More Than the Game: How Esports Builds Community, Confidence, and Skills at K12 Private Academy

When Mason Langenbach and Bradley Antill got hired at K12 Private Academy in fall 2020, they got wind of a potential new club coming to the online school: Esports.

“Once I found out, I was like, ‘If there’s anything like that, I’d love to be involved,” Antill said.

The now co-founders had previous experience with Esports at brick-and-mortar schools and wanted to bring the same team-building community to K12.

“They represent our school, K-12 private academy, in the same way that the local football team represents their school,” Langenbach said, “so Esports in general has really modeled itself after traditional sports.”

Building Communication

Parents don’t fret. Esports is not a club where students sit around and play video games all day.

 “Esports is different,” Antill said. “They have to show up, communicate, lead. That’s often the biggest hurdle—they don’t expect the level of commitment it takes.”

They play games like Valorant, Rocket League, Fortnite and others. Playing these games together in a shared community teaches the students digital citizenship, responsibility, leadership, and teamwork according to Antill and Langenbach—essential skills for online learners.

“We’re less about coaching mechanics and more about instilling important values… like how you present yourself in an online competitive environment where adrenaline is high.” Antill said.

They teach their players verbal and written communication skills and how to positively navigate the internet and competition with other players.

“There are a lot of assumptions that this generation is very used to being online. That’s not necessarily true… you have to teach them how to be digital citizens,” Langenbach said.

Success Stories and School Spirit

Esports allow many students at K12 Private Academy to step out of their comfort zone and gain confidence in themselves.

One student went from being very shy and unsure of himself to becoming an Esports captain. He even was a main factor in the team winning second place in the Valorant playoffs earlier this year.

“That’s tied for the highest our school has ever placed” Longenbach said. He also added how the same student’s dad could be heard cheering for the whole team in the background whenever they would score.

Another student who didn’t think he was good enough to complete is now a team captain across multiple games.

“He’s become one of our most reliable student leaders,” Langenbach said.

Why It Works in Online School

Antill notes that students in online school can sometimes struggle with a sense of community, but Esports can change that.

“Not only are they socializing—but it’s through a shared interest that encourages positive interaction,” he said, “Esports is the perfect pairing for virtual school. They already have the tech. Now they have the teamwork, leadership, and structure.”

Giving students this structure has shown to increase success in the classroom Langenbach says, “We’ve seen students in esports have slightly better grades overall. It’s not a cure-all, but it has a positive effect on academics.”

Why the Teachers Love Esports

Overall, Esports has allowed Antill and Langenbach to form more meaningful connections with their students, which is helpful in all aspects of their education.

“When students see me cheering and hollering during a match, they see I’m not just a counselor—I’m someone who believes in them,” Langenbach said, “When kids see their teachers as people, they open up more. That leads to stronger relationships and better outcomes.”

Antill adds that Esports is great because he can meet students on their level doing a hobby that they love.

“When I’m coaching esports, I’m listening,” he said. “I’m helping them become better teammates, better leaders, and better people.”

Learn More

You can learn more about K12 Private Academy and the Esports team at www.k12privateacademy.com