• Alisa Perales, an 11-year-old homeschooler, earned two college degrees through focused learning and parental support.
• Her dad left his job to homeschool her full-time, creating a fun and challenging learning environment.
• Alisa plans to study computer science and pursue dreams in AI, 3D animation, and space exploration.

How Alisa Perales Became a College Graduate at Just 11 Years Old

Alisa Perales is an extraordinary 11-year-old. She will soon graduate with two associate degrees from Crafton Hills College in California. Her degrees cover math and multiple sciences. This fall, she plans to start at the University of California, Irvine. There, she will study computer science. Alisa thinks graduating so young is pretty amazing. She says, “It’s really exciting for me that I’m actually graduating at 11 with two degrees. It’s just cool.” Her story shows how age does not limit what a person can achieve with the right support and determination.

Why Her Dad Left His Job to Homeschool Her

Rafael Perales, Alisa’s dad, made a big decision when she was only one year old. He quit his law practice to homeschool her full-time. He knew from early on that Alisa was exceptionally smart. Rafael calls her “innately brilliant” and “sharp.” The family used inheritance money to buy land, which helped them support their homeschooling life. Rafael wanted to give Alisa the best chance to grow without the limits of traditional schooling. Although many people doubted his decision, Rafael has no regrets. He says teaching Alisa has been a “privilege and an honor.” His choice shows how dedication from a parent can help a child succeed.

Starting Small and Moving Step by Step to Big Achievements

Rafael began teaching Alisa with simple lessons like the ABCs and singing songs. By the time she was 2½, Alisa was already reading chapter books. Rafael stresses that there were no magic tricks involved. They just took one step at a time. He says, “It’s just been step by step by step.” They worked hard every day. People often asked if he made a mistake leaving his career, but he always believed homeschooling was the right path. His steady effort helped Alisa move from basic reading to advanced subjects in a natural way.

A Full Homeschool Schedule Without Traditional Breaks

At their home in San Bernardino, California, Rafael and Alisa followed a full school schedule. They studied from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., six days a week. They didn’t take typical summer or winter breaks. Instead, Rafael made summers special with educational trips. They visited famous places like the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, and Yellowstone. They took some holidays off, like Christmas and the Fourth of July. When Alisa turned 4, Rafael decided to give her Wednesdays off for fun trips to Disneyland. This helped keep learning exciting. Rafael believed rewarding Alisa with fun experiences would motivate her to work hard.

How Advanced Math Came Early for Alisa

By age 5, Alisa was already learning algebra. Soon after, she moved on to geometry. When she was 8, Alisa wanted to learn even harder math like calculus and trigonometry. Rafael admitted he didn’t know those topics well enough to teach her. So, in spring 2023, Alisa enrolled in community college as a special student. This was a big change. While other kids her age started third grade, she started college courses. Rafael worried about how she would handle a public classroom for the first time. But Alisa surprised him.

Thriving in a Public College Classroom

Alisa did not feel scared or uncomfortable in her new college classes. She actually enjoyed being around other students. She liked having a different teacher instead of just her dad. Rafael stayed close by during her classes to support her. Alisa said being in a classroom full of older students felt like a movie scene. She never once complained about feeling out of place. Her confidence and love for learning helped her adjust easily. She took classes in math, physics, and music. She says she enjoys learning new things in general.

What’s Next After Earning Two Associate Degrees

Alisa will graduate on May 23 as the youngest student ever at Crafton Hills College. She will earn two associate degrees—one in math and one in multiple sciences. Rafael adds that if she stayed one more semester, she could earn two more degrees in computer science and physics. But they are not done yet. Alisa’s journey has only just begun. She plans to continue learning and exploring new subjects. Her dad proudly says, “We’re not done yet.”

Alisa’s Big Dreams of Space and Technology

Alisa has big dreams for her future. She is interested in 3D animation, artificial intelligence, and space exploration. She wants to help Elon Musk colonize Mars or live on the Moon. Her father jokes that she wants to “drag me out there, too.” Alisa’s passion for science and technology drives her to aim for the stars—literally. Her curiosity and ambition show that she is ready for anything the future holds.

A Bright Future Built on Hard Work and Family Support

Alisa’s success shows how hard work, family support, and dedication lead to amazing results. Her dad’s decision to homeschool her from a very young age gave her the freedom to learn at her own pace. Starting from simple lessons and moving steadily forward helped her reach incredible milestones early. Now, Alisa stands as a role model for young learners everywhere. She proves that with the right guidance and determination, age is no barrier to success. Her journey inspires others to follow their dreams and never stop learning.