Meet Suborno Isaac Bari, the New York mathematics prodigy who began reciting the periodic table at 2, skipped five school grades and graduated high school at just 12

Some students stand out because of their academic performance, while others progress through their education at a pace far beyond their peers. Suborno Isaac Bari belongs to the latter group. The New York mathematics prodigy has achieved a series of academic milestones from an exceptionally young age, with his family and teachers playing an important role in his journey.

An extraordinary start to education

Bari’s abilities became noticeable when he was still a kid. He spoke his first words at six months old and, by the time he was 2, had memorized the periodic table.

His academic development continued rapidly as he advanced through school. Bari skipped two sets of grades during his education: he moved directly from fourth to eighth grade and later progressed from ninth to 12th grade.


At 12, he graduated from a Long Island high school. He was described as the youngest scholar to earn a diploma from his alma mater.

From high school to NYU

Bari’s academic journey did not end with high school graduation. He was set to attend New York University (NYU) to study mathematics and physics on a full scholarship.

He also became the youngest person ever admitted to NYU.

His accomplishments extend beyond his own studies. According to a report by the New York Post, Bari has written two books and taught college classes in India. He has also delivered lectures overseas.

Credit to his parents and teachers

Despite his remarkable academic record, Bari has emphasized the role played by the people who supported him.

Speaking to “NewsNation Prime,” he described his achievements as extraordinary and expressed appreciation for his family and school administration.

“It’s actually a miracle. I can’t believe something of this magnitude has happened to me,” he said. “I’m so grateful for not only my parents but for the school administration that allowed this to happen.”

His parents have also helped him maintain some sense of normalcy while pursuing an unusual education. They drive him to and from his classes, allowing him to live a semi-normal pre-teen life despite attending classes on a college campus.

Why Bari prefers hands-on learning

Bari has said that he looks for learning environments where he can participate more directly rather than simply sit through traditional lectures.

He has connected this preference to his long-term ambition of becoming a professor of mathematics and science.

“That’s why I drop out of every class that I see that has a lecture hall. It’s just so disengaging to me,” he said. “The professor never cares about you, personally.”

His experience as a student has also shaped his vision for his future career. He wants to become an educator who is actively involved in helping students learn.

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A goal of making education accessible

Bari has said he hopes to use his knowledge to help people who may not have sufficient access to education or educational resources.

“I feel there are so many people out there who need that education, who need that resource, but just don’t have the time, just don’t have the money or the resources to have it,” Bari mentioned.

“With tuition driving higher and higher nowadays, I want to be a resource for those who really need it,” he cited.

His ambition is similarly focused on helping others understand mathematics and science. Speaking to ABC 7, Bari said, “(I want to) help people around the world understand maths and science. My goal is to be a professor and try to help those in need of a good resource,” Suborno told ABC 7.

His father's role in his demanding schedule

Bari has publicly thanked his father, Rashidul Bari, for the considerable effort involved in supporting his education.

In a Facebook post, he explained the daily journeys his father made between his various educational commitments.

“My dad worked for me like a cab driver: every day, he drove me from Malverne High School to Stony Brook University (40 miles) and then from Stony Brook University to NYU (60 miles) and then NYU to home (20 miles). Even cab drivers don't drive 120 miles every day. Thank you, dad,” he further said.

The account highlights the extent of family involvement behind Bari’s unusual academic schedule.

His mother noticed he was different

Bari’s mother, Shaheda Bari, has also spoken about recognizing his unusual abilities while he was growing up.

Speaking to ABC 7, she said, “He was always one step forward, and then I talked to my husband and said he was like different. He's not like other kids.”

Her comments reflect the difference his parents observed in his development compared with other children.

Teachers also recognized his abilities

Bari’s academic abilities have attracted attention from his teachers as well.

Patrick Nolan, his AP chemistry teacher, told the outlet that the school had previously educated students who went on to prestigious universities, but said Bari stood apart from those earlier examples.

“We've had some smart cookies in these halls and sent some kids on to Princeton and Harvard. We've sent some heavy hitters to some great schools and Suborno is just a unique case,” Patrick Nolan, his AP chemistry teacher, told the outlet.

Looking ahead

From memorizing the periodic table at age 2 to completing high school at 12 and preparing to study mathematics and physics at NYU, Bari’s educational path has been unusually accelerated.

Alongside his academic accomplishments, he has spoken about a larger goal: becoming a professor who can make mathematics and science more accessible to people who need educational support. His parents and teachers have remained an important part of that journey, helping him navigate an academic path that has moved well beyond the conventional school experience for someone his age.

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FAQs:

1. Who is Suborno Isaac Bari?

Suborno Isaac Bari is a New York mathematics prodigy known for his accelerated academic journey. He graduated from high school at the age of 12.

2. How old was Bari when he memorized the periodic table?

Bari memorized the periodic table when he was 2 years old. His early abilities became part of his remarkable academic journey.