Our History
In 1962, David Eisenman's vision of a therapeutic school first took shape as a tutoring program of just two students in a small office building in Costa Mesa. He named it the Mardan Center, after his daughters Marla and Dana. Five years later, Mardan opened its first day school class with 12 students and in the following years, saw enrollment continue to increase.
Mardan gradually evolved throughout the following decades to accommodate the growing needs of its community. In 1968, the school leased the old Costa Mesa City Hall building to serve 60 full-time students. The site was later purchased from the city, but staff and students soon outgrew the space. An outpouring of community support initiated a capital campaign in 1985 with the incredible goal of raising 6.5 million dollars for a new facility. Thanks to the tireless efforts of private foundations, local corporations, and many very generous donors, three acres of land in centrally located Irvine were purchased. By January 1990, construction was complete and the Mardan "family" eagerly moved into a new beautiful, custom-designed campus.
This amazing gift, an overwhelming "vote of confidence" from the community, was not taken for granted by the staff and students. Proudly, for almost five decades, Mardan students continue to learn, explore, thrive, and find success in what truly becomes their home away from home.
The Man Behind Mardan
Meet David Eisenman, the founder and Executive Director of Mardan School. After completing his graduate work in Special Education at USC, David recognized the growing need for a supportive program in Orange County specifically for children struggling with learning issues. When he modestly began his journey in 1962, he did not realize the extent and longevity of the impact he would have on the lives of so many families.
Almost five decades later, David continues as our Executive Director, leading a staff of approximately 40 professionals who uphold Mardan's reputation of service with integrity. David has been recognized by many in the community for what he has accomplished, including being awarded the United Way's Alexis de Tocqueville Society Humanitarian Award for extraordinary service to Orange County. Philanthropists recognize our reputation by generously donating to our scholarship fund; physicians, psychologists, educators, and other professionals refer their clients, and parents entrust Mardan with their most valuable legacy – their children.