Detroit Third Grader Accepted into Mensa, Inspiring Community

8-year-old Myles Dantzler earns spot in high-IQ society, showcasing his exceptional intellect.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Myles Dantzler, a third grader from Detroit, has been accepted into Mensa, the prestigious high-IQ society, at just 8 years old. Myles's parents and teachers have long recognized his exceptional intelligence, and his achievement has inspired his classmates and community.

Why it matters

Mensa membership provides gifted children like Myles with opportunities to further challenge their minds and connect with others who share their intellectual interests. Myles's story highlights the importance of nurturing and supporting exceptional students, especially in underserved communities like Detroit.

The details

Myles spends his days at Bates Academy in Detroit, where he enjoys learning about a wide range of topics, from dinosaurs to geography. From a young age, his parents noticed his advanced cognitive abilities, such as reading words they couldn't and correcting them while they read. Myles earned a spot in Mensa after scoring one of the highest marks on the IQ test.

  • Myles Dantzler was recently accepted into Mensa, the prestigious high-IQ society.
  • Myles earned a spot in Mensa at just 8 years old.

The players

Myles Dantzler

An 8-year-old third grader from Detroit who was recently accepted into Mensa, the high-IQ society.

Jamilla Johnson

Myles's mother, who noticed his exceptional intelligence from a young age.

Michael Dantzler

Myles's father, who described him as a "kind-hearted, great kid all around."

Elinka Lewandowski

Myles's reading teacher, who said his achievement was "well earned and well deserved."

Benjamin Higgins

Myles's science and social studies teacher, who said his Mensa membership will give him opportunities to "really stretch his intellect."

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What they’re saying

“When he started reading words that I couldn't read or correcting me when I was reading books to him, I was like, okay, this is it.”

— Jamilla Johnson, Myles's mother (clickondetroit.com)

“I got one of the highest scores on the IQ test. It makes me really proud of myself.”

— Myles Dantzler (clickondetroit.com)

“This gives him a lot of opportunities to really stretch his intellect and that IQ.”

— Benjamin Higgins, Myles's science and social studies teacher (clickondetroit.com)

What’s next

Mensa will provide Myles with opportunities to further challenge his exceptional intellect and connect with other gifted students.

The takeaway

Myles's story highlights the importance of nurturing and supporting exceptional students, especially in underserved communities like Detroit, where his achievement has inspired his classmates and community.