Watch Blackboard Wars

Blackboard Wars is a reality TV show that premiered on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) in March 2013. The series followed the lives of the staff and students at John McDonogh High School, located in one of the most violent neighborhoods in New Orleans, as they attempted to improve the school and the educational opportunities available to its students.

The show was produced by Eddie Schmidt and Jennie Amias, with Tregaye Fraser as the host. It consisted of six episodes that aired over the course of two months, chronicling the struggles and triumphs of the school's faculty and students as they worked to turn John McDonogh High School around.

The show provided viewers with an inside look at the daily lives of the faculty and students at John McDonogh High School, as well as the issues facing inner-city schools across the United States. The staff and students were followed as they worked to improve the school's academic standing, reduce its dropout rate, and create a more positive school culture.

One of the primary themes of the show was the importance of community involvement in education. Viewers saw members of the New Orleans community come together in support of the school, offering their time, resources, and expertise to help the faculty and students achieve their goals. This was highlighted in the pilot episode, which introduced viewers to the school's new principal, Dr. Marvin Thompson. Dr. Thompson had recently relocated to New Orleans from New Jersey, and he brought with him a team of educators and support staff who were committed to improving the school.

Throughout the series, viewers saw Dr. Thompson and his team work to bring a sense of urgency and accountability to the school. They implemented new policies and procedures, created new programs to engage students and their families, and worked to build relationships with community partners in the hopes of improving the school's academic standing.

Another major theme of the show was the impact of poverty and violence on education. John McDonogh High School was located in the midst of one of the most violent neighborhoods in New Orleans, and many of its students came from disadvantaged backgrounds. The show highlighted the challenges faced by students who must navigate dangerous streets to get to school, as well as the impact of violence on their mental health and overall well-being.

Despite these challenges, the staff and students at John McDonogh High School were determined to succeed. The show featured several inspiring stories of students who overcame significant obstacles to achieve academic success, as well as of faculty members who went above and beyond to support their students.

Overall, Blackboard Wars was a compelling and emotional look at the challenges facing inner-city schools across the United States. It highlighted the importance of community involvement in education, as well as the dedication and perseverance of the staff and students at John McDonogh High School. The show was well-received by critics and viewers alike, earning praise for its realistic portrayal of the struggles facing urban schools and its uplifting message of hope and perseverance.

Blackboard Wars is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between February 16, 2013 and on OWN