12 year old taking Advanced Calculus course online from UIUC NetMath Program

(From Independent Schools) With an IQ off the charts, Patrick Hurst has a true gift in the subject of Mathematics. As a seventh grader at Quest Academy in Palatine, Il. Hurst is currently enrolled in a Calculus 3 course at the University of Illinois via computer hookup during his regularly scheduled math class time. “This particular student is phenomenal in every area.” Says Middle School math instructor Andrea Lifton. “Yet math is his passion.” The special arrangement allows Hurst to stay with his peers throughout the rest of the school day, but at the same time, feed his need for a higher level math course. It also allows him to receive college credit as a twelve year old.

“He has been doing remarkably well,” adds Lifton, who uses her planning period to supervise Hurst. “Although I can serve as a guide as his teacher, he really is teaching himself right over the internet.