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
- Students
- Parents
- Faculty
- Alumni
- Grandparents
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
Behind every achievement, success, and championship, stand the alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends who fortify our future. We invite you to support MD in a variety of ways with a gift that is meaningful to you.

At a Glance

1950
Founded
Scarlet and Gray School Colors
Monarch Mascot
Apple Distinguished School
Located in Santa Ana, CA
24/7
Campus Security/ Closed Campus
2,036 Students
52.7% Female 47.3% Male
Comprehensive Academics 55 Honors Courses 22 AP Courses 109 Electives
75+ Clubs
27 Sports/Teams
Class of 2022 81.29% 4 Year 15.50% 2 Year 1.32% Gap Year 1.9% Military, Trade School, or Employment
Religiously Diverse 73% Catholic and 27% Non Catholic
140
National Merit Finalists
1 to 1 iPad Program
20%
of faculty/staff are alumni
50%
of students who receive financial aid
Drug testing program
95%
Student Involvement
STEM Distinction Program
9
College and Career Counselors
3
CHOC Psychology Team Members
4
Learning Support Specialists
Culturally Diverse
Ethnicity: 36% Hispanic; 64% Non Hispanic Race: 9% Asian 0.3% Hispanic 1% Black/African American 0.7% Hawaiian/Pacific Islander 18% Two or more Races 50% White 21% Unknown/Other