I stumbled across this documentary while flipping through the higher channels on my Uverse. It was probably about halfway through when I tuned in, but nonetheless I was hooked.
"War zone" - Probably not a phrase you'd expect to hear when discussing preschools. However, in Nursery University, a documentary depicting the competitive world of Manhattanites desires to get their children into prestigious nursery schools - it's "Toddler versus Toddler" and everyone is for themselves...or rather, their child.
The belief among the elite is that you have to start your children out early, the best nursery school allows them to get into the best Kindergarten, which sets them up for success when the real application for college comes. These nursery schools are teaching Mandarin to 2 year olds, while half of the children "applying" aren't potty trained and can barely speak English! Oh, and did I mention that cost for one year at the one of the profiled schools is upwards of $20,000?
Two scenes stole my heart.
The first, during a "behind the scenes look" at the selection process one of the teachers laments to the a room full of teachers, " Ugh, did you see (Child X)? She had a temper tantrum and had to be calmed down with a lollipop!"
Guess what? Child X's fate is sealed...not getting in.
The second - When acceptance letters are finally sent out - the film captures one dad literally 'freaking out' and 'breaking down' when the envelopes arrive. To his standards, the envelopes are "far to thin". He can barely open them he's so sure of rejection. This scene captures the movie's theme entirely. (And is hilarious as well!)
It's an interesting look into a world I will never know and be a part of. From the application process through the acceptance/rejection, this doc shines a light on the ultra-competitveness and determination of NYC parents.
The trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pppEdSmTkB4
Disclaimer: I didn't even go to Pre-School.
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