Watch America to Me

America to Me is a 10-part documentary television series that chronicles a year in the life of students, teachers, and administrators of Oak Park and River Forest High School, a racially diverse and affluent school in a Chicago suburb. The show, produced by acclaimed filmmaker Steve James, premiered on Starz! in 2018 and is a deep dive into the complexities of race, equity, and education in America.

The show follows a handful of students, each representing a different racial and socioeconomic background, as they navigate high school life. Grant Lee, a high-achieving African-American student, struggles to balance his academic pursuits with his social life and the expectation to be a role model for his peers. Tiara Oliphant, a biracial student, must deal with the stress of being a student-athlete while trying to navigate the expectations of both her black and white parents. Ke'Shawn Kumsa, a young black man from a low-income family, dreams of going to college, but must overcome systemic barriers to do so.

In addition to following the students, the show also takes a deep dive into the experiences of teachers and administrators at the school. Several teachers, including an African-American English teacher and a white female science teacher, grapple with the challenge of creating an equitable learning environment while also pushing for academic excellence. Meanwhile, the school's administrators, including the principal and superintendent, must navigate community pressure and budget constraints to create a school that truly addresses the needs of all students.

Throughout the show, viewers are given an inside look into the challenges and triumphs of students, teachers, and administrators who are trying to create a more equitable and just school system. Perhaps one of the most striking and important aspects of the show is the way that it never shies away from the realities of systemic racism and inequality in American education. Rather than gloss over these issues or offer easy solutions, America to Me confronts these issues head-on and offers nuanced and complicated discussions around them.

Overall, America to Me is a powerful and important show that offers a rare glimpse into the realities of race, equity, and education in America. Through its honest and intimate portrayal of students, teachers, and administrators, the show highlights the incredible complexity and disparities within our education system while also offering a message of hope and progress. For anyone interested in these important issues, or just seeking a thought-provoking and compelling documentary series, America to Me is not to be missed.

America to Me is a series that ran for 1 seasons (10 episodes) between August 26, 2018 and on Starz!