Skip to main content

Preston L James II

Background​

  • Healthcare professional with community building expertise
  • Father of 4 children with diverse learning styles and needs
    • 25-year-old daughter
    • 21-year-old daughter
    • 19-year-old daughter (most affected by COVID/technology)
    • 15-year-old son (strong in math, resists traditional homework)
  • Experience with Montessori education for his children
  • Strong network in education innovation space

Parenting & Education Philosophy​

  • Believes kids need exposure to real-world experiences early
  • Supports project-based learning aligned with children's interests
  • Recognizes traditional schools prepare kids for 2005, not 2035
  • Values letting kids gravitate toward their passions
  • Experienced challenges transitioning from Montessori to traditional school

Key Insights from Conversation​

  • Understands stakeholder complexity in education reform
  • Recognizes the failure of current education metrics and systems
  • Notes disconnect between expensive education and job readiness
  • Sees technology's mixed impact on children (especially during COVID)
  • Believes in finding what kids love and letting them pursue it

Network & Connections​

  • Founder of Stemuli (Dallas-based education company)
  • Contact with education ventures in Abu Dhabi
  • Multiple connections in education innovation space
  • Could provide introductions to key education innovators

Areas of Alignment with Alpha Schools​

  • Project-based learning philosophy
  • Preparing students for future, not past
  • Recognition that current system is failing
  • Interest in innovation and real-world application
  • Understanding of diverse learning styles

Potential Collaboration​

  • Advisory role on community building strategy
  • Connections to other education innovators
  • Parent perspective on Alpha Schools value proposition
  • Building stakeholder alignment across diverse groups
  • June 14th Alpha Schools event attendee

Communication Style​

  • Thoughtful and analytical
  • Values seeing physical spaces and tangible results
  • Appreciates innovative thinking but grounded in practicality
  • Open to new ideas while maintaining healthy skepticism

Interactions​

  • 2025-05-29: Met at Texas Venture Forum. Extensive discussion about education innovation, his children's diverse learning experiences, challenges with traditional schooling, and Alpha Schools' approach. Showed strong interest in project-based learning and preparing kids for 2035. Committed to attending June 14th event and offered to make connections to other education innovators. Shared personal stories about his son's Montessori experience and daughter's COVID challenges.