MATER DEI HIGH SCHOOL
STRATEGIC PLAN 2023 – 2026
WHY DO WE EXIST?
Mater Dei High School exists to provide a caring and disciplined learning environment that builds upon the education established by Christ, carried forward by the Catholic Church, and nurtured by families.
HOW DO WE BEHAVE?
Our behaviors and decisions are guided by our core values of caring, commitment, and community. We aspire to be more Christ-centered and respectful, while fostering a sense of belonging.
WHAT DO WE DO?
Mater Dei High School develops, educates, and prepares the whole person for life’s journey.
HOW WILL WE SUCCEED?
Mater Dei differentiates itself by:
• Honoring Mary, our patroness, by imitating her devotion to Christ through our own life of prayer, discovery of vocation, and deepening of faith, hope, and charity.
• Creating a disciplined and safe environment supported by a loyal and cohesive staff who demonstrates concern for the health and well-being of our students and families.
• Instilling in our students and families the expected high level of determination, engagement, and excellence witnessed by our staff, alumni, and friends.
• Leveraging the strength of our family tradition and the support of our community to foster a sense of belonging in those we serve.
What Do We Need to Accomplish
Spiritual Growth
Mater Dei will help students grow spiritually by developing an identity in Christ, understanding a sense of vocational awareness, engaging in the Church, and desiring to be servant leaders.
• Provide additional opportunities for Mass, Eucharistic adoration, and sacramental reconciliation.
• Expand faith-sharing options that meet more students where they are on their spiritual journey.
• Add elective theology courses, apologetic training and a clergy presence in senior theology classes.
• Enhance sense of vocation by inviting outside guests to share lived examples of Christian witness in the world.
• Integrate faith-based perspectives across the curriculum.
Academic Growth
Mater Dei will help students grow academically by increasing knowledge and critical thinking skills, being receptive to and prepared for opportunities that will present themselves, and fostering an appreciation for learning.
• Increase offerings of Advanced Placement (AP) and dual-credit courses.
• Expand elective course offerings.
• Implement a weighted grade point system.
• Enhance career readiness by developing partnerships and internships with local businesses.
• Promote and support student pursuit of the trades.
• Expand our Resource program to meet student learning needs.
• Provide outside speakers and programming opportunities based on students’ needs.
Accomplish in the Next 3 Years?
Social Growth
Mater Dei will help students grow socially by developing team and communication skills, emotional intelligence, and respect for the human dignity of all.
• Establish a social and spiritual development assessment strategy across students’ high school careers.
• Provide and strongly encourage participation in a variety of extracurricular activities to foster a sense of belonging and develop the whole student.
• Continue to partner with our Youth First social worker to enhance mental health support for students and families.
Institutional Growth
Mater Dei recognizes that in order to achieve student growth initiatives, we must also grow with respect to our enrollment, financial sustainability, and facilities.
• Leverage expansion of the School Choice Program and continue strengthening relationship with partner schools.
• Develop facility and staffing plans to accommodate enrollment growth.
• Increase the capture rate of students from partner schools.
• Increase endowments benefitting Mater Dei and grow Ave Maria Society membership.
• Successfully complete a campaign feasibility study and receive Diocesan approval to proceed with a campaign.
• Identify program and facility enhancement initiatives for campaign.
• Include a planned giving component in our campaign.
WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT, RIGHT NOW?
Mater Dei High School’s highest priority right now is to hire, develop, and support our faculty and staff.
• Implement opportunities and incentives for faculty to attain teaching credentials for new, AP, and dual credit courses.
• Explore benefit enhancement ideas for faculty and staff.
• Enhance the faculty and staff development process that enriches the growth of the whole person.
• Implement classroom equipment, technology and furniture standards for all classrooms.
• Continue to provide faculty and staff appreciation events and social gatherings.
1300 Harmony Way Evansville, IN 47720 812-426-2258 (Office) 812-421-5717 (Fax)
