Best Private High School | Bold Thinkers. Real Results. Modern Prep. | Rolling Hills Prep

Experience the Best Private High School at Rolling Hills Prep
When it comes to finding the best private high school for your child, Rolling Hills Preparatory School (RHP) stands out as a place where students don’t just learn — they flourish. Today’s families look for schools which offer not only strong academics but also a community where students are seen, supported, and challenged to grow intellectually and personally. RHP (serving the South Bay, Huntington Beach, San Pedro, and Rancho Palos Verdes areas) is a leading choice for families by delivering on those expectations with a warm, inclusive environment that supports students across a wide range of academic backgrounds.
RHP’s philosophy of high expectations combined with individualized attention creates the conditions for meaningful success. In this article, we’ll explore how RHP’s college preparatory model, student-centered culture, competitive co-curricular programs, and commitment to accessibility set it apart from both public and private institutions.
How to Choose the Best Private High School for Success and Support
Choosing the right high school is one of the most important decisions a family can make. RHP’s holistic approach ensures students are academically challenged, emotionally supported, and personally inspired.
At the core of Rolling Hills Prep’s approach is the belief that academic excellence should never come at the expense of well-being or individuality. The school’s academic program is rigorous by design, preparing students for the demands of college and beyond. But what sets RHP apart is how that rigor is made accessible. Critical thinking, communication, and collaboration are woven into every subject, allowing students to develop not just knowledge, but the confidence and resilience needed for life after high school.
Here’s why RHP stands out:
- Small class sizes and strong student-teacher relationships foster trust, confidence, and personalized learning.
- Challenging coursework builds intellectual curiosity across subjects like STEM, humanities, and the arts, with access to honors and AP-levels.
- Integrated learning support programs help students of all learning styles thrive.
- Specialized diploma programs ensure students graduate with a competitive edge in college admissions.
- Robust extracurricular offerings — from arts to esports — promote personal development.
This is what RHP calls a “modern prep” model—one that integrates academic rigor with emotional intelligence, leadership development, and real-world relevance. For families who want more than just traditional academics, RHP offers a dynamic and empowering path forward. This approach aligns with current best practices in education that emphasize the importance of social-emotional learning and student-centered environments, as the experts at Edutopia explain. Explore our high school programs today.
The Rolling Hills Prep Advantage: Modern College Prep with Individualized Learning
Rolling Hills Prep offers more than just a college preparatory program. It’s a “modern prep” school, combining the best elements of personalized education with a commitment to equity and innovation. RHP centers its identity on values: curiosity, compassion, integrity, and courage. These principles are lived out through daily interactions, classroom learning, extracurricular involvement, and community partnerships.
Core Features of the RHP College Prep Program:
- Advanced coursework and AP Levels in STEM, Humanities, and the Arts
- College-focused senior curriculum
- Leadership development built into advisory and enrichment programs
- Capstone projects that foster independence and critical thinking
- Comprehensive college counseling support
With an emphasis on both achievement and growth, RHP programs offer every student a meaningful and ambitious academic path grounded in a supportive community.
Signature Programs: Stand Out in College Admissions
Along with AP and Honors Courses, Rolling Hills Prep offers unique Specialized Diploma Programs, an opportunity that distinguishes it among private high schools. These tracks allow students to focus on areas of passion while maintaining a well-rounded academic profile. Specialized Diplomas involve advanced coursework, research opportunities, and real-world experiences that help students stand out in the college admissions process.
Examples of Specialized Diplomas:
- Global Studies and World Languages
- STEM and Innovation
- Arts and Design
Alongside these academic paths, RHP’s college counseling program offers individualized support beginning in 9th grade. Counselors work closely with students and families to identify college goals, prepare application materials, and explore scholarship opportunities. With personalized attention, students receive guidance that reflects their passions, strengths, and aspirations.
Rather than being one-size-fits-all, these diploma and counseling options reflect the school’s philosophy that excellence can, and should, look different for every student. With faculty mentors guiding each step, students graduate not just with transcripts, but with a clear sense of purpose and readiness.
Personalized Support: Where Every Student Thrives
One of Rolling Hills Prep’s most exceptional strengths is its commitment to students with learning differences and everyday support. RHP offers a culture where all students, regardless of ability, are valued as capable, unique learners and given the tools to thrive.
Highlights of RHP’s Learning Support Programs:
- The Wellness, Equity, & Belonging (WEB) team works directly with students and teachers to align support plans with classroom expectations.
- Specialized faculty training ensures every teacher can support neurodiverse learners.
- Executive function coaching and workshops help students develop time management and organizational skills.
This kind of integrated model empowers students to advocate for their own learning needs and promotes a more equitable academic experience. For families searching for the best private high school that offers meaningful support and extra scaffolding, RHP offers a community that not only understands but champions every student’s potential. Learn more about learning support at RHP.
Building a Vibrant, Well-Rounded Student Life: Athletics, Arts, and More
Academic rigor is only part of the high school equation. Equally important is the opportunity to explore passions, take risks, and discover new talents. At RHP, the student experience is rich with opportunities for creative expression, creative expression, athletic achievement, and community leadership.
RHP offers award-winning athletics programs, particularly in boys’ and girls’ basketball, and offers a range of sports including volleyball, cross-country, tennis, and more. Student-athletes receive personalized coaching and are supported in balancing sports with academics—making RHP a strong choice for those pursuing D1 aspirations or competitive collegiate recruitment.
The arts are deeply valued and thrive at RHP.. Students participate in theatrical productions, visual arts showcases, and music programs that celebrate innovation and storytelling. For those interested in tech and media, RHP also offers digital design and Esports—expanding the definition of what extracurricular excellence looks like in the 21st century.
Clubs, outdoor education trips, and service learning projects round out the student life experience, encouraging students to connect with peers, try new things, and grow in confidence.
A Private Education That’s Accessible and Inclusive
The perception that private education is financially out of reach prevents many families from considering schools like Rolling Hills Prep — but this is a misconception. RHP is deeply committed to making its transformative education accessible to a wide range of families. Affordability and accessibility are core priorities, not afterthoughts.
Here’s how RHP supports financial accessibility:
- Robust tuition assistance programs help families from all income levels.
- Transparent communication with the admissions and financial aid teams ensures families know their options early in the process.
- Merit scholarships recognize and reward student achievement and potential.
With a willingness to meet families where they are, RHP works hard to eliminate financial barriers so that every qualified student has access to a transformative experience. Reach out to our Admission team to explore RHP’s financial assistance programs.
A Community Where Students Are Known and Valued
Parents and students alike consistently highlight one key factor in their decision to join RHP: the community. Teachers and administrators know their students by name and invest in their academic, social, and emotional development. For many families, this tight-knit environment is what makes RHP feel like more than just a school.
Strong mentorship programs, advisory groups, parent engagement opportunities, and an inclusive school culture ensure that no one falls through the cracks. With an emphasis on student life, students are given leadership opportunities early on, encouraged to use their voices, and celebrated for their individuality.
Whether you’re a parent with experience in private education or exploring it for the first time, RHP offers a welcoming space and authentic sense of belonging where students from all backgrounds can succeed and thrive.
Experience the Best Private High School at Rolling Hills Prep
Rolling Hills Prep offers a truly unique high school experience that not only prepares students for college but for life. It’s a place where students are challenged academically, supported emotionally, and inspired personally. From its rigorous college prep curriculum to its commitment to affordability and belonging, RHP delivers an education that’s as transformative as it is accessible.
RHP offers the support and challenge students need to thrive as scholars, leaders, artists and athletes. Take the next step towards success and schedule your visit today!