FOLSOM, Calif. — A 15-year-old Folsom resident graduated high school in the spring. Now, he attends a private university in California’s city of Orange.
Hayden Tran, 15, walked the stage in May for his diploma from Vista Del Lago High School, according to his father, Victor. He is Folsom Cordova Unified’s youngest graduate in recent history, the school district said in a letter to the family. Tran’s feat was also independently confirmed by ABC10.
Vista Del Lago is known for its rigorous math program, the district said. Tran reportedly completed an advanced placement calculus class during his senior year.
Victor Tran said his son skipped sixth, seventh and 11th grades, and the amount of college credits he earned in eight AP classes at Vista Del Lago allowed him to enroll as a sophomore for his first year at Chapman University. School began late August 2024.
Hayden Tran said he majors in business administration.
“I haven't necessarily found a dream job,” Tran said. “I want to be an honest person. I want to make a positive change in the world.”
Tran said he doesn’t know anyone else who has graduated at 15, so he doesn’t really know how to feel about it. He said he’s accepted the achievement as part of his life and become accustomed to it.
“I don’t virtually imagine a difference between me and any other student,” he said.
When asked if he took his age out of the accomplishment and felt pride for completing high school alone, Tran said he did.
“Yeah, I guess so,” he said. “I have to grow up. I have to become an adult. Graduating has allowed me to recognize my path forward is college, (and) that allows me to get to my future.”
