Online High School Esports League

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High School Esports for Teambuilding and Communication

Playing video games is fun! But when kids engage in online multiplayer games against teams from other schools, it becomes much more than just entertainment—it’s like joining a sports league in the digital world!

The K12 Esports League offers students a fantastic platform to compete with peers nationwide, all while developing valuable teamwork and communication skills. Coaches are dedicated to helping players excel, ensuring they find a healthy balance between esports, schoolwork, and other commitments so students can truly enjoy this exciting and competitive experience.

Two Levels of Play

The K12 Esports League gives students two ways to participate.

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Casual Gameplay

Weekly time commitment: 1 hour

These are low-commitment opportunities for students aged 13+ to gain esports experience:

• One-off tournaments
• Esports-specific webinars
• Special events

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Esports Leagues*

Weekly time commitment: 3+ hours

These leagues offer a team environment for competitive play in which students make friends and expand their skills.

• Open League: This is for beginning/intermediate-level players interested in expanding their skills.
• Varsity League: This is for intermediate to expert-level players passionate about esports and excited to dedicate time to competitions.

*Esports leagues are only available to students who maintain minimum academic requirements at schools with an esports coach/coordinator. Check with your school for details.

Positive Impact of Esports

Students who participate in the K12 Esports League gain:

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Opportunities to compete with teams across the nation

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Teamwork and communication skill-building

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Leadership and socialization skills

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Guidance on balancing esports with academic success

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Access to scholarships

Jacob

LAVCA Pelicans esports player*

“I’ve been an esports player for around two and a half years, and to say that it changed my life would be an understatement. Through esports, I have learned undeniable teamwork and collaboration skills while also making countless friends through the programs available. Esports has become such a large part of my life. With every week I am constantly looking forward to practicing with and playing for my school.”

Chance

MGLVA Surge esports player**

“The [K12 Esports] League is important to me because it helps me connect to others who enjoy the same things as me. It also pushes me to do the best I can do, so I always improve. It also makes me keep my grades up.”

Lily

MGLVA Surge esports player**

“For me, esports is one of the main reasons I want to stay at K12.” **

Lara

TVAH Bobcats esports coach†

“I enjoy esports because I love seeing how much fun the students have. It is exciting to see them be very passionate about their games and how competitive they can get.”

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Game Guide

Casual Games:

• Fortnite
• Rocket League
• Super Smash Bros 

Competitive Games:

• Fortnite
• Rocket League
• Chess
• Super Smash Bros Ultimate
• VALORANT

Who’s playing?

Check out the roster of school teams competing in the league:

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Want to turn gaming skills into a career?

Think finding a career in gaming is a long shot? There’s much more to the industry than just turning pro as a player. Check out these Stride Career Prep fields and pathways to learn how a passion for gaming could play a role in landing you a job you’ll love.

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Information Technology

This field is a natural fit for gamers, especially those wanting to do more than just play. Explore these pathways:

• Digital Design
• Game Design and Programming
• Programming
• Web and Digital Communication

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Business

Esports and leagues are becoming serious business, and if that side of the industry is of interest to you, take a look at these pathways:

• Entrepreneurship
• General Management
• Marketing Communication

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Health and Human Services

Esports and gamification have expanding potential to impact many areas of life, including health and education. Consider these pathways:

• Education and Training
• Sports Medicine

*Jacob is a 2024 student at a K12-powered school in LA, and their statement reflects their experience at their school.

**Chance and Lily are 2024 students at a K12-powered school in MI, and their statements reflect their experiences at their school.

†Lara is a 2024 teacher and coach at a K12-powered school in TX, and their statement reflects their experience at their school.