The George McKenna Story tells the true story of a teacher in Los Angeles who rises to become the Principal of George Washington Memorial High School.
The school and its students are deeply impacted by the presence of gangs and drugs in their daily lives.
McKenna is determined to provide the students with a real opportunity for education and a better future.
However, he faces challenges from teachers who are accustomed to the harsh realities of the school, parents who are either unable or unwilling to support their children, and students who are focused on surviving the dangerous streets rather than focusing on their studies.
After Denzel Washington's portrayal of George McKenna propelled him to stardom, the film was re-released on home video under the title Hard Lessons.