10-Year-Old Girl Earns Two College Degrees — And She's Just Getting Started

April 23, 2025

Today's good news story comes from Yucaipa, California.

Crafton Hills College is about to celebrate an extraordinary milestone — welcoming its youngest-ever graduate across the commencement stage.

Alisa Perales / Credit: California Community Colleges

At just 10 years old, Alisa Perales from San Bernardino is set to receive two associate degrees, making her the youngest graduate in the school’s history. Her impressive academic journey includes degrees in multiple sciences and mathematics, all earned with a near-perfect GPA, according to California Community Colleges.

What drives this young scholar? Quite simply — she loves learning.

"It’s very fun to me — almost as fun as playing outside or riding a bike or whatever," Alisa shared with KABC-TV. "I just enjoy learning."

Alisa’s father, Rafael Perales, explained that her educational journey began early — incredibly early. Thanks to an inheritance that allowed him to stay home, Alisa began home-schooling at just 1 year old. By age 5, while most children were learning their ABCs, Alisa was diving into algebra and reading full books.

"We were working from 8 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon, and we did that six days a week," her father told KABC. "It was a lot of work."

She enrolled at Crafton Hills College at age 8, and often turned heads when her dad dropped her off for class — many mistook him for the student. Despite being the youngest in her classes, Alisa thrived academically and impressed her professors with her curiosity and drive.

"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."

The road hasn’t always been easy, especially when it comes to friendships.

"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," her dad said.

Despite the social challenges, Alisa remained focused and determined. Now, with graduation in sight, she’s already planning her next steps.

"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."

Meet 10-year-old Alisa Perales in the video below: