History

Rolling Hills Prep School was established as an independent not-for-profit school to prepare young people for success and happiness in college and beyond. Rolling Hills Prep School was founded in 1981. The founders wished to create "an academic powerhouse with a soul," believing firmly that, given talented, committed teachers, passionate about their disciplines and supportive of the whole child, a school can prepare young people for success and happiness in college and beyond without burning them out in the process.

In 1994, as part of its continuing commitment to program improvements, the school adopted the Four Pillars as guiding principles: Disciplined Minds, Sound Character, Healthy Bodies, and Creative Spirits. The innovative Outdoor Education program grew during the 1990s. It was implemented in its current form, taking students from every grade level to a week-long outdoor adventure during the past decade. The school has continually sought to add new and creative programs, such as robot design, American Sign Language, horticulture and gardening, and computer science.

Founded initially as the high school division of Rolling Hills Country Day School, the school began teaching in classrooms at Rolling Hills Covenant Church. In 1992, RHP added middle school grades and moved to larger facilities on the Malaga Cove School campus, remaining there for fourteen years and adding programs in academics, the arts, athletics, and outdoor education as the enrollment grew to well over 200 students. The road to excellence program started at the Malaga Cove campus with Heidi Morris, who ran this program (academic support for students with identified learning differences; middle school only)—eventually replaced by the ACE program so that upper school students in RHP could receive help. In 2006, RHP moved to the current campus, where we are now located in San Pedro.