Alisa Perales is about to become the youngest graduate in the history of Crafton Hills College in Yucaipa, California — earning not one but two associate degrees in multiple sciences and mathematics at the age of 10.
According to California Community Colleges, the prodigy from San Bernardino will cross the stage with a GPA “close” to a 4.0.
When asked what drives her, Alisa told KABC, “It’s very fun to me — almost as fun as playing outside or riding a bike or whatever. I just enjoy learning.”
Her father, Rafael Perales, explained how her academic journey began unusually early. “We were working from eight in the morning until four in the afternoon, and we did that six days a week. It was a lot of work,” he told KABC, sharing that he began homeschooling her at just 1 year old, supported by an inheritance that allowed him to stay home full-time.
By the time Alisa was 5, she was already reading books and doing algebra. At 8, she officially enrolled in Crafton Hills College.
Her presence in college classrooms didn’t go unnoticed. “Her classmates would often assume I was the student and she was tagging along,” Rafael told KABC.
On Facebook, California Community Colleges posted a photo of Alisa along with a celebratory message: “CONGRATULATIONS to Alisa Perales, a 10-year-old scholar who will make history as Crafton Hills College’s youngest graduate! Alisa will cross the stage with not one but two associate degrees — one in multiple sciences and another in mathematics — joining hundreds of Roadrunners who will become Crafton alumni. Her final GPA will be ‘close’ to a 4.0.”
But despite her brilliance, the path wasn’t always easy. “We’ve had some challenges finding friends, because it’s not like she can go to school and play with her friends like an average 10-year-old,” Rafael said. “We’ve had to go out of our way, and bike the neighborhood and find other kids to play with.”
Still, Alisa remained focused and motivated. “Her young age doesn’t stop her,” said Sandra Ruiz, a professor at Crafton Hills College. “She was always curious to learn, to explore new things.”
Now, Alisa is setting her sights even higher — hoping to earn a degree in computer science from one of the top universities in the country. “I’m going to plan on transferring to, hopefully, Stanford,” she told KABC. “I’ve applied there a couple months ago, and I’m awaiting a response.” Her father, still in awe, added: “She’s only getting started.”
According to California Community Colleges, the prodigy from San Bernardino will cross the stage with a GPA “close” to a 4.0.
When asked what drives her, Alisa told KABC, “It’s very fun to me — almost as fun as playing outside or riding a bike or whatever. I just enjoy learning.”
Her father, Rafael Perales, explained how her academic journey began unusually early. “We were working from eight in the morning until four in the afternoon, and we did that six days a week. It was a lot of work,” he told KABC, sharing that he began homeschooling her at just 1 year old, supported by an inheritance that allowed him to stay home full-time.
By the time Alisa was 5, she was already reading books and doing algebra. At 8, she officially enrolled in Crafton Hills College.
Her presence in college classrooms didn’t go unnoticed. “Her classmates would often assume I was the student and she was tagging along,” Rafael told KABC.
On Facebook, California Community Colleges posted a photo of Alisa along with a celebratory message: “CONGRATULATIONS to Alisa Perales, a 10-year-old scholar who will make history as Crafton Hills College’s youngest graduate! Alisa will cross the stage with not one but two associate degrees — one in multiple sciences and another in mathematics — joining hundreds of Roadrunners who will become Crafton alumni. Her final GPA will be ‘close’ to a 4.0.”
But despite her brilliance, the path wasn’t always easy. “We’ve had some challenges finding friends, because it’s not like she can go to school and play with her friends like an average 10-year-old,” Rafael said. “We’ve had to go out of our way, and bike the neighborhood and find other kids to play with.”
Still, Alisa remained focused and motivated. “Her young age doesn’t stop her,” said Sandra Ruiz, a professor at Crafton Hills College. “She was always curious to learn, to explore new things.”
Now, Alisa is setting her sights even higher — hoping to earn a degree in computer science from one of the top universities in the country. “I’m going to plan on transferring to, hopefully, Stanford,” she told KABC. “I’ve applied there a couple months ago, and I’m awaiting a response.” Her father, still in awe, added: “She’s only getting started.”
You may also like
Murshidabad violence: 'Hindu families were marked and kept under close watch,' alleges BJP
IPL 2025: After removal from Indian team, Abhishek Nayar re-joins KKR support staff
Mason Greenwood saga escalates as Marseille chief issues furious response to bust-up claims
Man United star Kobbie Mainoo reveals shock Tottenham connection amid summer transfer links
J&K ACB arrests three engineers over illegally issuing building permission
