Grauer School Presents Film Screening of "Race to Nowhere"

Online, September 28, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Encinitas, CA----The Grauer School will host the film screening of "Race to Nowhere", an up-close look at America's school system and the pressures facing today's students on Friday, October 1, 2010 at 7:00 pm at the school located at 1500 South El Camino Real in Encinitas. The documentary was produced and co-directed by Vicki Abeles, a concerned mother who reveals the truth behind the nation's achievement-infatuated societal effect on school-age children. Students are burdened with the demand to become high achievers who excel in academics, extracurricular activities and community service, leaving little time for themselves of their families. School reform has become an urgent national issue in 2010 and the film addresses this topic in a compelling format.

Race to Nowhere is a plea to families, educators, experts and policy makers to examine current assumptions on how to best prepare American youth for adulthood. "As a mother, I experienced the stress firsthand and realized that no one was talking about it," says Vicki Abeles. "I saw kids who were anxious, depressed, physically ill, checking out, abusing drugs and, worst case, attempting suicide. I felt compelled to speak out about this crisis by making a film and giving voice to the students, teachers, and parents. I wanted to expose a deeper truth about our education system. We are graduating a generation of robo-students, unable to think and work independently, creatively and collaboratively."

The screening will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Jacqueline Rush, one of the students highlighted in the film, and Dr. Stuart Grauer, Head of School. A $10 donation will be accepted at the door or in advance at http://rtngrauerschool.eventbrite.com/. The Grauer School, founded in 1991, is a private, grades 6 -12 college preparatory school accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is renowned for its academic excellence, attracting $2.2 million in scholarships for its 2010 18-member graduating class. To learn more about The Grauer School experience, or the continuing Speaker and Film series, visit www.grauerschool.com or call 760/944-6777.