Little Man Tate is a 7-year-old with a genius IQ. Single mother Dede worries Fred might easily fit in with other child prodigies. Despite reservations, she allows Fred to go to a smart summer camp run by child psychologist Jane Grierson, a former child prodigy. Fred’s studies advance, but as he prepares for a national TV competition, he is torn between following through with his advanced education or building a normal life.