Accelerating America

5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
The story of a revolutionary school in Rhode Island that gives inner-city youths who are at risk of dropping out a second chance by accelerating their studies. At the head of the school is a fearless principal, Robert DeBlois, who as a quadriplegic knows something about overcoming adversity. If the ... word "inspiring" gets overused, it rarely feels as apt as when watching DeBlois apply his tough love educational techniques on hardened teens. We watch three students - America, Jason and Yazmine - as they struggle through a make-or-break year, drawing upon conviction, pride and humor in order to survive.
  • Starring: America, Rob DeBlois
  • Directed by: Tim Hotchner
  • Runtime: 1 hour 31 minutes
  • Studio: Cinetic
 
  
 
 

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Accelerating America
Price: $19.99 - Includes the Amazon Instant Video 72 hour rental as a gift with purchase. Available to US Customers Only.

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Synopsis: The story of a revolutionary school in Rhode Island that gives inner-city youths who are at risk of dropping out a second chance by accelerating their studies. At the head of the school is a fearless principal, Robert DeBlois, who as a quadriplegic knows something about overcoming adversity. If the word "inspiring" gets overused, it rarely feels as apt as when watching DeBlois apply his tough love educational techniques on hardened teens. We watch three students - America, Jason and Yazmine - as they struggle through a make-or-break year, drawing upon conviction, pride and humor in order to survive.
Starring: America, Rob DeBlois
Directed by: Tim Hotchner
Runtime: 1 hour 31 minutes
Studio: Cinetic
ASIN: B0027GKTFQ (Rental) and B0027GRLUM (Purchase)
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5.0 out of 5 stars (2 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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5.0 out of 5 stars Real and touching, September 30, 2010
By 
Momx2 (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Accelerating America (Amazon Instant Video)
I was just browsing through titles looking for a new documentary to watch when the preview for Accelerating America looked good. The film follows three teens through a last chance school that provides urban youth with the opportunity to complete failed grades at a rapid pace - up to two per year. It shows the challenges most of us can't even begin to relate to but are very real obstacles for these young people. It's amazing to watch the staff at this school care so deeply for these kids who don't know how to care about themselves.
It's reminiscent of the real life Dangerous Minds. I thought it was a beautiful film and while it was painful to watch the hurt in these kids that was masked with anger it was uplifting to see how the Principle, Teachers and Counselor never gave up on any of them.
You won't be disappointed in this one.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing must-see for anyone interested in urban education, April 27, 2009
This review is from: Accelerating America (Amazon Instant Video)
Truth in advertising: I work for the school in this film. But please read on...

Anyone who cares about urban eduction in America should see this film. The filmmaker, Tim Hotchner, follows three kids over the course of a full school year. He captures compelling footage in school, in their homes, churches, and neighborhoods.

I've heard people say that people should pull themselves up by their own bookstraps. But what if you don't have boots, let alone bookstraps?! What if you're just a kid and your parents are struggling just to keep food on the table and a roof over their heads?

After watching this documentary you will have a clear understanding of the challenges urban at-risk kids face, a much better idea just how amazing it is when any of these kids make it to high school graduation, and a profound appreciation of the effort it takes to get them there.

Not only is this a great film in its own right, but the topic is absolutely timely. Even President Obama is talking about the problem of kids dropping out out school. Money should not be an obstacle to creating more schools like this. Our future is in the hands of our youth. We must do all we can to help them succeed.

Accelerating America
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