LeBron James’ I Promise School in Akron, Ohio, is under some heat.
The soon-to-be eighth graders haven’t passed their math exams since the 2018/2019 school year.
Back then, these kids were just third graders.
However, according to Complex, the school was significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which flipped the entire education system on its head.
Everyone, from students to teachers, grappled with these massive shifts.
LeBron’s Foundation launched this school in 2018 to help at-risk students.
And just one year later, the test scores among students skyrocketed.
Brandi Davis, the principal back then, fanned the flames of extinguished dreams.
“We are reigniting dreams that were extinguished.” Brandi Davis
But here’s the kicker: despite this news and the test scores drama, the folks at I Promise aren’t backing down.
LeBron James’ I Promise School Is Still Determined
A spokesperson for the Foundation spoke about the school’s ethos.
“When we started this work to wraparound students through education, we entered this partnership with Akron Public School for the long haul. Because this work requires a long-term commitment, hard work, and a lot of love and care. And that’s what we bring each and every day because the I Promise School is more than a school. We’re here for the ups and downs, and will continue to wraparound our students and their entire families so they can be successful in school and in life, no matter the challenges and obstacles that come their way.”
While some students haven’t mastered grade-level standards, their iReady scores show promising growth.
And when you’re dealing with students who are achieving below grade level, that kind of progress is a big deal.
With a new principal and a passionate team, the school is primed to take on whatever comes its way.
