Watch American High School

2016
1 Season
7.4 (30)

American High School is a documentary series produced by National Geographic that follows the lives of students and staff at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School in South Carolina during the 2015-2016 school year. The series captures the day-to-day experiences and challenges of the diverse student body as they navigate academic, social, and cultural pressures in their personal and academic lives.

The series features eight hour-long episodes that explore various aspects of high school, from academics and athletics to social issues and relationships. Throughout the series, Nat Geo explores the unique challenges and experiences of students from different backgrounds, including African American, Hispanic, and Asian American, as well as students from low-income families.

The series opens with an introduction to the school and its students, including aspiring artist Alyssa and star football player Taquan. Over the course of the episodes, viewers follow their journeys as they encounter challenges and opportunities that shape their futures. Along the way, they meet other students, staff, and faculty members who provide insights into the broader issues facing the school and its community.

For example, one episode explores the role of athletic programs in the school and community, highlighting the dedication and hard work of athletes like Taquan, who dreams of playing professional football, and his coach, who takes a no-nonsense approach to discipline and accountability. Another episode focuses on the importance of family and community support, as Alyssa struggles to balance her artistic passions with the expectations of her traditional parents.

Other episodes tackle issues like bullying, peer pressure, and racial tensions within the school, demonstrating the complex social dynamics that shape students' experiences in high school. The series also highlights the critical role of teachers and staff in supporting students and fostering a positive school culture, showcasing the dedication of educators like English teacher Ms. Thornton and guidance counselor Mr. Samuels.

Throughout the series, Nat Geo skillfully balances the personal stories of individual students with broader sociocultural issues and trends, providing a nuanced and empathetic view of high school life in America. Viewers come away with a deeper understanding of the experiences and challenges faced by students and educators alike, as well as the structural and systemic factors that shape the broader landscape of American education.

Overall, American High School is a compelling and insightful series that captures the complexity and diversity of the high school experience in America. Through its intimate and often poignant storytelling, the series offers a rare glimpse into the lives and struggles of students and staff, reminding viewers of the power and importance of education in shaping our individual and collective futures.

American High School is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between October 18, 2016 and on Nat Geo

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Seasons

6. Walk Across That Stage

November 22, 2016

It's the end of the school year, and Orangeburg-Wilkinson is still reeling from Dr Peters' news.With just a few weeks to go until graduation, a number of seniors - including Vernon - are still at risk of failing. Can he improve his grades in time to graduate?Following the birth of his daughter, Rendull is adjusting to fatherhood, but a mistake puts his chances of attending graduation in jeopardy.Star pupil, Jalena, continues to struggle to find the funding to attend university, and has the responsibility of writing the senior's graduation ceremony speech. As O-W closes for another year, the class of 2016 walk across the stage and into their new lives.

5. All Hands On Deck

November 15, 2016

As the seniors prepare for their Vintage Hollywood-themed Prom, two members of the organising committee - Vernon and Breezy - are no longer on speaking terms.Student TJ anxiously awaits the results of his expulsion hearing, and makes a visit to his dad - in prison. Meanwhile, Mykenzie gets into some serious trouble and her mum, Linda, launches an initiative to try to help racial integration in Orangeburg.With just days to go before the Prom, Rendull is anticipating the birth of his daughter, and Dr Peters makes a life-changing decision.

4. Episode 4

November 8, 2016

Student TJ has style, charm and intelligence. He also has a father serving a long jail sentence. Determined to avoid the same fate, TJ is working hard at OW and developing a thriving business customising trainers, but one moment of madness throws his future into sudden doubt.With his school basketball career behind him, and no sign of a college scholarship, Rendull is struggling to face up to his responsibilities, including the upcoming birth of his daughter, Harmoni. Can some tough love from his mum - Chemeka - help him to step up to the plate in time for the big family babyshower?As Spring Semester comes to an end, male cheerleader, Vernon, makes an impulsive decision, and school principal Dr Peters is driven to breaking point by some outrageous student behaviour.

3. Episode 3

November 1, 2016

The school's sports stars are busy trying to secure athletic scholarships to college, but for football player Kordel his dreams of leaving Orangeburg - and experiencing a more ethnically diverse America - seem tantalisingly beyond his grasp.We meet Mykenzie, one of the few white students at O-W. Her mum recently sent her to O-W to try to combat ethnic segregation in the town, but when Mykenzie invites a number of new friends to her 16th birthday party, things don't quite go to plan.Meanwhile, star pupil Jalena tries to recover from some disappointing news, and basketball captain Rendull seeks some fatherly advice on his future.

2. Two Dollar Bills

October 25, 2016

In episode 2, we uncover a revelation about Rendull, captain of the basketball team. Handsome, charismatic and popular, he seems to have the world at his feet but a discovery about his personal life throws his plans for the future into disarray.Vernon, a male cheerleader, has moved out of his family home and is sleeping on the floor of his best friend, Breezy. But with a crucial basketball game coming up can he convince his estranged mother to come to see him perform?Meanwhile, star pupil Jalena finds out whether she's been accepted into her dream college, and Dr Peters tries to re-house a homeless student.

1. The Quest to be the Best

October 18, 2016

In the first episode, new principal Dr Peters arrives on a mission to improve grades and discipline, but a mass brawl and the threat of further violence gives him a swift reality check.Meanwhile, high-achieving pupil Jalena begins college applications, but with college fees costing more than a house, will she even be able to afford to go? Male cheerleader Vernon, and star football player Kordel, each prepare for the big Friday night football game. Can a win for the school help to get Dr Peters' ambitions back on track?

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Where to Watch American High School

American High School is available for streaming on the Nat Geo website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch American High School on demand at Amazon Prime.