AKRON, Ohio-The LeBron James’ I Promise School, established in 2018 to support Akron’s lowest-performing students, faces academic challenges as eighth graders haven’t passed a single state proficiency math exam since its inception. Most students, primarily Black and with disabilities, tested in the bottom 5% statewide, leading to the school being designated as needing targeted intervention.
Academic performance remains below expectations, with only 11% passing the state English language arts test. Despite receiving the same funding as public schools and additional financial support from the LeBron James Family Foundation, turnover of principals and teachers, exacerbated by the pandemic, has hindered progress. The school recently hired a new principal and remains committed to supporting students’ long-term success, emphasizing growth as a measure of progress over proficiency.
