Riverwoods Sisters Join Mensa: Lake County Celebrates Genius Kids

BREAKING: Two sisters from Lake County, Illinois, have made headlines after being accepted into the prestigious high-IQ organization, American Mensa. Five-year-old Pearle Albert and her sister, nine-year-old Gigi Albert, achieved remarkable IQ scores that place them in the top echelon of intelligence.

The sisters’ acceptance into Mensa comes as a significant recognition of their exceptional abilities, confirmed by rigorous childhood intelligence tests taken earlier this year. Pearle scored an impressive 140 IQ, placing her in the 99th percentile. This motivated Gigi to take the test as well, resulting in her also scoring equally high.

Their parents, Mark and Tara Albert, revealed that the journey into recognizing their children’s gifts began with Pearle, who outpaced her peers in various developmental milestones. Tara stated, “We said, ‘Let’s have her tested,’” acknowledging that many parents suspect their children are gifted. “Parents think their kids are smart. Let’s do this before we say anything.”

The family recently received Pearle’s Mensa membership card, while Gigi’s is expected soon. Although they have not yet connected with other families of gifted children, the Alberts are excited to explore available resources and share experiences with those in similar situations. Currently, Pearle attends a private school, while Gigi is enrolled in public school.

To ensure the girls remain academically challenged, Mark and Tara maintain regular communication with their teachers. Despite recommendations to enroll them in a gifted school, the couple has opted to keep their daughters in their current environments, emphasizing their desire for the girls to enjoy a “normal” childhood.

“We’re gonna keep them where they are, because we want them to grow up like regular kids,” said Tara. The parents are focused on fostering their daughters’ happiness, with Mark adding, “Are your kids happy and looking forward to going to school? That’s probably one of the most important things.”

The sisters are not just intellectually engaged; they also lead active lives filled with extracurricular activities, including violin, piano, martial arts, and horseback riding. However, they still indulge in typical childhood pastimes, such as watching cartoons and spending weekends relaxing in front of the television.

Despite concerns about highly intelligent children fitting in with their peers, the Alberts report that social interactions have been positive. Pearle is described as a “leader” in her class, with children naturally gravitating toward her. Gigi also enjoys a robust social circle, debunking stereotypes about gifted children being isolated or withdrawn.

“It’s not what you would think of when you think of an overly intelligent child,” Mark commented, noting his daughters’ social and active nature. They love pop culture, from the series “KPop Demon Hunters” to eagerly awaiting the new “Zootopia” movie.

Looking to the future, Gigi has expressed aspirations of attending an Ivy League university, showcasing her ambitious mindset that aligns with her exceptional intelligence.

As the Albert family navigates this unique journey, they remain committed to balancing their daughters’ academic prowess with the joys of childhood. The community of Lake County proudly celebrates Pearle and Gigi as shining examples of young talent, inspiring others and highlighting the importance of fostering happiness and normalcy in gifted children.

Stay tuned for more updates on the remarkable achievements of these young geniuses!