Step onto the 22-acre campus of Rolling Hills Preparatory School and you’ll immediately feel it: this isn’t just another school tucked away in Los Angeles. This is a collegiate-style haven where students don’t just memorize facts; they discover who they are and who they can become. Students unlock potential and possibility at this school, make meaningful connections, and find a fulfilling community inside and outside the classroom.

Rolling Hills Prep is built on a simple, powerful philosophy: every student matters. Small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a support system unlike anything else in the city create a culture where confidence grows alongside academic achievement. With an 8-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio, middle and high school students don’t just sit quietly in crowded classrooms—they get answers, attention, and real support.

Head of School Dr. Jacqueline Olivier calls Rolling Hills Prep “a little gem that is undiscovered,” and she’s on a mission to share its brilliance with families across the region. After consulting with the school for five years, she stepped into her role as head in 2024. “Our 22-acre campus has a very collegiate feel that’s unusual in Los Angeles. A lot of LA campuses are cemented in, locked away. Here, students walk among trees, gardens, and even a federally protected butterfly preserve.”

The school’s expansive offerings reflect the intellectual curiosity of its faculty. Sure, you’ll find AP and STEM classes, but you’ll also stumble upon electives like zoology, woodworking, gardening, robotics, and horticulture. “We want kids to explore and find their passions,” says Jacqueline. From infinity groups to video game clubs, from beach volleyball to award-winning theater productions, RHP has something for everyone. They have a safety committee to ensure that students feel safe and secure on the campus.

Students are valued for who they are. “We tell them, ‘You have the creativity, skills, and intelligence to rule the world,’” says Jacqueline. “We have high expectations of them.” She is impressed with the student body and faculty here, which is like a family.

What truly distinguishes Rolling Hills Prep is its Support Center. Unlike many schools that expect families to piece together outside resources, Rolling Hills Prep builds academic coaching and wellness into the school day. Students work with specialists on prioritization, executive functioning, study skills, and even scheduling, all in collaboration with their teachers. This holistic approach ensures that learning differences are supported and strengths are amplified.

Rolling Hills Prep takes its role as a college-prep school seriously. Students excel in the classroom and prepare for college with ease. Students are even paired with a dedicated college mentor to help them with craft applications and stand-out essays. The results are real. Students are getting accepted into a wide range of prestigious universities with ease.

Students who have felt lost in large schools thrive here. “It’s a game-changer,” says Jacqueline. “Our kids learn not only how to succeed in school but how to succeed in life. They develop soft skills like empathy, leadership, and inclusion. They’re encouraged to be whoever they are.”

Rolling Hills Prep doesn’t just produce stellar transcripts. They go above the curriculum in the classroom to shape well-rounded leaders. Over half of juniors and seniors are members of the National Honor Society and complete capstone projects alongside service hours. Affinity groups such as the Black Student Union, Salsa Club, and Women’s Empowerment give students platforms for leadership and expression.

Sports are another hallmark. The boys’ Division 1 basketball team ranks in the top 20 in California. The girls’ Division 2 basketball team recently brought home a CIF championship. Add in cross country, track, beach volleyball, and a vibrant middle school sports program, and it’s clear that athletics are alive and thriving on campus.

The arts shine too. With two theater productions each year—one musical, one play—students flex their creative muscles while building confidence on stage.

Jacqueline puts it best: “At Rolling Hills Prep, we don’t just prepare students for college—we prepare them for life. Our graduates leave with more than academic knowledge; they gain a deep understanding of how they learn best and the confidence to advocate for themselves in any environment.”

Rolling Hills Prep is a school where students feel seen, safe, and inspired. Families looking for a “best fit” environment will discover a supportive, rigorous, and joyful place where students belong.

Come see for yourself. With open houses, virtual tours, and even food trucks on campus events, Rolling Hills Prep invites you to experience what makes this school so extraordinary. As Jacqueline says, “We are a hidden gem on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Come and take a look.” Discover the difference for yourself!

Schedule your visit today at rollinghillsprep.org.