Published April 1st, 2026
BY JADE GRANBERY
While most freshmen were adjusting to their first year of high school math, Eric Zhang was already several steps ahead.
Eric Zhang. a freshman at Carmel High School, has accelerated through the school’s math program and now studies advanced courses beyond what CHS offers. photo by JADE GRANBERY
Zhang, a ninth grader at Carmel High School, has completed AP Calculus B/C, the highest level math offered at CHS, and moved on to college-level academics.
His journey into advanced mathematics began early. In seventh grade, Zhang took a bus to the high school every morning to attend AP Calculus A/B first period, sitting among much older students at only 12 years old.
“Honestly, it never felt that different from a normal class,” says Zhang. “Everyone was always nice and helped me if I needed it.”
But his accelerated path began even earlier. Zhang first stood out academically in second grade, though it was during the COVID-19 pandemic that he was able to advance at a quicker pace.
“He’s got a natural talent for math,” says CHS AP Calculus B/C teacher Andrea Smith. “He definitely would’ve been bored in middle school.”
With the endless hours at home during the pandemic, along with the help of his father, Zhang worked through online platforms like Khan Academy before later enrolling in more advanced courses through Art of Problem Solving, replacing sixth grade math with online pre-calculus and intermediate algebra.
“My dad helps me with math and STEM topics,” says Zhang. “If I had questions, he was always someone I could ask.”
Throughout the rest of middle school, Zhang continued to push ahead. By eighth grade, he was completing AP Calculus B/C, a course most students won’t encounter until their senior year of high school or college.
“He’s a great kid,” says CHS math teacher Steve Nacht, who taught Zhang when he was a seventh grader. “He’s very energetic and eager to learn.”
Though much of his time is consumed by school work, Eric Zhang also enjoys spending time with his cat, Mao Mao, which means fur ball in Chinese. courtesy of ERIC ZHANG
Outside of the classroom, Zhang once spent much of his time preparing for competitive mathematics, participating in national contests such as the American Invitational Mathematics Examination, in which his best attempt placed him into the top 2,000 students under 10th grade nationwide.
Despite his success, Zhang began to question what was motivating him.
“I spent a lot of time focused on competition math,” says Zhang. “But I realized I wasn’t actually that interested in it. I was mostly interested in the awards.”
Upon this realization, he decided to step away from competitions and redirect his focus.
“It’s important to find something you’re passionate about,” says Zhang. “If you’re not interested in something, it becomes hard to keep pushing through it.”
Although he has completed the highest level math that CHS offers, Eric Zhang is continuing his studies beyond the traditional curriculum. He is currently taking Multivariable Calculus, typically a college-level course, as well as AP Physics C: Mechanics, both of which are online.
Despite the demanding coursework, Zhang says the schedule remains manageable due to his time management and organizational skills. When he isn’t studying, the freshman enjoys reading and playing with his cat. He also plays piano and violin, participates in the school orchestra and runs cross country.
Recently, Zhang has begun volunteering at a local hospice center, Jerry’s Place, where he spends time with the residents.
“It’s not much right now,” he says, “but I might play music or just have conversations with people.”
While Zhang’s academic trajectory may seem carefully mapped out, his long-term plans are still uncertain. At the moment, he is considering a future in research and medicine, though he emphasizes his goals are still evolving as he searches for a true passion.
“Things change quickly,” Zhang says. “Especially with technology and AI, it’s hard to know what the future will look like.”
But one lesson has stuck with him.
“If you spend a lot of time on something and realize it’s not for you, it’s okay to switch directions,” he emphasizes. “It’s better to find something you actually care about.”
