It's high time to buck the notion that children from less privileged neighborhoods need regimented, standardized, “back to basics” approaches! Unlike most of their public school peers, Mission Hill teachers have control of their curriculum, and a say in most aspects of school life. Here academics connect to experiences, empathy and exploration are valued, and children with diverse abilities and backgrounds flourish. There are no panaceas, but much can be achieved when teachers have the freedom to teach, plus the support to keep growing. Having documented an unconventional rural public school, the filmmakers of “AUGUST TO JUNE: Bringing Life To School” turn to a big-city environment to give us a year-long look at the inner workings of a successful public school reflecting the ethnicities and income mix of Boston, to further inspire our thinking about what meaningful education entails. Expect laughter, tears, dancing, and freshly baked bread.