enough for now.
A Father’s Mission, A Daughter’s Drive
Alisa’s father, Rafael, has been the backbone of her education journey. Rather than pushing her toward more conventional child pursuits, Rafael chose to invest in his daughter’s intellect. Speaking to Breitbart, he said, “She has been a little different her whole life, but I have always taught her that there’s nothing out there that you’re not capable of understanding.”
Alisa credits her dad for instilling discipline and a strong work ethic. “I credit my dad for pushing me to do well in school and try my best to work hard,” she said. While many education systems today struggle with grade inflation and debates over academic equity, Alisa’s story underscores the power of traditional rigor and high expectations.
Despite her academic intensity, Alisa remains grounded. She doesn’t see herself as special or elite. “I just enjoy learning,” she told Breitbart. “There’s so many interesting things out there.”
Big Dreams, Bigger Message
Her next goal is as ambitious as her past accomplishments: Alisa plans to transfer to a university and study computer science, aiming for elite institutions like Stanford. She’s also expressed interest in artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship, potentially launching a startup with her father.
Though she’s struggled to find peers at her level socially, Alisa’s focus never wavered. According to People, her father described her as “only getting started.” As students around the U.S. fall behind in basic proficiency, Alisa is tackling subjects normally reserved for grad students.
Her story is more than just a feel-good headline—it’s a challenge to the American education system. If a 10-year-old can thrive in college-level coursework, why are so many schools lowering standards? Her achievements invite serious questions about what kids are truly capable of when given proper support and high expectations.
As People notes, while other nations push hard in science and engineering, U.S. education debates often center on lowering bars rather than raising them. Alisa’s journey is proof that excellence isn’t a myth—it just needs a chance.
