In the realm of gifted education, nine-year-old Preesha Chakraborty, an Indian-American schoolgirl, has emerged as a shining star, earning her place among the “world’s brightest” students. Recognized by the Johns Hopkins Centre for Talented Youth (CTY), Preesha’s journey is a testament to her exceptional intellectual prowess and passion for learning.
Preesha, a Grade 3 student at Warm Spring Elementary School in Fremont, California, entered the spotlight after her remarkable performance on the Johns Hopkins CTY tests. These above-grade-level assessments, taken by over 16,000 students from 90 countries, serve as a global benchmark for identifying exceptional talent.
Taking the CTY test during the summer of 2023, Preesha’s results propelled her into the esteemed league of “world’s brightest” students. Her outstanding performance in the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), American College Testing (ACT), and the School and College Ability Test earned her the coveted Grand Honors.
What sets Preesha apart is her achievement in both the verbal and quantitative sections, placing her on par with the 99th percentile of advanced Grade 5 performances. This feat demonstrates not only her mastery of academic subjects but also her ability to excel beyond her grade level.
The Grand Honors designation brings with it a myriad of opportunities. Preesha now qualifies for more than 250 Johns Hopkins CTY Online and On-Campus Programs. These programs, tailored for advanced students in grades 2-12, span various disciplines, including mathematics, computer programming, chemistry, physics, reading, and writing.
Beyond the CTY recognition, Preesha is also a distinguished lifetime member of the Mensa Foundation. Mensa, the oldest high-IQ society in the world, opens its doors to individuals scoring at the 98th percentile or higher on standardized intelligence tests. Preesha achieved this remarkable feat at the age of six, scoring in the 99th percentile on the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT).
Preesha’s parents attribute her success to her innate passion for learning. Even outside the realm of academics, Preesha’s love for traveling, hiking, and mixed martial arts paints a portrait of a well-rounded and dynamic young individual.
Amy Shelton, Executive Director of the CTY, emphasizes that the recognition bestowed upon students like Preesha goes beyond a single test. It is a celebration of their curiosity, capacity for learning, and immense potential. Shelton encourages these bright minds to seek experiences that challenge their knowledge, connect with other scholars, understand diverse perspectives, think critically, and pursue their goals with confidence.
The journey of Preesha Chakraborty is a beacon illuminating the path of gifted education. It is a story that inspires not only admiration for her accomplishments but also a reflection on the importance of nurturing and celebrating the unique abilities of every child. As she continues to explore the opportunities ahead, Preesha’s story serves as a reminder that brilliance knows no age and that the pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong adventure.
