LeBron James’ school test scores reveal varied outcomes of celebrity education.
Akron Charter School Struggles with Student Proficiency
A charter school in Akron, Ohio, funded by the LeBron James Family Foundation, recently made headlines for its low student proficiency rates in English and math. The I Promise Academy, despite its celebrity backing, has faced challenges in achieving academic success.
Celebrity-Funded Charter Schools Face Mixed Results
Celebrity-funded charter schools, like the I Promise Academy, operate independently of the regular public school system and receive substantial funding. However, the recent test results have brought attention to the mixed track record of these schools.
Importance of Parental Involvement in Student Achievement
Terry Schilling, the president of the American Principles Project, emphasizes that parental involvement is crucial for educational success. He points out that despite the higher funding, these elite-run, celebrity schools are performing worse than public schools. Schilling believes that engaged and loving parents play a vital role in their children’s achievements.
Higher Standards for Celebrity-Funded Schools
Caroline Moore, the vice president of Parents Defending Education, acknowledges the shortcomings of celebrity-funded schools. However, she argues that these schools often face higher standards due to their famous benefactors. Moore believes that instead of blaming the schools, all districts should focus on helping students catch up after the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Examining Prominent Celebrity Schools
Let’s take a closer look at how some well-known celebrity schools have fared:
LeBron James’s I Promise Academy in Akron, Ohio
According to the Ohio Department of Education’s report card, the I Promise Academy’s proficiency rates in math and English language arts are significantly lower than the state average. The school struggles across all grade levels, with minimal proficiency rates in various subjects.
Jalen Rose Leadership Academy in Detroit
The Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, supported by NBA legend Jalen Rose, boasts impressive graduation and college acceptance rates. However, state assessments reveal low proficiency rates in math and English language arts.
Sean “Diddy” Combs’s Capital Preparatory School in Harlem, New York
Capital Preparatory Charter School, founded by rapper Sean ”Diddy” Combs, has shown better academic performance compared to other celebrity schools. The school has achieved higher proficiency rates in English language arts, math, and science.
Pitbull’s Slam Academies
Rap artist Pitbull’s Slam Academies, with multiple locations across Florida, Arizona, Nevada, and Georgia, have aligned with state averages in terms of student achievement. While the schools have formed valuable partnerships, math proficiency remains a challenge.
Overall, these examples highlight the complexities and varying outcomes of celebrity-funded charter schools. While some have struggled to improve student outcomes despite ample funding, others have shown more promising results.
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