Academic Counseling

Academic Planning By Grade Level

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

To receive a diploma from Mater Dei High School, students who attend Mater Dei grades 9-12, must successfully complete (“D” or better) the following requirements. All graduation requirements must be taken at Mater Dei from the time a student enrolls in the school.

REQUIRED COURSE (1 semester = 5 credits)	REQUIRED YEARS	REQUIRED CREDITS
Religious Studies	4	40
English	4	40
Mathematics	3	30
Science	2	20
Social Studies	3	30
World Languages (same language)	2	20
Visual or Performing Art	1	10
Additional Credits/ Elective Courses*	7	70
TOTAL		260 CREDITS

*All credits earned in excess of the required courses in any subject area will count toward the “Additional/Elective” requirement

SERVICE REQUIREMENT FOR GRADUATION

CHRISTIAN SERVICE PROGRAM	REQUIRED HOURS
Christian Service Hours	80 Hours (40 Hours direct)
Reflection Essay OR Group Discussion	Completed in Senior Year after 80 Hours submitted

Students must meet minimum deadlines for their service hours during their four years at Mater Dei.

CLICK HERE for Christian Service Program page and see deadline schedule for more information.

Advanced Placement and Honors Courses

Mater Dei High School offers 59 Honors and 21 Advanced Placement (AP) courses across the Art, English, World Language, Mathematics, Music, Science, and Social Studies departments. Enrollment in Honors and AP courses is selective and requires students to meet established prerequisites, which may include minimum GPA and course grade requirements, teacher recommendation, placement examinations, and/or approval from the appropriate Department Chair. Detailed course requirements are available in the Mater Dei Course Catalog.

Honors and AP courses receive a weighted GPA designation, with students earning an additional grade point for grades of A, B, or C. Students enrolled in AP courses may also earn college credit and/or advanced placement at participating colleges and universities by achieving qualifying scores (typically 3, 4, or 5) on AP Exams, subject to each institution's individual AP credit policy.

To take a Mater Dei AP Exam, you must be enrolled at Mater Dei High School.

Academic Supports

Classroom Teachers: Schedule meetings with your teachers to review areas of concern. Your teacher should always be your first point of contact for academic assistance.

Academic Assistance Program (AAP): Here is the AAP Calendar for the school year

Office Hours: Meet with your teachers or quietly work in the Learning Center during scheduled office hours.

Peer Tutoring: Contact Mr. Ken dory at [email protected] to arrange peer tutoring on campus and submit the Tutoring Request Form

The Learning Center (LC): The LC, located in the library, is available to all students as a quiet place to study and/or receive extra academic support (as available) during Office Hour and non-class hours.

Monarch Academic Program For Success (MAPS): MAPS is a two-tiered, fee-based program available for students with documented learning and attention differences. Contact Mrs. Katrina Fineberg at [email protected] for more information.

Bridge: Bridge is an elective taken during the school day that assists with grade monitoring, executive functioning skills, and assignment completion.

Student Support Lab (SSL): Drop by the library after school for a quiet place to get work done, peer tutoring, or math tutoring with Mr. Dory. Email [email protected] for more information.

Course Catalog

Course Catalog - What are the requirements for this class? What classes are offered?

Scheduling requests begin in February and ended in March. Any requested changes may only be permitted if:

There is space in the class (many are full),
You meet the prerequisites from the Course Catalog
You have the subject's department permission, AND
You have parent permission

As a reminder, we are *NOT* able to change classes due to a teacher or block request.

Yes	No
My schedule is missing a graduation requirement. There is a conflict in my schedule. There is a mistake in my schedule (e.g., I am enrolled in a 10th grade class, but I’m in 9th grade).	I want to switch blocks. I want to be in a class with my friend. I want a different teacher. I want to have a different lunch time.
Please see your counselor to fix the problem with your current schedule.	The requests can NOT be approved. Please follow your current schedule.

Elective Change - “I want to take Elective A instead of Elective B.” Here’s the MD Elective List. Check that you meet the prerequisites in the Course Catalog. If you do, please have your Parent send an email request to the counselor. For example, “Dear Counselor, I approve of Marvin Monarch moving from Choir to Photography if it is available. Sincerely, Parent". Please note that approval depends on whether space is available in the course, and that it works with your overall schedule.

Athletic Block - “I want to be in the Sport Block. Can you add it?” Counselors can add students only with permission from the sport’s coach or if the student is on the athletic roster. I will check and add the class if you are approved for the class. If you are not yet, please speak with your coach and have your coach send an email to your counselor.

Leveling Down - Counselors recommend students to take the most rigorous classes that they met the prerequisites for. If you’ve considered your overall balance, interests, and discussed with your parent, and decided you want to move from an Honors or AP to a College Prep class, please have your Parent send an email to the counselor with approval. For example, “Dear Counselor, I approve Melvin Monarch moving from Honors English II to English II if it is available. Sincerely, Parent". Counselors cannot make this change without a parent’s approval (request cannot be an email from a student). Please note that approval depends on whether space is available in the course and that it works with your overall schedule.

STEM Pathways

Mater Dei’s Science Department offers students a comprehensive STEM experience designed to inspire curiosity, innovation, and real-world problem solving. Students interested in medicine, engineering, computer science, biotechnology, environmental science, forensics, animal science, or other scientific fields can pursue specialized pathways that allow them to explore their passions while building a strong foundation for college and career success.

Students pursuing STEM interests are encouraged to complete a rigorous sequence of science and mathematics courses while exploring STEM electives in areas such as engineering, robotics, computer science, coding, biotechnology, forensics, and other emerging fields. Across the curriculum, students engage in hands-on laboratory investigations, collaborative projects, and authentic problem-solving experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world applications.

Students interested in engineering and technology may participate in Mater Dei’s competitive Robotics program, where they gain practical experience in engineering design, programming, fabrication, and teamwork. Through access to dedicated facilities and advanced equipment, students apply STEM concepts to design, build, and compete in innovative projects.

The Science Department extends learning beyond the classroom through partnerships with professionals and organizations in healthcare, research, wildlife conservation, and government agencies. These connections provide students with opportunities for guest speakers, career exploration, field experiences, and exposure to STEM-related industries. Students may also participate in international science experiences, including the department’s Costa Rica and Australia programs, where they apply scientific concepts through hands-on environmental and biological studies.

Students who demonstrate a sustained commitment to STEM through advanced coursework, extracurricular involvement, internships, competitions, guest speakers, and other enrichment opportunities may earn the Mater Dei STEM Distinction on their transcript.

Biotechnology

Biotechnology is a rapidly growing field that combines biology, chemistry, technology, and research to address challenges in medicine, agriculture, environmental science, and industry. Mater Dei’s Biotechnology program provides students with hands-on laboratory experiences that develop scientific inquiry, research skills, and technical knowledge. Students explore modern biotechnology applications while building skills that prepare them for college-level STEM programs, research opportunities, and future careers in biotechnology and related fields.

For more information about Mater Dei’s Biotechnology Program, please contact the Science Department.

College-Bound Student-Athletes

College athletics encompasses a variety of different opportunities for students to compete in a sport at the college level, and there are several items that must be completed throughout your high school years from eligibility, standards, transcripts, test scores, and more. The two most prominent associations are:

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is divided into different divisions – Division I, Division II, and Division III. NCAA Guide to the College-Bound Student-Athlete
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) also offers athletic opportunities at 250 institutions. NAIA Guide to the College-Bound Student-Athlete

Each association and division maintains different initial-eligibility requirements and standards so it is important to be familiar with the one where you will be competing. If you are unsure where you will attend yet, it would be best to satisfy the most rigorous set of requirements (NCAA – Division I) as this will keep your options open for the most opportunities.

Please consult with your Mater Dei school counselor to be preliminarily evaluated on your progress for NCAA initial-eligibility academic requirements (Core Courses, GPA, test scores, etc.).

College-Bound Student-Athletes Timeline

Freshmen Sophmore Junior Senior