Plot Synopsis

Directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Steve James, AMERICA TO ME is a 10-part documentary series that follows students, teachers, and administrators at the suburban Chicago area Oak Park and River Forest High School, one of the country's highest performing and diverse public schools. Located in a mostly affluent, progressive suburb, the school attracts families of all races and means, many of whom make great sacrifices to secure their children a place there. But even in this diverse and liberal community, ensuring an educational experience that equally benefits all students poses challenges for the school's dedicated and well-meaning teachers, administrators and parents. Over the course of an academic year, the school grapples with decades-long racial and educational inequities, in addition to the challenges that today's teenagers face. AMERICA TO ME had its world premiere at Sundance Film Festival on Monday, January 22, 2018 in The Ray Theater, where three episodes (Episodes 1-3) were screened. Audiences were able to see two additional episodes (Episodes 4 & 5) the following day, Tuesday, January 23. Seven months later, AMERICA TO ME had its official series premiere on Sunday, August 26, 2018 at 10pm ET/PT on Starz. In the series opener, "What's the Big Deal About Oak Park?," the school year begins at OPRF 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.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On Sunday, October 28, 2018 from 9:05-10:37pm ET/PT, Starz premiered the finale of AMERICA TO ME. In the 92-minute season ender, "America Will Be...," it's now or never for Tiara in chemistry; meanwhile, Terrence looks to the future. Caroline wrestles with perfection, while OPRF grapples with imperfect leadership and Kendale, Jada and Gabe celebrate graduation.