Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What extras does Heritage Oak offer?

Heritage Oak offers a well-rounded program that includes extras that are not offered at many other schools. A personalized curriculum is emphasized with specialty teachers for art, music, violin and band instruction, French, Spanish, debate, computers, physical education and etiquette. Physical Education in middle school includes a certified trainer to facilitate gains in strength, stamina, and flexibility. Middle school students also utilize their own laptop computers that are integrated into their day. Students in grades 4-8 participate in after-school sports leagues and a wide range of after school extra-curricular programs are available for students of all ages.

2. How is discipline handled at Heritage Oak?

The faculty at Heritage Oak is trained to use positive reinforcement to encourage behavior which is both productive and socially acceptable. Our discipline policy is clearly communicated and is consistent and firm, yet gentle. Children thrive in a setting where they know their boundaries and what is expected of them. Our students are rewarded for doing the right thing, not simply disciplined for poor behavior.

3. How are parents involved at Heritage Oak Private Elementary School?

Parents are encouraged to become involved. We do not require service or volunteer time from our parents but if they wish to help the teachers, chaperone fieldtrips, provide a service, etc. their help is welcomed. Parents are required to attend Back-to-School Night in September and are invited to various events including our Welcome Back Celebration, Father-Child Pumpkin Carving Event, Mother-Child Event, and Celebrate HOPE Carnival. Also, Heritage Oak has a Parent Assistance League (PAL) which is an organization of parents who meet once a month to discuss programs and initiatives for the school.

4. How much time is spent on math?

In addition to the one hour per day spent on math lessons, math is integrated into other subjects. Students are encouraged to apply their math skills when studying science, social science, geography, etc. Probability, logic, and statistics are included in our comprehensive math curriculum. Heritage Oak standardized scores in math, across all grades, routinely averages above 90%. Saxon math textbooks are used in the classrooms. These books were developed by John Saxon and use a teaching method for incremental learning of mathematics. It involves teaching a new mathematical concept every day and constantly reviewing old concepts.

5. How frequently does the school communicate with parents?

The school makes every effort to keep parents informed about their child’s school life. A weekly e-newsletter is used to remind parents of significant events. Grades and homework are posted online and are available anytime for review. Teachers send letters and emails home and make phone calls to parents on a regular basis. Conferences are always available upon request. In addition to the personal communication, the school publishes a larger quarterly newsletter and sends notes home when necessary.

6. How is the success of Heritage Oak’s program measured?

The happiness of our students and the satisfaction of their parents are the key measures of our success but we have “outside” indicators as well.

Standardized testing is an indicator of our school’s achievements. Students routinely score above 90% in math and reading on nationally normed exams. In addition to fine academics, our physical education and art programs continue to receive noteworthy awards. Our physical education program has been honored as being one of California’s top Presidential Physical Fitness programs. Heritage Oak students participate in various local, national and international art competitions that showcase their hard work and skills. Finally, Heritage Oak was named a national Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education.

7. What are Personalized Learning Plans?

Personalized Learning Plans (PLPs) were implemented in 2010 as a way to individualize each student’s learning abilities. We know that each child has unique skills and areas of growth, and PLPs help to reinforce these areas. Students are given a plan that helps them in three different areas. One of the areas is an area of strength, where students are given an opportunity to work on something that they enjoy. Another area is the area of opportunity, for which students will work to succeed in areas that they may have difficulty with in the classroom, whether it is academic or social. The last is an area of growth, where students work to improve an area of testing that they struggled with the year prior. Our main goal is to ensure that students are continuing to grow individually, while fostering their love for a particular subject.