When LeBron James — one of the most celebrated basketball players in history — decided to invest in his hometown, he didn’t just donate money or build a community center: he helped create a school. In 2018, LeBron James and his foundation partnered with Akron Public Schools to open the I PROMISE School, a public school designed for at-risk students who were academically behind, economically disadvantaged, or in need of intensive wraparound support. Far beyond academics, the school is built on a “We Are Family” philosophy that supports not only students but their families, offering services like a food pantry, legal aid, and mental-health resources. As such, I Promise represents LeBron’s long-term commitment to education, community, and systemic change. This article delves into the school’s origins, mission, educational model, impact, challenges, and future — exploring how a basketball icon is trying to reshape public education in his hometown.
1. The Origin Story: From LeBron’s Childhood to a Vision for Change
LeBron James grew up in Akron, Ohio, facing many of the same challenges that some of today’s I Promise students experience: economic hardship, instability, and limited access to resources. His journey from those humble beginnings to global superstar has always been framed not just as personal success, but as a responsibility to give back. In 2004, he founded the LeBron James Family Foundation (LJFF), focusing on youth empowerment, scholarship, and community development. Over the years, the foundation supported numerous local programs, but LeBron envisioned something bigger: a school.
In 2018, that vision manifested with the opening of the I Promise School, co-managed with Akron Public Schools. The school’s mission was not just academic improvement but holistic transformation — addressing educational gaps and social challenges simultaneously. It wasn’t just about test scores; LeBron and his team sought to create a safe, supportive environment for children and their families, people who otherwise might slip through the cracks of the public school system. By building a publicly funded school with extraordinary support wrapped around students, LeBron aimed to break the cycle of disadvantage he once knew all too well. His approach was deeply rooted in empathy and long-term change: a public institution backed by the private resources and ambition of someone who knows what it means to struggle and to rise.
2. The Mission and Philosophy: “We Are Family” at the Core
At its heart, I Promise School is built on the philosophy of “We Are Family.” This is not just a slogan — it underpins every aspect of the school’s day-to-day operations. The idea is simple yet powerful: education isn’t just about academics; it’s about building resilience, community, and stability. LeBron’s foundation recognizes that many children who struggle in school don’t just need a tutor — they need a network of support that encompasses their home environment, health, and emotional well-being.
To achieve this, I Promise provides wraparound services: students and their families have access to a Family Resource Center on campus, which offers legal aid, a food pantry, GED classes for parents, mental health counseling, and periodic family events. akronschools.com+2lebronjamesfamilyfoundation.org+2 The school model also extends the school day and school year, giving students more time to learn and grow — both academically and socially. The “whole child” approach is essential: academic curriculum is paired with social-emotional learning, trauma-informed teaching, and real-world life skills. LeBron’s foundation sees the school as a generational investment: not just educating children but strengthening entire families, giving them the tools to succeed long after they leave the building.
3. Academic Model and Curriculum
LeBron’s I Promise School is not a traditional public school in the sense that it operates like a standard neighborhood school; rather, it is tailored to serve students who are already significantly behind. According to the school’s website, it implements a longer school day, a STEM curriculum, and a strong focus on social-emotional learning (SEL). ipromise.school The extended hours give teachers more time to help students catch up, and the STEM-based lessons aim to prepare students for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. Additionally, the school emphasizes character education, self-regulation, and collaboration, recognizing that academic success depends on more than just intellectual aptitude.
The school also uses data to track growth carefully. Rather than relying purely on state standardized tests, I Promise uses growth-based metrics to measure progress. For example, in earlier years, 90% of students reportedly met or exceeded their individual growth goals in reading and math assessments less than a year after the school opened. CBS Sports+2goodnet.org+2 This doesn’t necessarily mean students are already proficient — but it reflects meaningful improvement in a short time, especially for a population that began well below grade level.
4. Family Engagement and Support Systems
One of the most distinctive features of I Promise is how deeply involved it makes the family. The school’s Family Resource Center is not just a symbolic gesture; it is a hub of real services. Parents can get legal help, work toward their GED, receive counseling, and access food resources. akronschools.com LeBron’s foundation believes that by helping parents stabilize their lives, students will be better positioned to succeed academically.
This deep engagement extends to regular family events, workshops, and mandatory participation in school functions. The idea is that the school becomes a second home, and parents become partners in the education process. It’s a recognition that educational inequality is not just a function of what happens in the classroom but is deeply intertwined with what happens at home. By integrating these supports, I Promise attempts to reduce outside stressors like food insecurity, legal instability, and lack of opportunity — providing a more holistic foundation for learning.
5. Student Support: Mental Health, Stability, and Life Skills
Seeing that many of its students come from challenging backgrounds, I Promise doesn’t just prioritize academics; mental health and emotional well-being are central. The school operates on a trauma-informed model, recognizing that many students face stress, instability, and adverse experiences outside of school. Joanne Jacobs+1 Counselors, social workers, and trained staff help students through character-building exercises, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation. By addressing these non-academic needs, the school fosters a safe, stable environment where children can learn without being overwhelmed by their external circumstances.
Moreover, I Promise emphasizes life skills — not just preparing children to pass tests, but to navigate adulthood. This includes financial literacy, college and career readiness, and social responsibility. LeBron’s foundation has extended its support beyond the school: offering scholarships, connecting students to internship opportunities, and creating pathways for higher education. lebronjamesfamilyfoundation.org Indeed, some graduates from the I Promise Program (not just the school) have earned college scholarships to institutions like Kent State University. People.com By building a foundation that serves both academic and personal life trajectories, I Promise seeks to change not just test scores — but life outcomes.
6. Notable Successes: Growth, Milestones, and Early Wins
Since opening, I Promise has celebrated several important achievements. In its very first year, according to media reports, about 90% of students met or exceeded their personal growth goals in math and reading. Because of Them We Can+1 This was particularly notable because many of these students had previously been labeled among the lowest-performing in Akron Public Schools. LeBron himself expressed that this early success reflected not just academic gains but the power of belief and community support.
Another milestone was the establishment of a state-of-the-art media lab on site, backed by the Kaulig Companies, which allows students to explore digital literacy, storytelling, and production. lebronjamesfamilyfoundation.org The lab is part of an educational model that values not just traditional learning but skills that are increasingly relevant for the 21st century — media production, collaboration, and creative communication.
In a deeply meaningful achievement, one of the first I Promise students, Anthony Claytor, went on to graduate from college — a landmark moment for the program. People.com LeBron publicly celebrated Claytor’s success, highlighting the long-term commitment of his foundation to help students reach beyond high school.
7. Challenges and Criticisms
Despite its noble mission and early wins, I Promise School has faced notable challenges and criticisms — a reminder that solving systemic educational issues is far from easy. One of the most discussed issues: academic performance on state-level tests. According to recent data, test scores remain low, with the school ranking poorly in Ohio’s performance index. Yahoo State report cards indicate that only a small percentage of students reached proficiency in tests, especially in math. Yahoo+1
Some board members and critics have expressed concern over persistent underperformance, especially given the extra financial resources allocated to the school. wvxu.org There have also been structural challenges: staff turnover has been high, and there have been calls for better support for teachers managing students with complex needs. wvxu.org
In addition, the unique student selection — targeting children who are significantly behind academically — creates a difficult instructional environment. Many of these students begin years behind grade level, and closing that gap is a long, incremental process. Joanne Jacobs Some experts argue that growth is a more meaningful measure than proficiency, but public scrutiny often centers on test scores, making the school’s progress subject to intense evaluation.
8. Funding and Financial Model
The financial backing for I Promise comes from a combination of public and private sources. As a public school, it receives funding through Spokane Public Schools, but LeBron’s foundation plays a critical role in supplementing resources. The Washington Post The LeBron James Family Foundation contributes significantly, enabling smaller class sizes, extended school days, tutoring, and the wraparound services that distinguish I Promise from typical public schools. Because of Them We Can+1
Because of this structure, I Promise can operate with a model that many schools cannot afford: offering more staff, more support systems, and additional learning time. However, sustaining this model long term requires continuous investment and community buy-in. The foundation’s commitment, though strong, must be matched by consistent public support if the school is to maintain its ambitious goals.
9. Community Impact and Legacy
The I Promise School has become a focal point for LeBron’s larger vision for his hometown. It’s not just a school — it’s part of a broader ecosystem that includes I Promise Village (housing), House Three Thirty (a community center), and other community initiatives. Wikipedia+2TIME+2 These projects collectively aim to lift up entire families, not just students, by providing social services, housing stability, job training, and educational continuity.
This community-centered approach has deeply resonated in Akron. For many families, I Promise represents more than a place to learn — it’s a support network. The presence of a resource center on campus and regular opportunities for parent engagement have helped build trust and connection between the school and the community. The model challenges conventional public education: it is not just about achieving academic proficiency, but about rebuilding the fabric of a supportive, intergenerational community.
10. Leadership and Governance
The school is led by Principal Brandi Davis, who has been instrumental in shaping the school’s “whole child” philosophy and ensuring that wraparound supports are deeply integrated into the school’s daily operations. ipromise.school Leadership at I Promise has had to navigate significant pressure: delivering academic results, managing high-need students, and coordinating with the foundation and local district.
Governance involves partnerships between the LeBron James Family Foundation and Akron Public Schools, which together oversee the school’s progress, funding, and long-term strategy. This public–private partnership is rare in public education, and it requires constant alignment on mission, accountability, and resource allocation. The foundation continues to reaffirm its long-term commitment, emphasizing that the work is not just about short-term success, but generational change. wvxu.org
11. Measuring Progress: Growth vs. Proficiency
One of the most interesting debates surrounding I Promise is how to measure success. Traditional metrics of school quality — especially in the United States — rely heavily on proficiency in standardized tests. But for a school that intentionally enrolls students far behind grade level, growth may be a more meaningful measure than absolute proficiency.
Indeed, I Promise reports strong growth in academic assessments, particularly in its early years. Because of Them We Can The school has received praise for helping students make rapid gains from very low starting points. However, critics argue that without reaching proficiency, these gains may not translate into long-term academic success, especially as these students progress into middle school and beyond. The challenge is balancing the narrative of growth with the demand for academic proficiency to satisfy policy makers, funders, and the public. The I Promise model hinges on the belief that sustained investment in growth will eventually lead to proficiency and opportunities for higher education.
12. Stories from Students and Families
Personal testimonies from students and families help bring to life what I Promise means in practice. Many of the students were described early on as “at-risk” — academically behind, with unstable home environments. goodnet.org But in the first year, many of them exceeded growth expectations. Parents frequently share how the school’s resource center has eased stress at home by helping with GED classes, legal issues, or food insecurity. The “We Are Family” mindset is not just a slogan; for many parents, the school feels like a lifeline. Former students who stayed in the program speak of having their dreams reignited: they now talk about college, stable futures, and a belief that they deserve success.
One powerful story is Anthony Claytor, one of the first third-graders in the I Promise program, who later graduated college — a milestone that symbolizes what LeBron’s vision truly hopes to achieve. People.com For LeBron and his foundation, these personal stories are the heartbeat of the initiative: concrete proof that change is possible when you invest holistically in children and families.
13. Critiques, Risks, and Sustainability
No ambitious project comes without risk, and I Promise is no exception. Critics raise several concerns:
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Academic performance risk: Despite growth, proficiency levels remain low, and state report cards have flagged the school for underperformance. wvxu.org+1
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Staff turnover: Working with high-need students demands dedicated, well-trained teachers; turnover can undermine continuity. wvxu.org
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Financial sustainability: The model depends heavily on LeBron’s foundation. If funding shifts or priorities change, maintaining wraparound services could become challenging.
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Replicability: While I Promise is a powerful model, scaling it to other districts or regions with different demographics, political landscapes, or funding structures may not be straightforward.
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Measurement tension: As discussed, balancing growth with real proficiency remains a difficult tightrope.
These critiques are not dismissed by the school or the foundation, but rather inform a continuing conversation about how to make education equity-driven, sustainable, and effective over the long term.
14. The Broader Legacy: Beyond the School
I Promise is more than just a school — it’s part of a broader legacy that LeBron is building in Akron. His foundation’s vision includes I Promise Village, a housing initiative; House Three Thirty, a community center offering financial literacy, job training, and recreation; and healthcare partnerships. TIME+1 Through these efforts, LeBron aims to tackle systemic poverty: not only educating children, but creating stable homes, economic opportunity, and generational mobility.
This interconnected community model signals a shift from traditional philanthropy toward systemic investment. Instead of one-off scholarships or ad-hoc donations, LeBron’s work suggests a long game — building capacity in his hometown so that public institutions, families, and young people have the resources they need to break cycles of disadvantage. If successful, his model could offer lessons for other cities grappling with persistent inequality and under-resourced school systems.
15. The Future: What’s Next for I Promise
Looking ahead, the I Promise School and the broader LeBron James Family Foundation initiative face both opportunities and challenges. Key areas to watch include:
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Academic outcomes: Will students continue to grow and eventually show proficiency in state tests? How will the school translate early growth into long-term academic success?
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Scaling: Can other districts replicate the I Promise model — or is it uniquely tied to LeBron’s foundation and Akron’s context?
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Sustainability: Will funding remain stable? Can the partnership between the foundation and Akron Public Schools adapt as the school grows?
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Alumni paths: As students graduate middle school and high school, tracking their college, career, and life trajectories will be a vital measure of the program’s long-term impact.
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Community integration: The success of I Promise is closely linked with other community projects. The development of I Promise Village, House Three Thirty, and other resources will be a major part of its legacy.
If the school continues to evolve and deliver on its promise, it may become a national case study in how athletes and philanthropists can invest in public education meaningfully and sustainably.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the I Promise School?
The I Promise School is a public school in Akron, Ohio, founded by LeBron James’ Family Foundation in partnership with Akron Public Schools, designed to support at-risk students with extensive wraparound services. lebronjamesfamilyfoundation.org+1
2. Who attends the I Promise School?
The school primarily serves third- through eighth-grade students who are academically behind, economically disadvantaged, or identified as needing extra support. ipromise.school
3. What makes I Promise School different from other public schools?
Unlike typical schools, I Promise provides a longer school day, family support services, social-emotional learning, legal and nutritional aid, and a resource center for parents. lebronjamesfamilyfoundation.org
4. How is the school funded?
Funding comes from public sources via Akron Public Schools, supplemented significantly by the LeBron James Family Foundation.
5. Has the school shown academic improvement?
Yes — early growth measures were very strong, with 90% of first-year students meeting personal growth goals. Because of Them We Can However, proficiency on state tests remains a challenge. Yahoo
6. What’s the long-term vision for I Promise?
The long-term goal is generational change: supporting students through college, helping families stabilize, and building a self-sustaining community ecosystem in Akron via related initiatives like housing and community centers. Wikipedia
7. What criticisms does the school face?
Critics point to low state test scores, high staff turnover, reliance on private funding, and the difficulty of scaling the model to other regions. wvxu.org
Conclusion
LeBron James’ I Promise School is more than a philanthropic gesture — it’s a bold experiment in education reform, rooted in the belief that long-term social change begins with investing in children and their families. By combining a rigorous academic program with wraparound supports, extended learning time, and a deep commitment to community, LeBron’s foundation has created a model that challenges conventional public schooling. The early years show promising growth, powerful personal stories, and a foundational commitment to equity — even as challenges around state-level academic performance and sustainability remain.
The legacy of I Promise will ultimately depend on its long-term impact: whether students continue to thrive, graduate, and build meaningful futures; whether the community-level ecosystem (housing, legal, wellness) grows; and whether this model can be replicated elsewhere. If successful, LeBron’s school could offer a blueprint for how sports icons, philanthropists, and public systems can work together to rebuild and uplift underserved communities. It’s far more than a school — it’s a declaration that, with vision, resources, and love, real change is possible.
