THE GOOD SCHOOL

Documentary

STATUS: In Pre-Production

“It was really the most amazing accident, we just happened to move into this school district. But the difference between this public school and every other school that I have ever seen is night and day. My children are thriving.” - Levi

“I never considered myself very religious, but everyone I knew said that this Catholic school would give my daughter the best chance at a top-tier college. We really couldn’t be happier, She has access to a wonderful arts program, musical instruction, and extra curricular activities that are usually only available in college. I was afraid that it would be heavily focused on religious indoctrination, they do teach catechism, but they have done a really good job of teaching the kids about all religions and the larger community,” - Sophia

“I had been a teacher in the public schools for fifteen years. When my husband retired and we moved to a more mobility friendly home and community, I decided to look for a teaching job closer to home. . After years of 30 plus students in each class, disinterested administrators, and paying for school supplies myself because there just wasn’t enough provided, landing a job as a teacher in this private secular school has been shocking. I have 10 students, involved parents and administrators, and virtually unlimited educational supplies. It’s not just about money, the entire school’s ethos is dramatically different, it really is about educating children, where my last school was focused almost entirely on passing the tests and get the students graduated.” - Anna

“The Good School” is a documentary that examines the changing landscape of American education by focusing on public, religious, and secular private schools that are redefining what learning can look like in the modern world. The film highlights schools that have moved beyond traditional models to create environments where critical thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence, and real-world problem solving are at the core of daily life. Through in-depth interviews with educators, parents, and students, it explores how these institutions are bridging gaps between faith and reason, tradition and innovation, discipline and freedom, to build classrooms that prepare children not just for tests, but for life.

The Good School also underscores that lasting educational success depends on more than curriculum or policy. It requires the full participation of families who see learning as a shared responsibility, not something outsourced to the classroom. The documentary highlights schools where parents, teachers, and students form genuine partnerships, creating consistent values and expectations between home and school. It examines how educators are reclaiming their role as both artists and scientists, blending emotional intuition with evidence-based practices to reach every type of learner. By centering on the individual needs and learning styles of each child, these schools demonstrate that excellence in education is not a single standard but a dynamic process of understanding how every student learns best and helping them flourish accordingly.

At its heart, The Good School is about transformation. It seeks out institutions that are creating a new blueprint for education rooted in humanity, curiosity, and community. The film contrasts different approaches to learning, from public schools balancing accountability with empathy, to faith-based schools weaving moral philosophy into modern curricula, to independent schools reimagining the role of technology and mentorship. Together, they form a mosaic of what a truly “good” school can be in the twenty-first century, offering inspiration and a roadmap for educators and parents who believe that excellence in education begins with purpose.

If you would like to recommend a public, religious, charter, or private secular elementary, middle, or high school in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut , or would like to recommend and educator in the tri-state are, we would love to hear from you.