DETROIT – A third grader from Detroit is proving that big brains can come in small packages.
Myles Dantzler was recently accepted into Mensa, the prestigious high-IQ society, an achievement that has made his parents and community proud.
Myles spends his days at Bates Academy in Detroit. At home, he enjoys watching educational videos on YouTube to learn about a wide range of topics, from dinosaurs to geography.
“There’s an underwater country called Zealandia. It’s actually the eighth continent,” Myles said, sharing one of his many fascinating facts.
From a young age, Myles’s parents noticed his giftedness. He asked questions and learned faster than most children his age.
“When he started reading words that I couldn’t read or correcting me when I was reading books to him, I was like, okay, this is it,” said Jamilla Johnson, Myles’s mother.
Myles earned a spot in Mensa at just 8 years old.
“I got one of the highest scores on the IQ test,” Myles said. “It makes me really proud of myself.”
Being part of Mensa means Myles will have opportunities to challenge his mind and connect with others who share similar interests.
“It was well earned and well deserved,” said Elinka Lewandowski, Myles’s reading teacher.
“This gives him a lot of opportunities to really stretch his intellect and that IQ,” added Benjamin Higgins, his science and social studies teacher.
Myles’s achievement has inspired other students to work harder and aim higher.
“I think they’re really excited. A couple of them were asking, ‘What does it mean? And how can I do it?” said Natelege Sims, his accelerated math teacher.
Despite his extraordinary intellect, Myles is just a normal 8-year-old who enjoys playing video games, toys, and spending time with his siblings.
“He’s just a kind-hearted, great kid all around,” said Michael Dantzler, Myles’s father.
Mensa shared a statement about Myles:
“Myles has been a welcome addition to the Mensa family, which is reinforcing the potent education he’s receiving at Bates Academy. We’re thrilled for him and his family.
Gifted youth represent our largest segment of new members and for good reason. American Mensa understands their challenges and tremendous potential, providing a host of resources and a supportive community.”