Lake County Sisters Join American Mensa, Balance Genius with Childhood

Two sisters from Lake County, Pearle and Gigi Albert, have recently gained recognition for their exceptional intelligence after being accepted into the renowned high-IQ organization, American Mensa. Their journey began with childhood intelligence tests that revealed remarkably high IQ scores, placing them among the top percentile of their peers. While their accomplishments are noteworthy, their parents emphasize the importance of maintaining a balanced childhood experience.

Pearle, aged 5, and Gigi, aged 9, have engaged in activities typical of children their age, such as caring for their pet bunny, Luna, watching cartoons, and spending time with friends. Despite their young age, both sisters are also developing skills in multiple languages and excelling in mathematics, while contemplating their future educational paths.

The discovery of Pearle’s exceptional intellect prompted her parents, Mark and Tara Albert, to seek formal testing. Tara noted that Pearle exhibited advanced abilities in various developmental milestones, leading them to conclude that testing would provide clarity. “Parents think their kids are smart. Let’s do this before we say anything,” she explained. Pearle achieved an IQ score of 140, placing her in the 99th percentile of the population. This discovery encouraged Gigi to take the test as well, resulting in an equally impressive score.

The family has recently received Pearle’s Mensa membership card and is awaiting Gigi’s card. Although they have not yet connected with other families of gifted children, the Alberts joined Mensa to access resources and community support. Currently, Pearle attends a private school, while Gigi remains in the public school system. To ensure both girls remain academically challenged, their parents actively communicate with teachers and have opted against enrolling them in a gifted school for the time being.

Tara expressed their desire for the girls to experience a typical childhood, stating, “We want them to grow up like regular kids.” Mark echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of happiness in their educational environment. “Are your kids happy and looking forward to going to school? That’s probably one of the most important things,” he said.

In addition to their schoolwork, the sisters have a range of extracurricular activities, including violin, piano, martial arts, and horseback riding. However, Tara pointed out that like any children, they also enjoy downtime. “Any chance they get, like on weekends, they would just sit in front of the TV and do nothing,” she remarked, highlighting the balance between stimulation and relaxation.

Concerns often arise regarding highly intelligent children and their social integration. The Alberts report that both Pearle and Gigi have been able to form friendships easily. Pearle is described as a leader among her peers, with Mark noting, “Kids seem to gravitate towards her.” Gigi also enjoys a vibrant social life at school.

Mark Albert shared his surprise at how well his daughters fit into the mold of typical childhood behavior, stating, “It’s not what you would think of when you think of an overly intelligent child.” He described the girls as friendly and active rather than withdrawn or overly serious. They enjoy popular culture, including the animated series “KPop Demon Hunters,” and express excitement for upcoming films like “Zootopia.”

As they look to the future, Gigi has already begun contemplating her college options, expressing interest in attending an Ivy League university. This aspiration highlights the unique path the sisters are carving out for themselves, balancing their intellectual pursuits with the joys of childhood. The Alberts remain committed to nurturing their daughters’ talents while ensuring they experience the fullness of a regular childhood.