Committed to a diverse student body from varying backgrounds, Rolling Hills Prep School and the Renaissance School have a strong need-based financial aid program that provides flexible tuition to families who otherwise cannot afford the full tuition cost. It is our continuing goal that economic standing should not be a factor in admission to the schools.

A specific Scholarship Fund has been in place for a few years to allow the school to provide funding to additional students through the generosity of individual donors and foundations. This fund supports, in part or completely, a number of worthy students who can really benefit from attending our schools. Several of our scholarship students come to us from the A Better Chance organization, which recommends academically talented students of color to private schools. Donations to this fund will go directly to students who otherwise would not receive the financial assistance they would need to attend the school.

In order to respect the privacy of current scholarship students, we cannot tell their stories. However, the following are real students who would have attended RHP if scholarship funds were available:

He was described by one of his teachers as "a well-rounded student, a motivated learner who has the ability to excel in any task or subjects that are introduced to him. Although he is very articulate and a critical thinker, I feel he is most extraordinary with numbers. He loves to participate in group discussions and demonstrate what he has learned. He has the potential to be a great leader."

One teacher says that he is "a strong positive force in his current [charter] school, he is a role model for his peers because he is consistent with his dedication and focus on his studies. His top three strengths are his intellectual curiosity, communication skills, and academic achievement."

In his essay he wrote "Sharing what your mind really thinks is much better than saying what you hear other people say or what you think that person wants to hear."

She was described by a mentor as "a sweet, kind, friendly, caring, smart, motivated and conscientious person." She grew up in a Serbian/Croatian family in San Pedro and speaks that language as well as English. She has a very good academic record and has tutored younger students. She dances and is a member of the school chorus. She plays basketball, attending training camp and playing with an All-star Minor Division Team.

One teacher says that she 'performs at the advanced level in all academic areas. She is a leader, and displays integrity and compassion toward her peers." Another says that she "is definitely an asset to any class she is in. I have been teaching for over 30 years and she is one of the most focused and bright students I have had."

She was described by a teacher as having athletic talents in "swimming, skateboarding, skating and soccer. She is academically very skilled in writing, language arts and math. She has a passion for art and likes to draw and customize her clothes. She gets along with others and in school she is always available to help out a classmate or teacher when help is needed. She has a good heart."

One teacher writes she "is clearly oriented toward success and sees the long-term goal of a prestigious university in her sight. She holds onto what she wants and relentlessly pursues excellence." Another says, she "is mature beyond her years. She is an extremely hard worker and overall an amazing young lady. I feel honored to have been able to teach her."

She was described by a reference as "very outgoing, intelligent and responsive. She is kind and has always been very eager to learn new things. Spelling, reading and science are her major strengths. She is very good at dancing and playing sports."

Her tutor says she "has remained on the honor roll for the past four years and has received awards in reading, math, science and attendance. She is a very active young lady that participates on the Flag Team, Dance Squad and the Delta Big Sister program. She has a passion for animals and a desire to become a Veterinarian. She is a lady of strong character that would be a valuable addition to your academic institution."

Described as "gregarious and well-liked by his peers. He is a natural leader with contagious enthusiasm. His organizational skills and natural motivation inspires his peers to participate in activities. I have the highest regard for his abilities and predict that he will be very successful in his future academic endeavors."

He describes himself, saying "I am a dedicated, hard-working student that won't stop until perfection is reached. I excel in all sports, especially baseball. I am a born leader and I will do anything to help my classmates."

The school occasionally establishes an additional fund for a special purpose. In 2008 donors provided $100,000 in matching funds to allow the school to obtain a grant from the E.E. Ford Foundation for staff development.

The Reading Room Project would fund the construction of a reading room/library for the school by enclosing some unused space between buildings on the upper campus. It would serve the students for many years and provide a location for them to relax and read, access many of the books that have been donated, and provide a convenient location for quiet thinking. A very preliminary estimate of the costs is $30,000, for a roof, french doors, skylights and wiring. We expect that much of the labor would be donated by current parents who are contractors.

This facility could be named in honor of a donor, with recognition onsite. When, many years in the future, this reading room is replaced by a permanent library and classroom buildings, we would transfer the name to an alcove that would serve a similar purpose in one of the new buildings.

By helping the school create this room, a donor would be reaffirming how important books and reading are to our lives, providing a quiet corner within the campus for contemplation, and provide immediate access to many of the books that have already been donated.

The Basil Louros Endowment honors a much-loved photography instructor at RHP. The fund was started by a group of parents who wanted to establish a photography lab in his honor at the new site.

The Marilyn Harper Endowment honors another much-loved teacher who helped found RHP. Funds from this endowment support the humanities at RHP.

The RHP Endowment is a general fund that supports the school. Currently, this is a small fund, but one that must grow as the school matures to enable it to fund department chairs and academic growth.