Opened in 2018, it is supported by the LeBron James Family Foundation and specifically aimed at at-risk children.

[2] In April 2020, a documentary series titled I Promise was released on the streaming service Quibi, detailing the school's first year of operations.

In 2011, head of the foundation and professional basketball player LeBron James was researching the high school dropout rate of his hometown Akron and decided upon review to create the "I PROMISE" initiative, focused on supporting the youth in his childhood community.

[6] During this time, James was absent for 83 days in fourth grade, resulting in a substantial lack of education.

His upbringing served as a motivation to provide future generations of children with similar backgrounds with special support and care.

[12][13] The Foundation has contributed an estimated $2 million in start up costs, though the number will change annually based on community needs.

[17] After tests administered by the Northwest Evaluation Association, The New York Times reported that roughly 90% of its 240 inaugural students either met or exceeded their expected learning goals in both math and reading, making the school the district's most successful.

[21] In July 2023, the school came under the scrutiny of the Ohio Department of Education for its deficient performance in the state's math and English tests.