What is the LeBron James I Promise School?
Akron is a proud city, and we couldn’t be prouder of LeBron James and all that he has accomplished. He left a legacy out on the court that he is still building on, and he is leaving a different sort of legacy right here in Akron with the I Promise School. What is the LeBron James I Promise School? It’s a privately-funded public school with big ideas funded in part by LeBron James.
Is the I Promise School a public school?
The I Promise School, despite receiving a lot of private funding from LeBron James and others, is entirely a public school. It would have been easier to start a charter school with far less oversight and still serve the same students. However, LeBron thought it was important that this become a public school.
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The I Promise School officially enters the Akron public school district as the 29th elementary school. As such, it will still have to maintain the same curriculum standards that the public school system adheres to. It hopes to exceed those metrics as part of its mission.
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What makes the I Promise School different?
The I Promise School is aimed at helping students who come from low-income families. It has a longer school day, a longer school year, free meals and bikes for kids, and even provides a clear path to college with a free tuition program. The school will also provide support for the parents of students with GED programs and more. To start with, the school is currently operating 3rd and 4th grade, but will eventually expand to 1st through 8th grade.
Why did LeBron choose Akron?
This may come as no surprise to the locals, but LeBron isn’t a native of Cleveland where he spent many of his best NBA years. He’s still an Ohio native though, and he grew up right here in Akron. This could be considered LeBron’s way of giving back to a public school system that LeBron credits for setting him on his path to basketball greatness.
Where is the I Promise School in Akron?
The new I Promise School sponsored by LeBron James is actually located on West Market Street between Oakdale Avenue and South Valley Street. This also puts it right next door to our award-winning VanDevere Kia location. By situating the school on West Market Street, the school stays close to downtown while also easily serving West Akron, Highland Square, and a variety of other Akron communities.
