Portman told Marie Claire in 2009 she wasn't one of the kids who went to high school parties. Instead, while at Syosset High School on Long Island, Portman competed in the Intel Science Talent Search, which is considered one of the most demanding research competitions for high school students. The Oscar-winning actress made it to the semifinals.

At the same time, Portman was balancing an early acting career. At 11, she had already starred in her first film, "Léon: the Professional." She wore a dress from the "Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace" premiere to her prom. Her life was anything but typical.