UPDATE: Lake County is celebrating the remarkable achievements of sisters Pearle and Gigi Albert, who have both been accepted into the prestigious high-IQ organization American Mensa after impressively high scores on childhood intelligence tests. The announcement comes just months after the girls, aged 5 and 9, completed their assessments earlier in July 2023.
While their IQ scores soar, these young girls are still enjoying the simple pleasures of childhood—playing with their pet bunny Luna, watching cartoons, and spending time with friends. Parents Mark and Tara Albert emphasize the importance of a balanced upbringing, stating, “We want them to grow up like regular kids.”
The journey began with Pearle, whose exceptional abilities in reading and math led her parents to seek testing. Her score of 140 places her in the 99th percentile, prompting Gigi to pursue her own evaluation, resulting in similarly impressive results. The family has recently received Pearle’s Mensa membership card and is awaiting Gigi’s.
With a keen awareness of their daughters’ unique needs, the Alberts are committed to providing an enriching environment without overwhelming them. Despite recommendations for a gifted school, the family has opted to keep Pearle in private school while Gigi continues in public school, focusing on ensuring both girls are academically challenged and engaged.
“We want our kids to be happy and looking forward to school,” Mark Albert stated. “If they’re not happy, they won’t participate or concentrate.” Their approach includes a variety of after-school activities such as violin, piano, martial arts, and horseback riding, ensuring a well-rounded experience.
Despite potential challenges facing gifted children, the sisters have seamlessly integrated into their social circles. Pearle is recognized as a leader among her classmates, and both girls maintain active friendships. “It’s not what you would think of when you think of an overly intelligent child,” Mark noted, highlighting their friendly and social nature.
As the sisters continue to explore their interests, including a love for the upcoming “Zootopia” movie and the popular “KPop Demon Hunters,” their aspirations for the future are evident. Gigi has already expressed her ambition to attend an Ivy League university, showcasing a drive that is both inspiring and promising.
The Albert family is eager to connect with other families of gifted children through Mensa, seeking resources and community support. As Pearle and Gigi navigate their academic journeys, their parents remain committed to fostering both their intellectual growth and emotional well-being, ensuring they truly enjoy the experience of childhood.
This story highlights the balance between nurturing extraordinary talent and preserving the joys of growing up. As the world watches these young geniuses, the Alberts are paving the way for a new generation of bright minds, reminding us all that happiness and intelligence can coexist.
