The History of Heritage Oak Private Education Home / About Us / History Laying the Foundation Founded in 1966 in Southern California, Heritage Oak Private Education began as Carden Country Day, a small preschool established by Florence and Chuck Monson in Fullerton, California. Florence envisioned a school that offered children a balance of strong academics, character education, good manners, and what she called “the niceties of life.” Inspired by what she wanted for her own children, she built an educational program rooted in the Carden tradition, emphasizing academic excellence, personal responsibility, and the development of the whole child. Her vision quickly gained recognition, and the school grew beyond its original preschool program to include elementary grades. By the late 1980s, the school had outgrown its original eight-classroom campus. Situated on approximately half an acre in what had once been a comfortable suburban neighborhood, the facility included the school building, parking lot, playground, and swimming pool. Recognizing the need for continued growth and a larger, more modern learning environment, the Monson family faced an important transition. In 1992, Chuck Monson retired and sold Carden Country Day to his daughter, Phyllis Cygan, and son-in-law, Greg Cygan, who took on the responsibility of carrying the school’s founding vision into its next chapter. In 1995, the school relocated to Yorba Linda, California, moving into a completely remodeled former banking complex. Along with its new location came a new name: Heritage Oak Private Education. The change reflected the school’s new ownership, renewed vitality, and expanding educational mission. The new campus provided room for significant growth and an enhanced learning experience, eventually featuring more than 30 classrooms, a gymnasium, a theater, a kitchen, a dedicated art studio, a band room, a library and media center, two college-level science laboratories, an on-campus swimming pool for summer camp, two playgrounds, two artificial-turf fields, and a two-story rock-climbing wall. A Pioneer in Learning and Technology Heritage Oak continued to distinguish itself through its commitment to academic innovation. In the 1998–1999 school year, the school received the U.S. Department of Education’s National Blue Ribbon recognition, reflecting its dedication to educational excellence. In 1999, Heritage Oak also became a pioneer in the one-to-one use of technology in its middle school program, providing students with personal laptop computers. This forward-thinking approach established a foundation for the integration of technology into daily instruction, a practice that has continued to evolve as students use individual devices to support learning, research, collaboration, and problem-solving. Expanding Horizons By the mid-2000s, Heritage Oak had grown into a thriving educational community of more than 600 students, serving children from preschool through eighth grade. Its comprehensive curriculum and commitment to developing well-rounded students attracted the attention of the Meritas International Family of Schools, which welcomed Heritage Oak into its network in 2006. The partnership provided access to additional educational resources and opportunities for international collaboration with sister schools around the world. In 2007, Heritage Oak began accepting international students, further strengthening its global perspective and enriching the cultural experiences of its school community. Transitions and Growth In 2011, the Cygan family repurchased Heritage Oak, returning the school to family ownership. In 2015, the school was sold to Nobel Learning Communities, which became part of Spring Education Group on August 1, 2018. Through these transitions in ownership, Heritage Oak has continued to build on the educational philosophy established by its founders while expanding its programs and resources to meet the needs of new generations of students. Educating the Whole Child Throughout its history, Heritage Oak has maintained a commitment to educating the whole child. Today, its preschool-through-eighth-grade program combines rigorous academics with character development, enrichment, technology, and opportunities for students to discover their individual interests and talents. Students benefit from a broad curriculum that includes French and Spanish, computer science with coding and robotics, art and art history, physical education, cotillion, and music theory and instrumental music. All elementary and middle school students have access to science laboratory experiences, while an array of competitive sports provides opportunities to develop teamwork, discipline, and school spirit. Heritage Oak is accredited by the National Independent Private Schools Association (NIPSA) and continues to serve a diverse student population of more than 600 students. Leadership has also played an important role in preserving the school’s traditions while guiding its continued development. In 2022, after decades of leadership and service, founder Phyllis Cygan retired as Executive Director. Latrese Jackson succeeded her becoming the Head of School, bringing extensive experience and a deep understanding of the Heritage Oak community after serving as middle school principal for 15 years. Her appointment represented both continuity and a new chapter in the school’s leadership, building on the foundation established by the Monson and Cygan families. Heritage Oak’s commitment to excellence has also been recognized beyond its campus. Since 2017, the school has been named Best Single Location Private School in Orange County by Parenting OC Magazine. More than 20 Heritage Oak teachers and staff members have been recognized as “School Heroes” by the publication, including one named Top Teacher in Orange County and another named Top School Employee in Orange County. These honors reflect the dedication of the educators and staff who contribute to the school’s supportive learning environment and strong sense of community. A Legacy of Learning Since 1966 In 2026, Heritage Oak Private Education celebrated its 60th anniversary, marking six decades of growth, innovation, and enduring educational values. What began as a small preschool in Fullerton has evolved into a comprehensive private school in Yorba Linda, serving more than 600 students. While its facilities, curriculum, technology, and leadership have advanced over the years, Heritage Oak’s founding purpose remains unchanged: to provide a strong academic foundation while nurturing character, confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. As we look toward the future, we proudly honor the traditions and legacy of Carden Country Day and Heritage Oak. Grounded in a commitment to academic excellence, character development, and community, we continue to inspire confident, compassionate, and well-rounded students who are prepared to make a meaningful impact in the world.
