BUILD YOUR FUTURE. HERE.
AT A GLANCE Founded: 1950 Named for: Mary, Mater Dei, “Mother of God” Who We Are: A Catholic, coeducational, college preparatory high school in the Diocese of Orange Location: Santa Ana, California Enrollment: 1730 students College Placement: 99%
“We are proud Mater Dei graduates and have sacrificed to give our boys that same Catholic foundation. Faith and Mater Dei’s values of Honor, Glory and Love are intentionally woven into the everyday life of a Monarch through prayer, Mass, retreats, Adoration and Reconciliation.” Diana ‘94 & Jonathan Anoc ‘94
GET TO KNOW YOUR FUTURE CLASSMATES Comprehensive Academics 59 Honors Courses 21 AP Courses 109+ Electives Nationally Recognized Athletics 28 Sports Teams 71% Athletes on Honor Roll 23 Gatorade Players of the Year
Faith & Service 45K+ Hours Given Per Year 600+ Organizations 140 Average Hours Per Graduate Unparalleled Arts 82 Courses 47% of student body 70% of Artists on Honor Roll
.1% 15.7% 1.9% 2.8% .3% 13.7% 26.5% 28.8% 10.9%
American Indian/Native Alaskan Asian Black/African American Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Middle Eastern/North African Hispanic or Latino White Two or more races Unknown/Not shared
TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM LAUNCHING 2027-2028!
65% Catholic/35% Non Catholic 53% female/47% male 214 zip codes represented in our current student body 124 feeder schools 80% of families commute 5+ miles to MD
.1% Other 4 ol ho Sc e at 6% iv 14. Pr
Our Diverse Community
Monarchs come from across Southern California, representing a wide range of backgrounds and educational experiences while learning, growing, and thriving together:
Catholic School 51.8% Public School 29.2%
HOW TO APPLY Start your application through our secure online admissions portal, where you can submit materials, track your progress, and find application details and deadlines. Visit www.materdei.org/admissions.
Early Acceptance Needs: Online application + $80 application fee Parent and student letters Teacher recommendation 7th grade transcript 8th grade first quarter, trimester or semester transcript 7th and 8th grade standardized test scores Additional documents are required for final admission
“We knew choosing Mater Dei would be a sacrifice, but we saw it as an investment in something much bigger than four years of high school. The opportunities we saw for Manoah became his reality and so much more. Mater Dei gave him a foundation of academics, character, community, and relationships that he carries with him today at USC. We are deeply grateful for the faculty, staff, and Monarch community who helped make that experience possible, and we look forward to our daughter beginning her own Mater Dei journey, continuing a legacy that we know will remain part of our family for generations.” The Leiato Family
TUITION ASSISTANCE
FUTURES BUILT HERE
We believe a Mater Dei education should be within reach for families who value the experience we offer. Need-based tuition assistance is available to qualifying families to help make a Mater Dei education more accessible. Applications are completed through FACTS and must be fully submitted and verified by the deadline.
For more than 75 years, Monarchs have gone on to lead, serve, create, compete and make an impact around the world. Here are just a few notable alumni....
Applications Open: September 1, 2026 Deadline: December 7, 2026
Annie Mumolo ’91, Oscar-Nominated Screenwriter & Actor
Bob Gunton ’63, Acclaimed Stage & Screen Actor The Shawshank Redemption
Most Reverend Bishop Jaime Soto ’74, Bishop of Sacramento Juan Zarate ’89, Former Deputy National Security Advisor to President George W. Bush Bridesmaids
Sara Hughes ’13, Team USA Beach Volleyball Olympian
Families are encouraged to apply early. Learn more and start your Tuition Assistance Application:
www.materdei.org/tuitionassistance
3 HEISMAN TROPHY WINNERS John Huarte ’61 • Matt Leinart ’01 • Bryce Young ’20
8
Ways to Build Your Future. Here.
At Mater Dei, you’ll discover your God-given talents, grow in faith and character, and be challenged to become the person you are called to be. Rooted in our Catholic faith and guided by HONOR, GLORY, and LOVE, a Mater Dei education prepares you to lead with purpose, serve others, and make a meaningful impact on the world. Your journey to becoming a Monarch starts NOW!
1
Build an Academic Path That’s YOURS
2
Put Your Faith Into Action
Your goals are your own, and your education should be too! With a wide range of courses, levels and opportunities, you can explore your interests, challenge yourself and build an academic path that prepares you for wherever your future leads. College-Style Block Schedule: More time to learn. More flexibility to manage. Dedicated Office Hours: Built-in time for questions and support. College Prep, Honors & AP: Choose your challenge.
Faith is part of everyday life at Mater Dei. Here, students are encouraged to deepen their relationship with God and make their faith their own.
Robust Electives: Explore your interests and customize your experience. Academic Support: Get the help you need to reach your potential. Technology That Supports Learning: 1:1 iPad program and Canvas LMS keep learning, resources, and coursework connected.
3
Compete With Purpose
Worship as a Community: Experience Mass, prayer, and the Sacraments Dynamic Retreats: Reflect, connect, and deepen your faith. Student Faith Leadership: Serve in liturgies and retreats and lead others in faith. Called to Serve: Give back through service and school-wide outreaches.
4
Learn from People Who Know You
At Mater At Mater Dei, Dei, excellence excellence is is a a tradition, tradition, but but being being a a Monarch student-athlete Monarch student-athlete is is about about more more than than the the scoreboard. You’ll scoreboard. You’ll be be challenged challenged to to reach reach your your highest level highest level while while growing growing as as a a student, student, teammate, teammate, and leader. and leader.
Great teachers do MORE than teach. Our dedicated educators will challenge you, encourage you, and take the time to know who you are and who you can become.
Student-Athletes First: Pursue academic goals while
Prepared to Inspire: Strong academic credentials and
excelling in your sport.
professional experience.
Care for the Whole Athlete: Athletic training, injury
Committed to Mater Dei: 50%+ have served for 5+
prevention, strength and conditioning.
years, and 20% of faculty/staff are Monarch alumni.
Built to Compete: Premier facilities for training and
Beyond the Textbook: Real-world experiences connect
competition.
learning to students’ interests and passions.
The Next Level: NCAA guidance, recruitment support,
Committed to Students: Dedicated to student success,
and four College Commitment Days.
support, and well-being.
“
The International Student Program has helped me adjust to a new school and education system. Knowing there are always teachers and staff I can go to with questions made me feel more comfortable. Mr. Martinez, my band director, has been especially supportive. Being part of the program has helped me make friends who have taught me so much about school and everyday life.
Ruishan (Reina) Zeng ‘29
“
Mater Dei has been part of our family’s story for decades, and each of our children has created their own path here. For our youngest son, Matteo, we wanted the faith, community, and relationships that come with being a Monarch, with the flexibility to train and compete in tennis at an elite level. Mater Dei worked with our family to make that possible through supportive teachers and coaches, flexible online courses, and technology that keeps him connected wherever he travels. Seeing the school invest in new tennis facilities reflects that same commitment to creating opportunities for future generations of Monarchs.
5
Find Where You Belong
High school is about MORE than what happens in the classroom. At Mater Dei, you’ll find countless ways to connect, contribute, and make the Monarch experience your own! Explore Your Interests: 85+ clubs and organizations. Put Your Skills to the Test: MUN, Mock Trial, Speech & Debate, Academic Decathlon, and more. Lead the Way: 375+ student leaders who coordinate 150+ activities each year. Make It Yours: Have an interest that isn’t represented? Start a club and bring others along!
7
Support Every Step of the Way
The Huarte Family
“
I have experienced Mater Dei as a student, a parent, and now a teacher, and each has deepened my appreciation for this community. My family chose Mater Dei for me, I chose it for my son, and years later, I chose to return. There is something special about a place that stays with you— the faith, traditions, friendships, and sense of belonging.
Denise Johnson ‘83 English Teacher
You don’t have to figure it out alone. With 10 full-time counselors and wellness professionals on campus, students have a team ready to help them thrive and prepare for what’s next. Plan Your Path: Personalized academic and course planning. From Here to College: College search, application and family guidance. Be Well, Mater Dei: School-wide wellness program plus three Rady Children’s Health professionals.
6
Create. Perform. Be Inspired. At Mater Dei, you’ll discover your creative voice, develop your talents, and share them with others. Take the Stage: Dance. Sing. Act. Perform. Make Some Noise: Band. Guitar. Choir. A Cappella. And more! Create Behind the Scenes: Draw. Design. Capture. Create. Bring Stories to Life: Film. Television. Content Creation. Digital Media. A New Stage for the Future: New Performing Arts Center opening in 2028!
8
Tradition Never Graduates
For more than 75 years, generations of Monarchs have shared the traditions and sense of belonging that make Mater Dei special. Your four years here are only the beginning! 30,000+ Monarchs Worldwide: A global alumni family. Lifetime Connection: Once a Monarch - ALWAYS a Monarch! Monarchs Helping Monarchs: Connections, mentorship, and a robust alumni business network.
PICTURE YOUR FUTURE. HERE.
WE’RE HERE TO HELP! Our Admissions Team is here to guide and support you through every step of your journey to Mater Dei. Whether you’re ready to visit, apply or simply have questions, we look forward to getting to know you!
JENNIFER HORBUCKLE ‘02
NATHAN UNDERWOOD
JODY WYNN
GLORIA GUZMAN
Director of Admissions
Director of Admissions Marketing
Coordinator of Admissions
Director of International Student Relations
INQUIRE
VISIT
APPLY
www.materdei.org/admissions (714) 754-1175