Promising Results

Just a couple years ago, it was an ambitious idea with education-changing implications. Two Springs ago, it was an announcement driven by hope and community support. Months later, it was an approved design from the Board of Education. In the millions of hours, minutes and seconds since, it has become a home, a safe-haven and a lightning rod for change. Today, it is the I PROMISE School where students and families are loved and incredible growth is happening.

The 3^rd and 4^th graders’ winter MAP test scores are in and the proof is in the data. According to Akron Public School’s Office of School Improvement, 90% of IPS students - who started the school year one and two years behind grade level - met or exceeded their expected growth in math and reading.

Our 3^rd graders as a whole jumped from the 1^st percentile to the 18^th percentile in math and from the 1^st percentile to the 9^th percentile in reading. Our 4^th graders collectively moved from the 2^nd percentile to the 30^th percentile in math and from the 1^st percentile to the 16^th percentile in reading. This shows IPS students are mastering the skills necessary to perform at higher levels than they had been previously. 

In theory, resources such as social emotional supports, full services for families – including medical and mental healthcare, job and GED opportunities, food, mentorship, and financial literacy – and smaller class sizes, longer school days, and additional academic interventions are not novel concepts. And in reality, the factors that mean the most to our students – like hugs and high fives, words of encouragement, true compassion and concern – come for free. But the environment of trust, care, and unwavering support created at IPS has shifted mindsets and renewed dreams. It has created a culture change that values every individual involved. From the teachers and staff to the students and parents, and every community partner and believer in between, IPS has formed a family unit full of promise, now with the numbers that indicate we are on the right track.

You can read more about the I PROMISE School’s promising results in the New York Times here.

And no one is prouder of the kids in Akron than LeBron, who shared a special message for his students with the world here.