Athletics

High School eSports Program | Rolling Hills Prep

August 16, 2025 Comments Off on High School eSports Program | Rolling Hills Prep

Rolling Hills Prep Joins the Esports Revolution: Pioneering Competitive Gaming for Private School Students in Los Angeles

Rolling Hills Prep has always strived to be at the forefront of innovation in education, and in the spring of 2025, we proudly launched our brand-new esports program for high school students—a step that is already proving to be transformative. With ten state-of-the-art gaming computers now fully dedicated to our esports team, students have eagerly taken to the digital arena, and the response has been electric. When the team is practicing, the lab buzzes with energy, concentration, and most importantly—teamwork.

While some may still carry outdated misconceptions about gaming, labeling it as a solitary or purely recreational activity, modern esports proves exactly the opposite. Esports is now one of the fastest-growing sports under the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF). In fact, CIF’s inclusion of esports in its activities marks a major shift in recognizing gaming as a legitimate and competitive athletic pursuit.

The Rise of Esports in Schools: Why Rolling Hills Prep Stands Out

Rolling Hills Prep is one of the few schools that has an esports program in Los Angeles, though across the country, esports is booming. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), over 8,600 U.S. schools have active esports programs, and that number is growing rapidly each year. As a private school in the South Bay area, Rolling Hills Prep is leading the way in bringing this innovative program to our community.

Why? Because esports develops the same core values as traditional sports: teamwork, leadership, perseverance, and communication. Players work together under a team banner, wear t-shirts emblazoned with the school logo (and their own personal logo designed by a team member), strategize, and practice regularly just like any soccer or basketball team. Esports athletes don’t just sit behind a screen—they train, compete, and grow together.

Building a Positive Culture Through Esports at RHP

At Rolling Hills Prep, our esports athletes exemplify everything we hope to nurture in our students. They are building a strong team identity despite the newness of the team. The 2025-26 school year promises to be a very exciting time for the team as we compete against other CIF schools throughout Los Angeles County.

Esports opens doors for students who may not traditionally participate in physical sports. It offers a safe and welcoming space for those with diverse interests and strengths, allowing them to be part of representing their school and growing in confidence. This aligns perfectly with Rolling Hills Prep’s mission of creating an inclusive learning environment where all students flourish.

And the benefits go far beyond the game. Studies show that students involved in esports programs demonstrate:

  • Higher GPAs than non-participants
  • Better attendance rates
  • Stronger college readiness
  • Improved mental resilience and focus

Esports teaches time management and responsibility. Just like with any other team, if a student doesn’t keep up with academics, they can’t play. This creates a natural incentive structure that ties in with school values and priorities. At Rolling Hills Prep, we maintain the same academic standards for our esports athletes as we do for all our athletic programs.

Bridging Passion with Purpose: College and Career Opportunities

In a digital-first world, we believe it’s crucial to meet students where their passions lie. Instead of discouraging gaming, we embrace it—and channel it into something structured, meaningful, and filled with opportunities. In fact, esports is not just about playing games. There are now college scholarships specifically for esports athletes. More than 200 U.S. colleges offer a combined $16 million+ in esports scholarships every year.

Beyond scholarships, esports introduces students to a broader ecosystem that includes careers in game design, broadcasting, coaching, event management, software development, and digital marketing. Our students aren’t just players; they’re potential future leaders in a rapidly expanding tech and entertainment industry. This career preparation perfectly complements Rolling Hills Prep’s college preparatory curriculum and our commitment to preparing students for success beyond graduation.

And just like any other athletic program, our esports team proudly represents the school at regional tournaments. These events foster friendships, build resilience, and offer unforgettable memories. Parents and families from Rolling Hills, Palos Verdes, San Pedro, and surrounding communities are welcome to attend our competitions and support our Husky esports athletes.

The Future of Esports at Rolling Hills Preparatory School

Rolling Hills Prep is committed to nurturing well-rounded, future-ready students, and our esports initiative is a perfect embodiment of that mission. It blends passion, purpose, teamwork, and technology into one dynamic program that empowers students in new and exciting ways.

Interested in learning more about our esports program?

Rolling Hills Preparatory School is a leading private school serving the South Bay and greater Los Angeles area. Learn more about our innovative programs and individualized approach to education at RollingHillsPrep.org.