Ten-year-old becomes a high school sophomore at Elite Institution

Jet, July 5, 2004

Jake Harris is different from most children his age.

At 10 years old the Harvey, IL, resident has excelled so in his young academic career that he has skipped the first, fourth, sixth and most recently the ninth grades. This August, young Jake will accomplish yet another feat by becoming one of the youngest students to enroll at the prestigious Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (ISMA) in Aurora.

In spite of his genius qualities Jake, this year's 8th-grade valedictorian for the Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School, says that he's just a regular kid who enjoys spending time with his siblings and playing video games.

"I'm like a typical 10-year-old at home. But if you look at me at school I'm like an 18-year-old trying to focus on my work," he says.

IMSA is recognized internationally as an elite residential institution that prepares students grade 10-12 for college, stimulating excellence in math, science and technology. Jake, number four in a line-up of seven children, is excited about attending the academy, meeting other students like himself, and the challenging courses ahead.

"I'm looking forward to being out on my own," says Jake. "Even though it's supposed to be hard, I don't really think that it should be much of a problem to do the work because I'm ready."

Donna Harris, a stay-at-home-mom, says that she her husband John, a cardiovascular radiology technologist, knew that their son was special from the moment he came into the world.

"Jake's mind was very inquisitive from day one. He started to ask questions that my other kids didn't ask," says Donna, who is expecting her eighth child. "My theory is that [his] special talent comes from the Lord."

Besides getting a Ph.D. in math and science from Yale University, Jake plans to use his skills to become an astronomer, biologist, chemist and an inventor.

"I'd like to fumble with chemicals, make up cures, work on extraterrestrial life or invent things for the world," says Jake.

The avid reader of fiction and non-fiction books admits that learning has always come naturally for him.

But for those who may have a more difficult time with their studies, Harris suggests to "study harder, read a lot, believe in yourself and have faith in God. He'll help you out."