Rhode Island International Film Festival 2009

"58 Harrison Lane" is a story about The Woodhall School in Connecticut, a small secondary school for boys who have not experienced success in traditional educational settings. Most often, they have struggled because of learning differences such as ADD, ADHD, PDDNOS, Aspergers, Tourettes and Dyslexia. In many cases, this school is their last hope. The majority of the boys end up at Woodhall only after their families, previous mainstream schools, and often rehabs, have simply given up on trying to work with them. The students are a diverse group from around the world with a similar profile in common: a long history of difficulty in school, low self-esteem and no sense of hope. Individual academics are a cornerstone in Woodhall's great success story. With classes of three to four students, teachers are able to work one-on-one to meet the student's strengths and weaknesses. Woodhall has an astounding record of getting boys that society once called 'lost' or 'hopeless' back on their feet and into college. Each and every young man brings a tragic history of failure with him to the school and the 'miracle' behind Woodhall is that they leave the school with wisdom, self-esteem and hope. These qualities are achieved by means of three very simple acts: self-reflection, accountability and responsibility. The students development these skills through working with their peer groups, with the guiding hand of Woodhall's trained faculty and staff. This 38 minute documentary examines the remarkable growth and honesty that each boy and the greater school community bring to their experience at Woodhall.