Films spotlighting the joys and challenges for students of all ages.
From school supply checklists to signing up for extracurriculars, returning to school – whether it's the first day of kindergarten or entering a graduate program – elicits both excitement and nerves every year.
But as state legislatures challenge curriculums and the education system at fundamental levels, it's more important than ever to protect what and how American students learn while maintaining the community and enrichment that school and education provide.
Watch films exploring the moments we can experience only in school, the influence that people we meet on this journey have on our personal development and success and how education can shape the people we become.
HBCU Week: Tradition and Competition | Local, USA
Available online, on YouTube & on the PBS app
Dive into HBCU football culture. Witness the rivalry of Hampton & Howard, a testament to tradition and spirit, and appreciate the intensity of an NC A&T vs. NC Central game, a match steeped in proximity and pride. The episode showcases the blend of camaraderie and competition that defines HBCU sports, highlighting their impact on African American communities.
Youth Rising | Stories from the Stage
Available online & on the PBS app
In the exuberance of youth lies the heartbeat of change. Beatriz grapples with being “too girly” in the rigorous world of STEM; Omar’s underdog mayoral race captures the essence of youthful idealism; and Sara shares the behind-the-scenes story of young, climate education activists.
Girl Talk | Local, USA
Available on PBS Passport, Apple TV+ and Prime Video
Set in the cutthroat, male-dominated world of high school debate, GIRL TALK tells the compelling story of five girls on the diverse, top-ranked Massachusetts team at Newton South. Often talked over, underrepresented and judged differently than their male counterparts, each girl learns to navigate gender biases, reminding us that equal rights and freedom of expression are worth fighting for.
HBCU Week: Beyond the Field | Local, USA
Available online, on YouTube & on the PBS app
Head inside the heart of HBCUs. Experience the CIAA in Maryland, a cornerstone of Black athletics history, and feel the electrifying atmosphere of Louisiana's Bayou Classic – an annual showdown between Grambling State and Southern University. The episode offers a unique look beyond sports, highlighting the culture, history, and community spirit that define HBCUs.
Curtain Up! | America ReFramed
Available on PBS Passport
In New York City's Chinatown, the theater club of PS 124 is staging an adaptation of the film "Frozen.” As the 5th graders gear up and rehearse for the musical production, nervous excitement and flubbed lines brush up against cultural stereotypes, family expectations, and post-graduation uncertainties. CURTAIN UP! shares a kid’s-eye view of the wonders of discovering art, culture and identity.
School Days: Teacher Tales | Stories from the Stage
Available online & on the PBS app
For teachers and students alike, school is a place to struggle mightily. Ben works to transform swooning preschool girls into dragon-slaying warrior princesses; Donna finishes the school year with Sister-ly help; and Crystal climbs the ladder of higher education, aided by secret admirers.
Road Runners | Doc World
Available on PBS Passport, Apple TV+ and Prime Video
In Montego Bay, Jamaica, three athletes from Spot Valley High School prepare to compete in the island’s greatest sporting event: Champs. The film follows the students over a year while highlighting the historic and contemporary issues of the island. See what it means to grow up in Jamaica, and learn why these young athletes are striving for success that could determine the rest of their lives.
School Days: Student Tales | Stories from the Stage
Available online & on the PBS app
Remember school? It’s where kids learn and where knowledge sometimes comes only after pain. Cecilia battles a learning disability that leaves everyone – and Cecilia herself – baffled; Anna reluctantly welcomes a newcomer who struggles socially; and Furquaan finds that violent solutions have a down side.
School Days | Stories from the Stage: The Podcast
Subscribe & listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more
A year after her story, we join teen storyteller Cecilia Viveiros as she goes to college in New York City.
Class of COVID
Available online & on YouTube
From the first day of school through graduation, three Boston-area high school seniors share their journeys via video diaries, text messages and interviews in this intimate look back at a school year that is sure to shape the lives of a generation.
Kids in Crisis: You're Not Alone | Local, USA
Available online & on the PBS app
The mental health journeys of four young people, told entirely in their own words. Each share their story to let others know they’re not alone and that healing is possible. They have endured assault, bullying and discrimination...some thought about suicide. Through the pain, they found support. They now look towards the future with optimism, and encourage kids to seek support and community.
Our New Normal | PBS NewsHour's Student Reporting Labs
Available on YouTube & on the PBS app
From vaccination and mask mandates to mental health and curriculum protests, students in America are seeking a new normal amid the ongoing chaos created by the pandemic. So what do they have to say about it? In an hour-long special, PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs (SRL) will explore how teens are searching for stability and redefining school life. Read a special Q&A with the co-hosts of the special.
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