ATLANTA (MyFOX ATLANTA) - A Lithonia 13-year-old may be the next American idol when it comes to academics. Stephen Stafford is a sensation at Morehouse College and much more.
At 13-years-old, Stephen Stafford is an accomplished pianist and is in his second year at Morehouse College.
Stafford is majoring in biology, computer science and mathematics and also tutors children and fellow students at Morehouse. The teen says he has his sights on graduating within three years and becoming a doctor specializing in infertility by the time he's 22.
"I always loved babies and actually helping them come into the world would be a great experience for me," said Stafford.
Stafford's mother said her son started learning as a baby. Instead of TV he would play school with his older sister. Stafford was in public school for a little while before his mother decided on home schooling.
"It was really based on his ability and that's how it has been," said Michelle Brown-Stafford.
Stafford's ability had him whizzing through advance placement tests. At 11-years-old, Stafford audited mathematics at Morehouse to test his intellectual prowess. Stafford scored the highest averages in algebra and calculus, but he's never had an IQ test.
"They were more interested in what he could do with his capability so the IQ thing became a non-issue," said Brown-Stafford.
Besides college, Stafford is also starting a computer programming business.
Stafford's mom said the teen is still a kid, who plays computer games and takes out the trash.
Stafford brushes off the genius label and said he tries to focus on helping others instead. "Don't stop trying because the more you try the easier it becomes," said Stafford.
Stafford's mother said on Tuesday, an Atlanta software company offered the 13-year-old a job. Brown-Stafford said the family turned the offer down because they felt it was not in the teen's best interest.
