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The Ron Clark Story

(2006, Rated NR, Drama, Starring Ernie Hudson, Matthew Perry, Hannah Hodson)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 12.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Teacher's true story is uplifting but predicable.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 12 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The kids disobey Mr. Clark, vandalize his classroom, bully other kids, gamble, and bet on when Clark will quit. But the students eventually learn to treat Clark and themselves differently. They learn to believe in their academic abilities and to dream big.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Tay gets into two fistfights and is beaten by his foster father. Tay's foster father also speaks abusively about him. Mr. Clark shakes a student's desk with the student in it.
  • Sex:

    Ron kisses Marissa even though she has a boyfriend.
  • Language:

    Some cursing, including "bastards," "damn," "hell," "dumbass," and "bitch."
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Ron Clark Story

Parents need to know that in this made-for-TV movie, Clark's students have difficult family lives. One child is in foster care and gets abused by his foster parent. Another child is the de-facto mom to her younger siblings, as her mother works two jobs. The children have bigger problems than not knowing grammar, and their problems may disturb more sensitive kids or kids who have been in similar situations. Clark also has a crush on a woman who has a boyfriend and kisses her.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about Clark's rules and whether or not they follow them at home. Do you treat each other with respect? Do you speak to each other in kind ways? The movie may also inspire kids and parents to talk about their favorite teachers and what they liked about them.

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate language

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Good Example of Good Teacher

    I thought the movie had very positive messages. The lessons Mr. Clark taught the children; for example, "to dream big", really motivated the viewers as well. Mr. Clarks energy and devotion really produce a wondrous outcome. He changed the students’ lives for the better, he gives them a desire to continue learning.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

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