A year inside Oak Park and River Forest High School, one of Chicago's most progressive and diverse public schools. Students, faculty, and families tackle challenges concerning race, culture, and education.
EPISODE 1
What's the Big Deal About Oak Park?
The school year at OPRF begins for Grant, Tiara, Charles, Terrence, and Ke'Shawn. Controversy over a Black Lives Matter assembly still reverberates, as the school confronts years of racial inequities.
EPISODE 2
Stranger in a Room
Teacher Stovall intervenes in Ke'Shawn's academic struggles, as his mother shares her own troubled past at OPRF. Kendale and Chanti grapple with identity, and the Homecoming dance is special for Grant.
EPISODE 3
There is No Pain That Compares to the Struggle
Kendale fights to become a starter as Chanti fights emotional trauma. Jess Stovall takes on the principal, and Jada takes on a teacher. OPRF's football team faces a big game with a score to settle.
EPISODE 4
There's Nothing Funny About Race!
Jada's teacher conflict intensifies, and Ke'Shawn's grade is threatened. Grant pursues first love. Meanwhile, Terrence prefers Halloween to school, as Charles and Chanti audition for the poetry slam team.
EPISODE 5
I Don't Have to Think About Being White
White students Caroline and Brendan join the story. Jada's film gets mixed reviews, and Christmas lights up Kendale's home while Ke'Shawn's family may lose theirs.
EPISODE 6
Listen to the Poem!
Jada clashes with a junior over her new film. Brendan recalls a racially charged basketball past, and Tiara and the cheerleaders go for gold. Charles' poetry slam team faces an epic challenge.
Steve James
Bing Liu
Rebecca Parrish
Kevin Shaw
John Condne
Justine Nagan
Gordon Quinn
Risé Sanders-Weir
Jeff Skoll
Betsy Steinberg