YUCAIPA, Calif. – In a story that’s capturing hearts across the country, 10-year-old Alisa Perales is making history by becoming the youngest student to ever graduate from Crafton Hills College in Yucaipa, California.
With an associate degree in multiple sciences and mathematics and a GPA “close to 4.0,” Alisa is not just breaking records—she’s redefining what’s possible for young learners.
A Passion for Learning from Day One
Alisa, who hails from San Bernardino, has always had a deep love for learning. Speaking with KABC-TV, she explained:
“It’s very fun to me — almost as fun as playing outside or riding a bike or whatever.”
According to her parents, that love started almost from birth. By the age of 1, Alisa had already mastered basic letters and numbers. At just 2 years old, she was reading full books. By the time she turned 5, she was solving algebra problems.
Homeschooling, Hard Work, and a Big Leap
Alisa’s incredible educational journey was made possible through homeschooling by her father, Rafael Perales. Thanks to an inheritance, Rafael was able to stay home and dedicate himself full-time to teaching his daughter.
But it wasn’t easy.
“We were working from 8 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon, six days a week,” Rafael said. “It was a lot of work.”
By the age of 8, a guidance counselor suggested Alisa was ready for college. She enrolled at Crafton Hills College in 2023, becoming a full-time student while most kids her age were still mastering elementary school.
Rafael shared that many people were confused at first when he accompanied his daughter to class:
“A lot of times, teachers thought I was the student and I was bringing my daughter with me. The professor had to be notified—she is the student actually.”
Social Challenges and Personal Growth
While Alisa excelled academically, her journey wasn’t without its challenges. Her father shared that it’s been difficult to help her find children her own age to connect with.
“It’s not like she can go to school and play with her friends like an average 10-year-old. We’ve had to go out of our way and bike the neighborhood and find other kids to play with.”
Still, Alisa remains driven, enthusiastic, and focused on her goals.
What’s Next for This Young Scholar?
Alisa will walk across the graduation stage this May, but her educational journey is just beginning. She already has her sights set on transferring to a university—possibly Stanford—and wants to pursue a career in computer science.
“She’s only getting started,” her father said proudly. “That’s what shocks me the most. It’s been a short 10 years, but we’ve covered a lot of ground.”
Alisa’s record-breaking achievement is not just a milestone for her and her family—it’s an inspiring example of what’s possible with the right mix of support, discipline, and a true love for learning.