LeBron James Opens “I Promise” School In Akron, Ohio That Assists At-Risk Students

#LeBronJames is literally making sure no child is left behind by opening up a school named “I Promise.”

“I Promise” isn’t your typical institution; the school which is located in Akon, Ohio caters to at-risk students and helps build their educational and social support. In addition, it will assist parents with career and emotional support.

“We are going to be that groundbreaking school that will be a nationally recognized model for urban and public school excellence,” “I Promise” principal and Akron native Brandi Davis said. “We are letting people know it is about true wrap-around support, true family integration and true compassion.”

The school has joined the Akron Public School district and will house third-and-fourth-grade students. In the next year it will extend to second and fifth graders until it gradually covers grades 1-8 in 2022. “Looking at reading data, we identified students who were a year, two years behind in reading,” said Keith Liechty, the Akron Public Schools’ liaison to James’ foundation. “From that, we had more than 120 kids. We had to put a cap on it so we could fit under one roof. We did a random selection of all students who met that criteria and got to make these awesome phone calls to parents and say, ‘How would you like to be part of something different, the I Promise School.”

James started the partnership with Akron using his organization LeBron James Family Foundation after James and the members of his foundation decided to move forward with its mission of helping kids. The students who qualify must promise to attend school, do their homework, listen to teachers, be respectful to fellow students and learn to live a healthy and vibrant life, according to USAToday.com.

The school is set to open Monday where 240 kids will be enrolled.