According to his mother, Michelle Tanner, who spoke to People magazine, by kindergarten Elliott could read independently, solve fourth‑grade math problems and displayed a strong fascination with science. Because conventional classrooms could not match his pace, his parents decided to homeschool him.

He finished high school when he was eight years old and, three weeks after turning nine, enrolled full‑time at Normandale Community College. Despite being far younger than his peers, he graduated in May 2020 at age eleven with an associate degree in mathematics, a perfect 4.0 GPA and high honors.

Elliott transferred to the University of Minnesota, where he earned a bachelor's degree in physics at thirteen and was immediately accepted into the university’s physics PhD program. He completed a master’s degree in physics at fifteen, and now, at eighteen, he is a PhD student contributing to the Super Cryogenic Dark Matter Search (SuperCDMS) experiment.

His mother emphasized that Elliott has kept close friendships and continues to enjoy ordinary childhood activities such as movies and amusement parks. She added that the family has always placed his mental health above academic speed, believing that a healthy mindset is essential for gifted individuals.

Reflecting on his experience, Elliott urges fellow students to balance study with life, advising them to “take some amount of time to smell the roses.” His story shows that extraordinary achievement can coexist with personal wellbeing.