LeBron James’ I Promise School, launched in 2018 to assist at-risk children in Akron, Ohio, continues to struggle with academic performance, according to recent data from the Ohio Department of Education. Although some improvement has been noted, the school’s achievement scores remain alarmingly low. For instance, in the 2024-2025 academic year, only two out of 75 seventh graders passed the state math proficiency test, yielding a mere 2.7% success rate compared to a statewide average of 50%. The performance indicators highlight persistent difficulties, with most grades displaying proficiency rates within the single digits to low teens, significantly trailing the state’s overall standards.
The school’s students are facing challenges not only in mathematics; English Language Arts proficiency is also severely lacking. Out of 76 sixth graders, only five students achieved passing scores, equating to a 6.6% success rate compared to the state average of 54.5%. The disheartening statistics reveal that no grade level at I Promise has met state proficiency benchmarks, leading to a poor overall rating. The school received a one-star designation, the lowest ranking in Ohio’s school grading system, underscoring the continued educational struggles faced by its students despite its intended mission of support and upliftment.
Despite these significant issues, the Ohio Department of Education has recognized the school’s efforts by awarding four stars for “Progress.” This designation is based on statistical evidence indicating that the school exceeded student growth expectations, suggesting that some students are showing improvement over time. Notably, fifth graders have shown the best results in the school, with 24.4% passing the math test, although this still lags behind the state average of 56.7%. Some stakeholders view this as a positive sign of progress, even amidst the overall disappointing performance metrics.
In the early days following the school’s establishment, LeBron James expressed optimism about its potential to transform the lives of its students who had previously faced educational setbacks. The media initially painted a hopeful picture, with major outlets like the New York Times characterizing the school as an innovative solution to the struggles faced by disadvantaged children. James emphasized that the school would finally shed light on the longstanding issues within the education system and help the children catch up academically.
However, as time has progressed, the narrative around the school’s success has seemed to shift. The New York Times, which once heralded the school’s promise, has notably refrained from reporting on its current challenges and academic outcomes. This lack of follow-up contrasts sharply with the initial media coverage that aimed to celebrate the school’s launch and LeBron’s philanthropic efforts, highlighting a gap in the public narrative surrounding the school’s effectiveness.
As the I Promise School continues to navigate its educational journey, the community and stakeholders remain hopeful for more substantial advancements. While the school’s mission remains crucial, the focus on improving academic proficiency, especially in core subjects like math and English, will be vital for the long-term success of its students. The dual narrative of acknowledging both progress and persistent shortcomings reflects the complexities inherent in addressing educational inequities, especially in a high-profile initiative backed by a global sports figure.
