International Students

Welcome International Students!

Located for over 55 years in Orange County and over 25 years in the city of Yorba Linda, Heritage Oak Private Education (HOPE), accredited by National Independent Private Schools Association, is a nationally recognized Blue Ribbon School.

At Heritage Oak, preschool through eighth grade students enjoy a calm, encouraging learning environment with a core curriculum that is one year ahead of the public school standards. Students in kindergarten and up utilize their own personal iPads in class to enhance their studies and to prepare them for challenges in high school and college. All Heritage Oak students receive a well-rounded education that includes music, French, Spanish, art, physical education, instrumental music, computer skills and etiquette.

Summer Program

We welcome International Students with all levels of English to our Summer Camp Program.  Please contact Shawna Rhebergen in the Admissions office for details ([email protected]).

Short-term School Year Program

There are very limited spaces in our Winter Immersion Program which runs from January-February (two-week minimum enrollment). International students from Korea may contact our exclusive camp partner, JLI Camp by clicking here. For all other inquiries, please contact admissions director, Shawna Rhebergen, to inquire about available spaces.

School Year Program

Heritage Oak offers a well-rounded program that includes extras that are not offered at many other schools. The fine arts are emphasized with enrichment teachers for art, instrumental and vocal music, French, Spanish computers, physical education, and etiquette. Students in grades 4 – 8 participate in after school sports leagues and a wide range of after school extra-curricular programs.  Many Heritage Oak graduates go on to study at the honors level at private or public high schools.

Admissions Procedure

The application process is virtually the same for International and United States students. However, International Students are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure that visas and other documentation are completed and received in time.

Applications will be considered by the Admissions Committee when all of the required application documents have been received .  Applicants will be required to participate in a Zoom interview and submit English Proficiency test results (TOEFL Jr., ITEP Slate, or Equivalent).  Applicants are notified promptly of the Committee’s decision. Once the Enrollment Contract, and $200.00 non-refundable Application and Evaluation Fees are received, the Director of Admissions can release the I-20 signed forms for the student to apply for the F-1 visa.

Step 1: Complete the Parent and Student Application Forms

  • A non-refundable application fee/evaluation fee of $200.00 (US Dollars) must accompany the application.
  • Student Application Packet – These forms needs to be complete with an attached picture. Attach an extra page if more space is required.

Step 2: Request Recommendations

  • Teacher Recommendation Form* – Please have the English teacher complete the form and attach an assessment of English comprehension. *These confidential forms should be sent directly to HOPE.

Step 3: Assemble and mail the admissions package

  • Send the completed application forms along with the following:
    • A copy of the applicant’s grades from the last two school years and current grades translated into the U.S. grading system
    • A photograph of the applicant
    • A copy of the current passport – including page(s) indicating name, date of birth, and other vital information
    • $200 non-refundable application fee/evaluation fee, remitted by money order or official bank check
    • A bank statement showing funds available for tuition in American dollars

International Admissions Application Packet

For tuition information, please contact [email protected].

Testing Requirements

International students who apply to be admitted at HOPE for the school year must complete the ITEP or TOEFL exam as well as Heritage Oak’s Placement Exam

ITEP SLATE: International Test of English Proficiency Secondary Level Assessment Test of English – The student must pass the ITEP test with a minimum score of 4.5. The test can be administered and scored by an overseas partner and results an be sent to Heritage Oak with the application to the school.

TOEFL: Secondary Level English Proficiency Test – The student must pass the TOEFL Junior Standard Test with a score of 845 or higher. This reflects a CEFR of B2.

If the student has taken another English Proficiency Test, we will accept a score equivalent to a CEFR level of B2. The test can be administered and scored by an overseas partner and results can be sent with the application to the school.

Students must also complete the Heritage Oak Placement test in their home country and again upon arrival at HOPE
to rule out any discrepancies.