Did You Know?
A Diverse Community- Current enrollment: 2,177 students; largest non-public school west of Chicago
- Culturally diverse: 47% Caucasian; 21% Hispanic; 14% Asian; 2% African American; 16% other or undeclared
- Religiously diverse: 83% Catholic; 17% represent a variety of other faiths
- 99% continue on to college; 80% qualify for a four-year college
- Members of the Class of 2009 were accepted to many top schools
- Students live in every city in Orange County; some commute from Riverside and Los Angeles counties
- 62% of student body attended Catholic elementary school; 38% attended private/public school
- The Muth Family Learning Center serves the 5% of our students who have diagnosed special learning needs
- Teachers and CSF students are available before and after school for tutoring
- 70% of student body are registered members of 40 school clubs
- 44% participate in athletics
- 44% participate in fine and performing arts
- More than 95% of the student body participates in at least one co-curricular or extra-curricular program
- Up to 30% receive $750,000 annually in need-based tuition assistance
- Accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and WCEA
- Teaching faculty are credentialed; over 40% have advanced degrees
- 35% of the professional staff coach, moderate or direct extracurricular programs
- 15 AP and 16 Honors classes; 40% enrolled in AP or Honors classes
- 2009 SAT scores: 90% took the SAT; 530 average critical reading, 530 average writing, 530 average math
- MediaLink, an integrated digital multi-media system is in classrooms; and all teachers use laptops
- The Guidance & Counseling Center is supported by 6 academic counselors, and 5 personal counselors; the center includes the College & Career Resource Center
- Classlink serves as a homework hotline, and all teachers have published emails
- Schoolwide, mandatory, random drug-testing program fosters a safe, drug-free environment
- Students are required to wear uniforms supplied by Vicki Marsha Uniforms, Inc.
- Closed campus; 24 hour security
- 19 sports are offered; all field varsity and lower level teams
- Since 1990: 28 CIF, 7 state, and 2 national athletic championships
- 100% of student body complete at least 80 hours of community service prior to graduation
- Class of 2009 completed over 89,000 volunteer hours at hundreds of organizations
- Over 400 involved in daily and weekly liturgies and prayer services
- Over 500 participate annually in retreats
- Over 600 participate annually in on-campus Special Games Outreach
- Monarch Ministry, a service group, promotes faith-filled student leadership
- Service Awards: Disneyland Community Service Award for Youth
- Lion Share allows students to prepare over 200 meals weekly for the homeless
Uniquely Mater Dei
Christian education is intended to "make people's faith become living, conscious and active, through the light of instruction" (The Bishop's Office in the Church, 14). Mater Dei is a unique setting within which this ideal can be realized in the lives of our students. Many Mater Dei students become leaders in the Church and the community.
Mater Dei's Campus Ministry program and Religious Studies Department involves the entire school community.
Established and Traditional
Building on over fifty years of excellence, Mater Dei is rich in tradition and a belief in the very best.
Personal Responsibility
Mater Dei is committed to the health, safety, and welfare of all students, faculty, staff, and guests. An atmosphere of mutual love and respect exists at our school, while the disciplinary procedures address issues that may disrupt our school's commitment to family values.
Mater Dei has adopted a zero tolerance policy for certain behaviors deemed a danger to our school community: Any student directly associated with or conspiring to bring a gun, gang, or drugs for sale onto the campus or to any Mater Dei function or activity will be subject to immediate expulsion.
Schoolwide mandatory, random drug testing, initiated in 1997, is a pro-active program designed to create a safe, drug-free environment for students and to assist them in getting help when needed.
Academic Reputation
Mater Dei offers an extensive honors and nationally recognized Advanced Placement program. 99% of each graduating class continue on to college. Those who are motivated to learn and work hard, within a college-preparatory curriculum, find success at Mater Dei and beyond.
Athletic and Extra-Curricular Excellence
To understand the success of our sports teams, performing arts programs and other extra-curricular activities, look inside the students themselves. Teachers, administrators, and coaches respect each student, knowing that if they're at Mater Dei, they know a lot about dedication. The result is extraordinary commitment to self-discipline and teamwork in all chosen school activities.
A Diverse School Community
2,177 students from every city in Orange County bring a variety of gifts and talents to a large school with a small school atmosphere. Just as a family cares for each individual, so does Mater Dei. When young people and their parents get to know the Mater Dei family, they want to become a part of it. The school welcomes your interest at all times.
