Mater Dei High School
Forward in Vision, Rooted in Tradition

About MD
Mater Dei is a distinguished destination of excellence in academics and technology, the arts, faith and service, campus life, and athletics. We are proud to be Orange County’s oldest and largest Catholic high school.
Admissions
Your journey to becoming a Monarch starts here! Tour campus, schedule a shadow day, begin your application, and more. We are excited for you to join the MD family!
Programs
Built on Catholic fellowship and intellectual rigor, our programs in academics, technology, athletics, faith and service, and the arts provide unlimited opportunities for student success. Comprehensive counseling and wellness resources educate and bolster families throughout the high school journey.
Faith in Action
Guided by the articulation of Catholic Social Teachings, Mater Dei prioritizes the faith development of our students with an emphasis on Christian service. We believe this allows our students to grow in their spiritual lives while living our gospel values through giving back to others and truly experiencing the face of God.
Campus Life
Through avenues of leadership, faith, shared interests, and extracurricular activities and events, students can make Mater Dei their own. Get involved today!
Community
Tradition never graduates. Alumni, lifetime parents, grandparents, and friends are a vital and vibrant aspect of our community. Once a Monarch, always a Monarch.
Giving

Catholic Social Teachings

Rooted in our Catholic identity and guided by our tradition of Honor, Glory, and Love, Mater Dei High School forms students to live their faith with purpose and compassion. Our mission calls us to educate the whole person and to prepare ethical, inspirational leaders who serve others and positively impact the world.

The resources below help articulate the Church’s vision for human dignity, justice, and hope, and how these principles are lived out in our school community.

Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching
These foundational teachings of the Church guide how we understand our responsibility to one another, especially the most vulnerable. They inform our approach to faith formation, service, and servant leadership, helping students connect Gospel values to everyday life.

Drawing New Maps of Hope
In this Apostolic Letter issued in October 2025, Pope Leo XIV invites Catholic institutions to renew their commitment to hope, encounter, and mission in a changing world. His message resonates deeply with Mater Dei’s philosophy of educating students who are grounded in faith, open to dialogue, and prepared to lead with courage and love.