'Race To Nowhere' to be Shown at Local Montessori School

Country Meadows Montessori School will host a free screening of the groundbreaking documentary, Race to Nowhere, at 6 p.m. Jan. 24.

Parents will have a chance to view the video that explores the pitfalls of America’s high-achievement education culture and explores alternative approaches for children. The documentary is hosted by Country Meadows Montessori School, located at 6151 Washington in Gurnee. Child care will be provided. Free tickets can be reserved at http://www.racetonowhere.com/epostcard/6725. Child care can be reserved by emailing tbrooks@cmmontessori.net.

Called a “must-see movie” by The New York Times, screenings of Race to Nowhere have provided a forum for schools and communities to discuss the pressure-cooker climate that dominates American classrooms. The film has succeeded in exposing how excessive homework, high-stakes testing, and a cyclical trap of busyness and competition have led to an epidemic of anxious, overworked, and, at times, unhealthy young people.

Adding local dynamic and actionable alternatives, Country Meadows will host an alumni panel discussion following the screening. Attendees will get to ask questions, share their own educational experiences, and hear from alumni who have been exposed to the excellence-based, but non-competitive Montessori environment.

“Our school only has programs up to the sixth grade,” said Principal Mary O’Young. “So insights from our alumni, who have gone on to diverse educational environments, including those that could be considered high-pressure, promise to be enlightening.”

“Our film sparked a national conversation that continues in small and large towns, cities and suburbs, among people of all economic means nationwide. The home DVD will give even more people—and especially students themselves—a chance to talk about this crisis and to take action for change," said Filmmaker Vicki Abeles.

Featured in the film:

• Dr. Madeline Levine, Clinical Psychologist, Author, The Price of Privilege and Teach Your Children Well
• Dr. Wendy Mogel, Clinical Psychologist, Author The Blessing of a Skinned Knee• Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg, Adolescent Medicine Specialist, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
• Dr. Deborah Stipek, Dean of the School of Education at Stanford University
• Dr. Denise Pope, Co-Founder, Challenge Success, Stanford University
• Sara Bennett, Founder, Stop Homework

Runtime: 85 minutes

Rating: PG-13

Language: English (English, Spanish and Mandarin subtitles)

Color: Color

Audio Format: Dolby Digital

Genre: Documentary

What the Critics Are Saying:

“Must-see movie” – The New York Times

“A reminder of the human and societal costs of our current education system.” – Dr. Jim Taylor, Psychology Today

“Another inconvenient truth.” – George Lucas Educational Foundation

“Must-see documentary.” – Patrick Bassett, National Association of Independent Schools

“A call to mobilize families, educators and policymakers to help disprove the notion that the educational system is ‘one-size-fits-all.'” – Jewish Weekly

“Raises important questions that educators and parents must confront…a provocative, conversation starter of a film.” – Daniel J. Pink, author, Drive and A Whole New Mind

“Fathers, everywhere, please see this film. We need to see it, talk about it, and deal with it.” – Po Bronson, co-author, NurtureShock: New Thinking About Children

“A compelling film about the stress that kids today experience because of high-stakes testing.” – Diane Ravitch, Former United States assistant secretary of education

“A growing grass-roots phenomenon.” – The Washington Post

“Film provides lifeline to stressed-out teens.” – San Francisco Chronicle

“A poignant reminder that straight A's and high SAT scores are not the Holy Grail.” – Katie Couric