‘Spellbound’
This 2002 documentary, which follows a group of students from diverse backgrounds working to win the 1999 Scripps National Spelling Bee, still holds up nearly 20 years later. Come for the competitive drama and “Scrabble” inspiration; stay for the heartfelt stories of eight charming, ambitious kids.
Try with: Ages 8+; Find it on: Amazon Prime; Google Play (rental)
‘He Named Me Malala’
Try with: Ages 12+; Find it on: Netflix; Amazon Prime
History class
‘Jane’
Try with: Ages 8+; Find it on: Hulu, Disney+
‘Apollo 11’
In the summer of 1969, NASA’s Apollo 11 spaceflight successfully landed humans on the moon for the very first time. Now, more than 50 years later, this CNN Films documentary recounts the groundbreaking moment using newly discovered footage from the time that gives new clarity to a familiar story.
Try with: Ages 5+; Find it on: Hulu
Science and Math class
‘Underwater Dreams’
Like “Spellbound,” this 2014 documentary is on its surface about a prestigious robotics competition — but it’s also about immigration, tenacity, ingenuity and opportunity. The film follows a small, underdog team of undocumented high school students who build an underwater robot and go on to face off against MIT, along the way making a case for immigration reform. Note that the film, like the trailer below, includes some strong language.
Try with: Ages 10+; Find it on: Amazon Prime (rental)
‘Chasing Coral’
Try with: Ages 9+; Find it on: Netflix
‘Elephant’
Really, you could take your pick from Disney’s vast collection of nature docs, which also includes “Monkey Kingdom,” about macaques in Sri Lanka, and “Wings of Life,” which focuses on bees, birds, bats and butterflies. “Elephant,” which follows a herd across the Kalahari Desert, is one of the most recent additions to the collection; it also happens to be narrated by Meghan Markle.
Try with: Ages 6+; Find it on: Disney+
Social studies class
‘Babies’
Released in 2010 — and not to be confused with the similarly adorable Netflix docuseries of the same name — this documentary chronicles one year in the life of infants in four different parts of the world: Mongolia, Namibia, Japan and the US. It’s not only a heartwarming look at human development but a window to the wider world, which might be particularly welcomed for families sheltering in place.
Try with: Ages 7+; Find it on: Starz; Amazon Prime (rental)
‘Elián’
Try with: Ages 12+; Find it on: CNNgo