A Unique Approach to Education
Rafael Perales has built his life around the education of his 11-year-old daughter, Alisa. Her journey has been anything but ordinary. In May, Alisa earned two associate degrees — in mathematics and general science — from Crafton Hills College, a public community college in Yucaipa, California. She started her academic journey at the age of 8, and now she's preparing to attend the University of California, Riverside this fall, where she will study for a bachelor’s degree in computer science.
For Rafael, who left his career as a trial attorney in San Bernardino, California, when Alisa was just one year old, this path was a deliberate choice. As a single father, he made it his top priority to focus on Alisa's education. His decision reflects a firm belief that "kids come first," with everything else coming after.
The Early Years
When Rafael decided to leave his job, Alisa was already learning the alphabet and counting into the hundreds. At that time, his other child, a now-32-year-old son, was living independently, working as a plumber's apprentice. The idea of providing Alisa with one-on-one attention and personalized tutoring made the decision easier for Rafael.
Financial struggles followed, but the family managed through the rental income from a commercial property Rafael owned in Yermo, California. He had purchased the property with a modest inheritance from his parents. Despite the challenges, Rafael remained confident that focusing on Alisa's education was the right decision. "I always had confidence that I would find a way to make it, no matter what," he said.
Creating a Learning Routine
By the time Alisa was 2, she could read on her own. Rafael home-schooled her until she was 8, completing the coursework required by California to earn her high school diploma. He selected different curricula and online teaching guides based on her interests and skill level.
Establishing a regular routine was key. Experts suggest that routines help children feel secure while learning and playing. Rafael maintained a schedule of instruction and schoolwork from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., five days per week. This structure helped keep Alisa focused, but Rafael also ensured she had time for fun and social activities.
Alisa often rode her scooter to friends' homes for playdates, and every Wednesday, they visited Disneyland in Anaheim for a weekly break. Rafael also incorporated educational trips into their vacations, visiting places like the Grand Canyon or Mount Rushmore to explore subjects such as history and geography.
Future Plans and Continued Support
Now, Alisa's future looks similar to that of many recent graduates. She is excited about meeting new people and making friends at UC Riverside, traveling the world, and eventually working in the tech industry. She even hopes to run her own startup someday.
Rafael plans to be there for most of these milestones, chaperoning her travel and potentially co-founding any startup she starts. She will live at home and commute to UC Riverside, with Rafael waiting on campus during her classes. This means he is unlikely to return to a full-time job anytime soon.
"When people ask: 'Are you going back to work?' I say, 'Yeah, I might slow down and relax and do something like a 9-to-5 again someday.' But not now," Rafael said.
The Importance of Quality Time
While many parenting experts caution against neglecting personal well-being, research shows that active parental involvement can greatly benefit children's education and development. Studies have found that kids whose parents are invested in their education tend to perform better academically.
Child psychologist Tovah Klein emphasized that the quality of time spent with children matters more than the quantity. "It almost always could be said that less is more for children. They just want to be with you," she said. "It's always about the quality of the relationship and the quality of the interactions."
As Alisa continues her journey, Rafael remains committed to supporting her, ensuring that her education and future success remain at the forefront of their lives.