Seven-year-old Jadon Prieto of Henry County, Georgia, near Atlanta, is earning recognition for both his academic achievements and character after being accepted into American Mensa, the American chapter of the world’s oldest high-IQ society.
Founded in 1946, Mensa International is one of the world’s oldest and most well-known high-IQ societies, with members in more than 100 countries. The group is open to individuals who score in the top 2% of the population on approved intelligence tests, and its membership spans a wide range of professions, including students, scientists, engineers, writers and other professionals. While membership is generally private, Mensa is often cited as a benchmark for exceptional cognitive ability.
Jadon, a first-grade student at Georgia Cyber Academy, was recently admitted to the organization after demonstrating exceptional academic ability. He was also accepted into the gifted program at his school.
According to his mother, Jadon began reading at just 2 years old and quickly showed advanced math skills as well. By age 5, he was found to be functioning cognitively above the 99th percentile. His parents said that while Jadon has unique educational needs, the traditional public school system did not provide the level of support necessary for him to fully thrive. Since enrolling at Georgia Cyber Academy, however, they say he has flourished both academically and personally.
Jadon scored in the 99th percentile in both quantitative and nonverbal areas of the Cognitive Abilities Test, placing him among the top young learners in his age group. His family says that despite his accomplishments, he remains a typical 7-year-old who enjoys building with Legos, watching educational programs such as “Ada Twist, Scientist” and “SciShow Kids,” and following Sonic the Hedgehog.
He also enjoys soca music, especially songs by Super Blue, Machel Montano and Kes The Band, and likes Trinbagonian dishes such as pelau, roti and callaloo.
Outside the classroom, Jadon participates in taekwondo and swimming. He describes himself as “polite, intelligent, respectful, and confident,” qualities his family says are equally as important as his academic success.
Jadon is the son of Leon Prieto and Simone Phipps-Prieto, business management professors at Clayton State University and Middle Georgia State University, respectively. Both are originally from Trinidad and Tobago. He is also a proud older brother to his younger sibling, Levi.
Looking ahead, Jadon says he hopes to one day become a pediatrician because, as he explains, “I want to help children.”
His family says that while his recent accomplishments are certainly milestones worth celebrating, it is his kindness, humility and desire to help others that truly make him special.
