A 10-Year-Old Makes History: Youngest Ever to Graduate with Two Degrees—While America’s Kids Struggle in Math and Reading
San Bernardino’s Alisa Perales Is Proof That Genius Knows No Age—But What’s Holding Other Students Back?
YUCAIPA, CALIF. — While many 10-year-olds are mastering multiplication tables or diving into chapter books, Alisa Perales is preparing to make history. Next month, the San Bernardino native will become the youngest graduate ever from Crafton Hills College, earning two associate degrees—with a near-perfect 4.0 GPA.
But her story isn’t just about brilliance—it’s a stark contrast to a troubling national trend: Why are so many children falling behind in math and reading?
A Prodigy in the Making
Alisa began her college journey at just 8 years old, balancing equations and dissecting political theories while most kids her age were still playing tag at recess.
“It’s very fun to me,” she told Inland Empire Community News, comparing her love for learning to “playing outside or riding a bike.”
Homeschooled before enrolling at Crafton Hills, Alisa credits her father for instilling discipline and curiosity. “He pushed me to do my best,” she said.
Her academic prowess isn’t just theoretical—she once used her political science coursework to file a federal lawsuit challenging youth voting rights. Had she stayed one more semester, she could have added computer science and physics degrees to her résumé.
A System Failing Its Students
While Alisa’s achievements are extraordinary, they highlight a disturbing gap: American students are lagging in core subjects.
Recent National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) data reveals:
- Only 36% of fourth-graders are proficient in math.
- Just 33% read at grade level.
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated learning loss, but systemic issues—underfunded schools, teacher shortages, and outdated curricula—have long plagued education.
“When I first started at Crafton, I was nervous… but I met really nice people,” Alisa recalled. Her seamless transition begs the question: Are schools failing to nurture potential in every child?
What’s Next for the Young Scholar?
Alisa isn’t stopping at associate degrees. She plans to enter the artificial intelligence tech industry, a field hungry for young innovators.
But as she steps onto the graduation stage next month—weeks after turning 11—her story forces us to confront an uncomfortable truth: While some children soar, too many are left struggling to keep up.
