Mater Dei Catholic (2026-27 Profile)

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Quick Facts (2026-27)

Grades: Kindergarten-12
Yearly Tuition: $18,210
Average class size: 23 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

Mater Dei Catholic ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:

School Facts

Religious Affiliation

Catholic

Grades Offered

Grades Kindergarten-12

ADD/ADHD Support

Yes

Learning Difference Programs

Yes

Year Founded

1960

Summer School Offered

Yes

Student Body

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

88%

State avg.: 52%

Academic Profile

Total Classroom Teachers

85 teachers

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

70%

Average Class Size

23 students

Average SAT score

1115

(Out of 1600)

Average ACT score

(Out of 36)

Classroom Dress Code

Formal

Number of AP Courses

17 courses

List of Courses Offered

Link to List of Courses

Advanced Courses

23 Honors

Advanced Theater HonorsAlgebra 2/Trig Honors

Art HistoryBiology

Biology HonorsCalculus AB

Calculus BCChemistry

Chemistry HonorsComputer Science

English 1English 115 College Class

English 116 College ClassEnglish Language & Composition

English LiteratureEnvironmental Science

Environmental Science - College ClassFrench 3 Honors

French Language and CultureGeometry Honors

Human Geography 120 College ClassPhysical Geography 101 & Lab College Class

Physics 1Political Science

Pre-Calculus HonorsPsychology 101 College Class

SociologySpanish 3 Honors

Spanish Language and CultureSpanish Literature

StatisticsUS Government & Politics

US HistoryWorld History

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School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA)
Other school association(s)

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$18,210

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

Scholarships & Tuition Assistance Available

% on Financial Aid

65%

Average Financial Aid Grant

$6,500

Admissions Director

Mr. Ted Drummond

Admissions Associate

Ms. Clarissa Nuño

Sports

Total Sports Offered

18 sports

Sports

BaseballBasketball

CheeringCross Country

TennisTrack and Field

VolleyballWater Polo

WeightliftingWrestling

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Colors

Blue, Navy Blue, Gold

School Mascot

Crusaders

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

37 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Club or Organization:

Academic LeagueAmerican Red Cross Club

Art ClubAsian Pacific Club

Black Student UnionBook Club

Chess ClubCreative Writing

Crusader ImpactCrusaders for Change

Culinary ClubEmpathy Club

Faith Formation ClubFantasy Football Club

French ClubGirl Up

JournalismJunior Optimist Club

Key ClubMater Dei Missionaries

National Honor SocietyNBA Fan Club

Quiz Bowl ClubRobotics Club

Stocks Business ClubStudent Haven Club

Students for LifeSustainability Club

TEDEd ClubUkulele Club

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Arts and Music Programs:

BandChoir Club

Theater Arts

Recreational Athletic Programs:

Field HockeyLacrosse

RugbySurf Club

School Notes

Founded in 1960 as Marian High School, Mater Dei Catholic has evolved into a thriving TK-12 Catholic school in San Diego.
With nearly 1,500 students, Mater Dei Catholic is the second largest private school in San Diego. We are committed to inspiring the hearts, minds, and souls of our student.
As Crusaders, we are dedicated to Christian service, academic excellence and innovation. Mater Dei is committed to creating well-rounded, faith-filled leaders.
We provide an exceptional Catholic education enriched with opportunities for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math), athletics and spiritual development. Mater Dei Catholic is known as "The Place to Be" because we offer something for everyone.
Our Blessed Mother is revered as our patroness who intercedes to help lead us to her son, Jesus.

Mater Dei Catholic High School (9-12 Grade) has 1036 students with an average class size of 23 and a 16:1 student/teacher ratio. In 2021, we had 390 National Honors Society members, 19 Ford Scholar recipients, and 89% of students taking the AP exam received a passing score. More than 90% of our students participate in our sports and extra-curricular activities. MDCHS is acclaimed for its Academy of Science, which focuses on Last year, Mater Dei Catholic High School was named the D2 State School of the Year in California.
Mater Dei Juan Diego Academy (TK-8 grade) has 440 students with an average class size of 23. We have the only Catholic 50/50 dual language Spanish/English immersion elementary school in all of San Diego County. The curriculum is rooted in the STEAM education model (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Math) with the goal to educate the whole child while incorporating spirituality and fostering faith.

Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Mary Salas - An American politician who previously served in the California Assembly and currently serves as the Mayor of the Chula Vista. She graduated from San Diego State University. ?
- John Carlos Frey - Renowned investigative journalist, documentary filmmaker and published author. His work has won him many awards, including six Emmys. He has also written articles for the Los Angeles Times, The Huffington Post, Salon and more. He graduated from University
- Paul Arriola - Professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder for Major League Soccer club D.C. United and the United States national team.?

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Mater Dei Catholic cost?

Mater Dei Catholic's tuition is approximately $18,210 for private students.

Who are famous alumni from Mater Dei Catholic?

Mater Dei Catholic famous alumni include: Mary Salas, John Carlos Frey and Paul Arriola.

What sports does Mater Dei Catholic offer?

Mater Dei Catholic offers 18 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Dance, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Rugby, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Water Polo, Weightlifting and Wrestling. Mater Dei Catholic is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in California for most sports offered.

When is the application deadline for Mater Dei Catholic?

The application deadline for Mater Dei Catholic is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

In what neighborhood is Mater Dei Catholic located?

Mater Dei Catholic is located in the Otay Ranch neighborhood of Chula Vista, CA. There are 1 other private schools located in Otay Ranch.