Flunked is the story of schools that are breaking the mediocre mold of American education by attaining superior results in college preparedness, test scores, and graduation rates. Discovering that one size truly does not fit all, these schools and their administrators, teachers, and students are finding different ways to make education work in their neighborhoods. Narrated by Joe Mantegna.

Results of national and international tests show that our students are falling further and further behind. The average American student is no longer able to compete with foreign students, and in many cases, they're failing to meet even basic academic standards. Success rates are plummeting, and remediation and dropout rates are skyrocketing. Students entering the current American education system are in for a grim ride. It truly is a national scandal. One size does not fit all.

Complaining about the problem is easy, but it produces few productive results -- especially when many schools nationwide are truly "getting it right." Flunked is the story of these schools--their founders, leaders, and students--who are breaking the mediocre mold by attaining great results in terms of college preparation, high test scores, and graduating competent workers for tomorrow's economy. Discovering that one size truly does not fit all, they are finding different ways to make it work in their area, with their students.

The main characters of Flunked are our "heroes," men and women from all walks of life--parents, teachers, principals, business professionals--who are making a difference to our students. These individuals have defied the odds, pressed the system, and succeeded in seemingly impossible situations. Through it all, they have proven that solutions in education are available here and now, if we will only follow their examples.