FOUNDED 1950
FORWARD IN VISION, ROOTED IN TRADITION
MISSION
Mater Dei High School is a Catholic, co-educational, college preparatory high school of the Diocese of Orange, California. Our mission is to provide a holistic education rooted in Catholic faith, values, and the tradition of Honor, Glory, and Love. We are renowned for being a warm, welcoming, and diverse community where students flourish academically, athletically, artistically, and spiritually while embodying servant leadership. We empower our students to develop into ethical and inspirational leaders who positively impact their communities and the world.
AT A GLANCE
85% of students appear on the honor roll
99% college acceptance rate
69% of students are enrolled in Honors and AP classes
59 Honors and 21 Advanced Placement courses offered
OUR HISTORY
The 1980s and 1990s saw further advancements and new facilities
Opened in September 1950 with 150 students
In 1951, a statue of Our Blessed Mother, donated by the Young Ladies Institute, was placed in the Grotto to symbolize the school's commitment to excellence under Mary, Mother of God
The first graduating class established key traditions:
The Monarch (a lion) as our mascot Red and gray as our official colors Set a high standard of academic excellence
Enrollment soared to 2,200 by 1960 making MD the largest Catholic high school west of Chicago
The MD 2000 Capital Campaign fueled success in academics, athletics, and the arts, producing numerous league, state, and national championships, Olympians, and recognized artists
Today, the school continues to honor its traditions of faith, dedication, and community through the biblical principles of Honor, Glory, and Love
Future campus plans include a performing arts center and center for innovation
F A ITH IN AC TION
Campus Ministry
In the spirit of the Gospel, Campus Ministry at Mater Dei High School exists to support the spiritual growth and moral development of our school community. Campus Ministry offers many opportunities for student involvement including weekday and all-school Mass, afterschool fellowship, Eucharistic Adoration, Bible study, pastoral care, community service/outreach, retreats and the Campus Ministry Club. Through experiences with Campus Ministry, Monarchs HONOR Mary,MaterDei,give GLORY toGod,andlivelivesof LOVE.
Spiritual Enrichment
Mater Dei provides many opportunities for spiritual growth, including serving in worship and leading retreats that deepen faith through transformative experiences including:
Morning and afternoon prayer
Daily Mass
Monthly All-School Masses
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Dynamic Retreat Program
Weekly Adoration
“And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
- Colossians 3:12-17
Service and Outreach
As part of Mater Dei's mission, service to others allows our students to live out their faith through spiritual and corporal works of mercy:
80 hours community service over four years
160 hour average per graduate
60K collective hours per graduating class
School-wide outreach for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Lent, and in response to local, national, or international needs
1K+ charities served by each graduating class
ACA DEMI
A Tradition of Academic Excellence
At Mater Dei, we believe that your child deserves an education that not only challenges the mind but also nurtures the heart and spirit. A Mater Dei education is a journey that ignites intellectual curiosity, cultivates critical thinking, and empowers students to navigate the challenges of an ever-changing world. With a curriculum grounded in rigorous core subjects like mathematics, sciences, humanities, and languages, we ensure that each student is not only well-prepared academically but also deeply enriched through the teachings of Christ. At Mater Dei, we’re not just educating students; we’re shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
Our Educators
Our educators are the heart of our institution. Faculty members are not only experts in their field but also deeply committed to the success and well-being of every student. Our faculty goes beyond traditional teaching, offering real-world experiences and creating opportunities that inspire students to explore their passions and realize their full potential. With a deep commitment to the success and unwavering care of every student, Mater Dei teachers deliver instruction that challenges, supports, and prepares our students to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
Center for Learning
ESS FOR EVERYONE
Counseling and Wellness Resources
10 full time counselors
Academic and college guidance
Rady Children’s Psychology partnership for wellness
Academic Assistance Program
After school tutoring for Math and English
Peer to Peer Tutoring
Facilitated through our Learning Center
Office Hour
Offered twice weekly after school
The Center for Learning at Mater Dei High School works collaboratively with teachers, counselors, and parents to provide support for Monarchs to excel academically while helping to grow their self esteem and confidence in their abilities both in and out of the classroom.
MAPS
Monarch Academic Program for Success
ACCOMMODATIONS
For those with documented learning differences
SOAR
Student Outreach and Resiliency
BRIDGE
Study skills, organization, and critical thinking
ACADEMIC TE A MS
Our Academic Teams are led by a head coach who creates regular practice sessions and brings in content experts when needed. Each of our academic teams compete regularly and have won numerous awards in each field, providing exciting opportunities in international travel and unique hands-on learning experiences.
MOCK TRIAL
ACADEMIC DECATHLON SPEECH AND DEBATE MODEL UNITED NATIONS
JUNIOR STATES OF AMERICA
ROBOTICS
CAMPUS LIFE
At the heart of our educational philosophy is our commitment to nurturing the whole person, grounded in the teachings of Christ. Mater Dei is more than just a school; it is a community where students grow intellectually, spiritually, and personally, emerging as leaders equipped to navigate the challenges of the future with integrity and purpose.
MEET A MONARCH
Matteo Huarte '27
“I decided to go to Mater Dei because of the great academics, kind people, and the opportunity to grow closer to my Catholic faith. Every day on campus feels like a blessing. The teachers and coaches are the best and support us daily. I’m also inspired knowing that my grandpa went here, and I’m grateful to live out his legacy as part of the Mater Dei community.”
THE ARTS
47% student involvement
80+ courses in film and media, performing and visual arts
Student led productions, performances, publications and experiences
28 CIF sports over 3 seasons
4 athletic club teams
State-of-the-art facilities
Strength and sports medicine programs
MEET A MONARCH
Charli Astin '26
“I didn’t know what to expect before starting my freshman year, but looking back as a senior I am so grateful I chose Mater Dei. This school feels like a family, and I have always felt supported in the classroom and through my leadership roles.”
CLUBS
Mater Dei offers an extensive club program to meet the excitement of our entire student body:
85+ active clubs
New clubs formed every year based on student interests (academic, social, honors, and humanitarian)
All clubs have a faculty/staff moderator
ASB LEADERSHIP
With student involvement and faculty support, the Associated Student Body (ASB) Leadership Team fosters a positive school climate:
375 student leaders as officers, commissioners or class senators
Organize and coordinate 150+ activities, clubs, dances, rallies, and more
COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES*
Total
Seniors
4 Colleges and Universities Attending 4-Year College Attendance 2-Year College Attendance Scored Higher than USA Average on SAT and ACT in Scholarships Offered Accepted to Top 50 Schools Ranked by US News and World Report
IMPORTANT DATES
September 2 – Admissions and Tuition Assistance Applications Open
October 8 – MD Open House #1
October 9 – Admissions Event – Varsity Girls Volleyball Game
October 18 – Class of 2029 and 2030 Tailgate at the Football Game
November 4 – Prospective Parent Meeting and Social
December 8 – Early Acceptance and Tuition Assistance Deadline
January 10 – Entrance Exam #1 at MDHS
January 14 – MD Open House #2
February 21 – Entrance Exam #2 at MDHS
March 3 – Entrance Exam #3 at MDHS
March 25 – New Student and Parent Welcome Night
Admissions Checklist
Application Form and $80 Fee
Parent and Student Letter
Current Teacher Recommendation Letter
7th Grade Transcript
First quarter, trimester or semester transcript of 8th Grade
Immunization Record
https://www.materdei.org/admissions
Tuition Assistance
Tuition assistance is available on a first come first served basis through a separate application process at matedei.org/tuitionassisance.
We strongly recommend that families observe the deadline and have the required documentation completed and verified by December 8, 2025:
Copies of 2024 W-2 forms
Copies of 2024 Federal Tax forms and schedules
Copies of supporting documentation
Fionan Cervenak ‘25
“Attending Mater Dei was one of the best decisions I made, despite not knowing many people and living so far from school. Mater Dei molded me into the young man I am today by leading me on journeys in all aspects of my life: spiritually, intellectually, and physically. Mater Dei High School has stood the test of time not because of the education it provides, but the people the school brings into your life so that you will succeed and form into the person you dream of becoming. Faith is the cornerstone of Mater Dei, and regardless of your religion, the love you feel from administration and teachers emulates the love that Jesus Christ sought to bring into the world. From my first shadow day to my final class of senior year, the Mater Dei community is unlike anything else you will find, for you are welcomed as a member of the Mater Dei family rather than simply the new freshman class. Once a Monarch, always a Monarch!”
