“A powerful reminder of the value of alternative thinking that can lead to successful action and advocacy.”

Kevin D. Cordi, Asst. Prof. of Education and Literacy, Ohio University Lancaster

Welcome to Commie High

Directed and Produced by Donald Harrison

53 minutes | SDH captions | Scene Selection

Welcome To Commie High explores an experiment in public education: Community High School in Ann Arbor, Michigan.


The film begins by documenting the school's humanistic, anti-establishment origins in the early 1970s. By the '90s, enrollment demands for this alternative, small school led to a wild craze of long lines, camp outs and convoluted lottery systems for students hoping to attend. Today, Community High stands as one of the last public schools from America's "free school" movement.

Filmed over the course of a full school year, we see how the "Commie High" model has evolved to reflect the world around it and shows us what's possible within public education when "no" is not the standard answer.


Welcome to Commie High is now available on DVD with public performance rights for purchase and rental by schools, libraries, and other organizations. Academic streaming can be licensed from Docuseek. Campus and community groups interested in hosting a community screening can book now through Bullfrog Communities.

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Watch the Welcome To Commie High trailer on Vimeo

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“Moving, illuminating, instructive, and inspiring! This extraordinary documentary illuminates possibility...Every parent and teacher, administrator and policy maker, every high school student, and anyone who cares about the sorry state of our schools and wants to work for something better should see this film.”

Bill Ayers, Author, To Teach: The Journey of a Teacher and Teaching Toward Freedom: Moral Reflection and Ethical Action in the Classroom


Welcome to Commie High shines a spotlight on alternative education, illuminating the powerful possibilities for learning, growing and relating within community. That Community High has endured, and is actually thriving, demonstrates that students and families are seeking choice. Educators, social scientists, historians and community activists will be inspired by this film to re-commit to a vision for holistic education that respects adolescent development, progressivism, and relationships in the context of community.”

Mary Jane Eisenhauer, EdD, Executive Director, First Things First Porter County, Professor Emerita, School of Education and Counseling, Purdue University Northwest


To order Welcome to Commie High,

visit the Bullfrog Films online catalog.

Order by phone at (610) 779-8226

or email us at info@bullfrogfilms.com

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Bullfrog Films is the oldest and largest publisher of documentary films about the environment in the United States. We define "environment" broadly, and our catalog includes programs on ecology, energy, agriculture, indigenous peoples, women's studies, environmental justice, international relations, sustainable development, anthropology, economics, ethics, and conflict resolution.

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