The Ron Clark Story – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Ron Clark Story

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2006

62%

WISE Score

7.6

IMDb

Matthew Perry plays inspirational teacher Ron Clark in this earnest 2006 TV movie that checks all the feel-good boxes but won't blow anyone's mind.

7.6/10

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The Ron Clark Story

movie

TV-PG, 2006

62%

WISE Score

7.6

IMDb

Matthew Perry plays inspirational teacher Ron Clark in this earnest 2006 TV movie that checks all the feel-good boxes but won't blow anyone's mind.

7.6

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, this is a perfectly fine inspirational teacher movie with a solid true story at its core. Matthew Perry is genuinely good, and the message about educational equity matters.

But let's be real: it's a nearly 20-year-old TV movie that feels every bit of its age. The pacing is slow, the production is basic, and it follows the inspirational-teacher-movie playbook to the letter. Kids raised on high-production streaming content may struggle to stay engaged.

If you're specifically looking for family viewing that sparks conversations about education, privilege, and perseverance, this works. If you're just browsing for something engaging to watch on a Friday night, keep scrolling. It's the kind of movie teachers show on the last day before winter break, not what kids choose themselves.

The WISE elements are strong—wholesome, safe, enriching—but the watchability factor in 2025 is honestly pretty low unless you're already invested in the subject matter.

Age Fit

Best for middle schoolers (10-14) who can appreciate the social justice themes and won't be put off by the TV-movie production. Older teens will likely find it corny and dated.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Based on the true story of an inspiring teacher, this TV movie models dedication, empathy, and perseverance. The biographical drama genre and 85% RT audience score suggest positive emotional content that celebrates kindness and mentorship. The premise of a small-town teacher tackling a tough classroom inherently showcases cooperation and growth.

Imaginative

As a straightforward biographical drama, this follows a conventional inspirational-teacher formula without significant creative risks or innovative storytelling. While it may spark interest in teaching or social issues, it doesn't invite exploration, building, or creative expression. The 3.5/5 Letterboxd rating suggests competent but unremarkable execution.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates this for age 12+, and as a made-for-TV biography about education, it's unlikely to contain shocking content. The drama may include challenging classroom situations or socioeconomic themes appropriate for discussion, but no signals suggest violence, sexual content, or trigger warnings. Standard inspirational fare.

Enriching

Strong 7.6 IMDb rating and biographical nature suggest meaningful content about educational inequality, perseverance, and social responsibility. The story of Ron Clark's innovative teaching methods and dedication to underserved students offers clear empathy-building and ethical takeaways. However, as a 2006 TV movie, entertainment value may be limited by dated production and pacing.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

True story of an educator who made a real difference in underserved communities—solid role model material
Tackles themes of educational inequality, perseverance, and believing in kids others have written off
Matthew Perry in a dramatic departure from Chandler Bing, showing genuine heart
Conversation starter about what makes a good teacher and why some schools have more resources than others

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What to Watch For

It's a 2006 made-for-TV movie, so expect that aesthetic—think Hallmark production values and slower pacing
Some classroom scenes may depict challenging student behavior or socioeconomic hardship that warrants discussion
The 'white savior' narrative is present here, though based on real events—good opportunity to discuss complexity of educational reform

Conversation Starters

"What do you think makes someone a great teacher? What's the difference between a good teacher and a bad one?"
"Why do you think some schools have more resources than others? Is that fair?"
"Mr. Clark left his comfortable job to teach in a really tough school. Would you ever do something like that—leave something easy for something hard but important?"
"The students in his class had a lot of challenges outside of school. How do you think that affects learning?"

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