Watch I Am a Promise: The Children of Stanton Elementary School

This documentary follows a year in the life of Susan and Alan Raymond, who spent time filming daily interactions between students and teachers in classrooms at Stanton Elementary School, a middle school located in a tough, impoverished South Philadelphia neighborhood. The film won an award as a "Best Documentary Feature." Viewers have described it as so captivating and emotionally engaging that it is "impossible" to turn off. The documentary follows the principal and teachers as they explore creative ways to help youngsters gain a better education. Many of the children make a strong effort to learn, triumphing over environmental disadvantages.