LeBron James announces plans to open a public school in his hometown

LeBron James is feeling proud lately, but that surprisingly has very little to do with his accomplishments on the basketball court.

This past week, the Cleveland Cavaliers player announced that he will officially be opening his “I Promise” public school in his hometown of Akron, Ohio—something that he refers to as “the most important” thing he’s accomplished in his career thus far.

“Besides having three kids and marrying my wife, putting my mom in a position where she never has to worry about anything ever again for the rest of her life, this is right up there,” James shared with reporters this past Thursday (Nov. 30). “Championships, MVPs, I mean points, rebounds and assists, that stuff if whatever. But for me to be able to open up a school and give back to my inner city, so many kids that I know because I was those kids.”

As reported, the Akron School Board approved a plan for a new public school in partnership with the Cavs player’s foundation.

Per the LeBron James Family Foundation, the school’s mission is to target kids at risk of falling behind. The school, which is set to open next fall, will first open up for third and fourth-grade students, with plans to expand in the future.

“I walked those streets, and it was just like there’s no way I’m going to be able to get out of this situation,” James said, speaking on his inspiration to open the school. “I just thought about that every day. I had dreams and I had mentors, and they allowed my dreams to become who I am today. People can talk about everything else besides that, but they can never take away what I’m able to do for my hometown and people all around the world. That’s what means to me more than anything. The basketball thing, I love it and I enjoy it, but to give back and open up a school, that’s something that will last way beyond my years.”

See LeBron James’ tweet celebrating the good news below.