11-Year-Old Genius Prepares to Go to College After Overcoming Health Issues and Bullying

VALLEY STREAM, NY (NET TV) – An 11-year-old boy will be one of a group of freshmen who will start at Louisiana State University in the fall.

Joe Petraro, a brilliant kid with a genius IQ, is enjoying summer while he can.

At first glance, he looks like a normal 11-year-old interested in basketball and video games.

But unlike other kids his age, he’s not preparing for high school; he’s going to college this fall.

Joe Petraro isn't like other kids his age. He's not getting ready for high school; he... — Joe Petraro isn’t like other kids his age. He’s not preparing for high school; instead, he’s going to college this fall.

Joe graduated from high school early.

“The exams, the tests, it was easy,” Joe said.

It all started a few years ago.

Joe attended Holy Name of Mary School in Valley Stream, New York.

He struggled and was almost sent to a special education school before being diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome.

The neurological disorder can cause uncontrolled, rapid movements and sounds.

“I think of something and then I say, ‘OK, I’m doing this. Alright, alright.’ And that takes a while because then I clench my hand, like my arms,” Joe described.

The school soon realized that Joe was a genius with an IQ of 168.

He completed high school and junior high school in two years.

“I can’t believe it. I’m proud of him. I just can’t believe it. I’m still dreaming,” said Ozzie Petraro, Joe’s father.

While school was easy for Joe, life outside the classroom was not. With Tourette’s, he became a target for bullies.

But an altar boy at St. Joseph’s Church in Hewlett says his time spent at Mass helped him through tough times.

“It just calms me down and helps me forget about everything,” Joe said.

The soon-to-be freshman knows that academics aren’t the only thing that got him into Louisiana State University.

“I think God is the driving force, because if it weren’t for Him, I wouldn’t know that I’m smarter and I wouldn’t have met all these good people,” Joe added.

Joe plans to study sports leadership while attending classes remotely and dreams of becoming a broadcaster.