Founded in 1950, Mater Dei is more than a high school.
We are a community built on Catholic fellowship and intellectual rigor, dedicated to developing our students' talents as they pursue their dreams of academic excellence, artistic distinction, athletic glory, and spiritual growth.
For 70 years, Mater Dei and its students have influenced Orange County through campus ministry, the arts, academics and athletics.
Mater Dei students continue to become National Merit finalists, county-wide science fair winners, CIF champions, award-winning performers and artists and much more! Our students are characterized by curiosity, ambition and service to others.
Mater Dei students take these lessons with them as they move on to some of the most prestigious universities and well into their professional lives in the worlds of medicine, law, technology, finance, education, entertainment, government, business and ministry.
Mater Dei High School recognizes the value of each and every student and his or her contribution to our traditions of Honor, Glory and Love which have been a part of the Monarch experience since our inception.
Whether you`re a prospective student or parent, alumnus, lifetime parent, current student or parent, or grandparent, know that Mater Dei is a place to call home.
We are a family. Thank you again for visiting our site and we look forward to the opportunity to see you in person on campus.
AP Art 2D & 3D Design, AP Art History, AP Art: Drawing, AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Capstone Seminar, AP Chemistry, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles, AP English Lit & Comp, AP European History, AP French Language and Culture, AP Language and Composition, AP Latin Literature, AP Literature and Composition, AP Macroeconomics, AP Music Theory, AP Physics 1, AP Psychology, AP Spanish Language and Culture, AP Spanish Literature and Culture, AP Statistics, AP US Gov't and Politics, AP US History
Biking and Cycling Club, Bowling Club, California Scholarship Federation (CSF), Chess/Strategy Club, Computer Club, Debate & Forensics, Disc Club/Vinyl Appreciation Club, Drama Club, E.A.R.T.H. Club (Environmental Club), Fashion Club, Film Club, Fishing Club, Future USCholars, Habitat For Humanity, Hockey Club, Home Economics Club, Interact Club, International Club, Junior States of America (JSA), Kaleidoscope, Key Club, Knitting Club, Latin Club, Magic Club, Make a Wish Club, Martial Arts Club, MD Disney Club, Model United Nations (MUN), Monarch Ministry, Music as Medicine, Musical Theater Club, National Art Honor Society (NAHS), National Honor Society (NHS), Origami Club, Pacific Islander Club, Photography Club, Project Lunchbox, RAD Camp Club, Red Cross Club, Renaissance, Rock Musician Club, SADD
Club or Organization: Anime Club, Asian American Club, Astronomy Club, Monarch Television Club, Sailing Club, Scarlet Ambassadors, Science Club, Snowboarding Club, Surf Club, Table Tennis Club, Vinyl Record Club
School Notes
QUICK FACTS
Mater Dei is a Catholic, co-educational, college preparatory
high school located in Santa Ana, California.
Founded 1950
School colors: Scarlet & Gray
Mascot: Monarch (Lion)
Enrollment fall 2016 - 2,179 students making us the largest
non-public school west of Chicago
Student ratio is: Male - 46% / Female - 54%
Accredited by the Western Catholic Educational Association
(WCEA) and is co-accredited Western
Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Member of College Board and Member of the National Association
for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)
99% college placement
28:1 student/teacher ratio; average class size is 25-30
students
School wide, mandatory, random drug-testing program fosters a
safe, drug-free environment
Closed campus; 24 hour security
40% of the student body receives need based financial
aid through the generosity of Mater Dei benefactors and the
Bishop`s Assistance Fund through the Diocese of Orange
Apple Distinguished School
CAMPUS LIFE
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.
35% of the professional staff coach, moderate or direct
extracurricular programs
More than 91% of the student body participates in at least one
co-curricular or extra-curricular program
70% of student body are registered members of 40
school clubsASB (Associated Student Body) involves over
350 students who organize and coordinate more than 150 school
activities including rallies and dances
MDTV informs the students of upcoming events and offers
courses in television production
The Crown yearbook and Scarlet Scroll student
newspaper offer hands-on publications and print production
experience to students.
Mater Dei's Campus Ministry program and Religious
Studies Department involves the entire school community through
faith development and enrichment through service, outreach,
retreats, daily prayer, pastoral counseling and
Reconciliation.
STUDENTS
Our students come from every city in Orange County bringing 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.
Culturally Diverse
48% Caucasian
32% Hispanic
16% Asian
3% African-American
1% Native American
1% Pacific Islander
7% Other
Race Number exceeds 100% due to reporting of multiple
ethnicities
Religiously Diverse
80% Catholic; 20% represent a variety of other faiths
62% of student body come from Catholic elementary schools; 38%
attended public/private schools
Geographically Diverse
Mater Dei is centrally located in Orange County in the City of
Santa Ana. We are 2.5 miles north of South Coast Plaza.
Students live in every city in Orange County; some commute from
Riverside, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and San Diego counties.
ACADEMICS
Mater Dei offers a comprehensive academic program in
college prep, honors and Advanced Placement. Those who are
motivated to learn and work hard, within a college-preparatory
curriculum, find success at Mater Dei and beyond.
Mater Dei has had 138 National Merit Finalists and One
Gates Millennial Scholar in its history
22 Honors and 22 AP classes offered; 58% of the student body is
enrolled in Honors and/or AP courses
Electives offered in visual arts, television production, math,
performing arts, physical education, science, social studies,
language and business & technology
78% of students appear on the honor roll with a 3.0 + GPA
Daily peer-to-peer and faculty tutoring offers students the
extra help they need to succeed
The Muth Family Learning Center serves 10% of our
students who have diagnosed special learning needs
The College and Career Resource Center provides
support for students to prepare for life after Mater Dei
The Guidance & Counseling Center is supported by
seven academic counselors, five personal counselors
Located in our Guidance & Counseling Center is
our GatewayCenter: it houses the tools our students need
to find helpful workshops, college planning and research,
assistance with internships, summer experiences, alumni
connections, mentors and other opportunities to connect with the
real world. It is a hub where students can meet, learn and
explore resources in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
Teaching faculty are credentialed; over 40% have advanced
degrees
Over 5% of faculty/staff and coaches are MD alumni
SAT and ACT Scores are above national and state
averages
EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY (ED TECH)
Mater Dei takes a comprehensive approach to Ed Tech from its
core philosophy to the dynamic wireless infrastructure to online
safety
All students and teaching faculty utilize
an iPad which has enhanced the educational and assessment
process with digital textbooks, applications and online learning
resources through Blackboard.com
Over 52 dynamic, cost effective e-text titles are
available.
Over 90% of books are electronic for most incoming
freshmen.
Over 500 approved learning apps and platforms including
Blackboard Learn, Keynote, Notability, Pages, and the
student-created Mater Dei High School App to name a few.
Extron MediaLink, an integrated digital multi-media system is
in all classrooms for projection and collaboration
Re-imagined state-of-the art library opened in
September 2013 and includes learning commons, tech hub, private
study rooms, iMac workstations and print corrals, LibGuide digital
portals for high quality research information.
ARTS AT MATER DEI
It is an exciting time to be an artist at Mater Dei. Through
involvement in either performing or visual arts, students have
avenues of creativity in and out of the classroom. Over 40% of the
student body participates in the visual and performing arts
programs.
Performing Arts
The Performing Arts Department includes comprehensive
Choral and Hand-bell, Instrumental, Theatre, Dance, and Pep
programs.Students sing, play, dance, and act, and run crew in a
wide variety of performances throughout the school year.
Performing Arts faculty members are artistically proficient and
accomplishedMusical and theatre groups excel in festivalsDance
Team, Cheerleading Squad, and Song Team compete nationally each
year.
Many performing artists are admitted to prestigious colleges
with some receiving scholarships to continue their studies in
music, theatre or dance.
Visual Arts
The Visual Arts Program offers an array of classes
for beginning, intermediate and advanced artists in various mediums
including pencil, paints, ceramics, photography and graphic
design.
Student artwork is showcased throughout campus and is featured
in the Annual Student Art Show each spring.
Students have exhibited work in a number of art shows including
Imagination Celebration, Color it Orange Juried Art
Exhibition, and the California Art Education Association
Youth Art Month Exhibition to name a few.
ATHLETICS
The athletics program at Mater Dei offers 24 different sports
programs over three seasons with multiple levels in each
program.
Over 50% of MD students participate in athletics as athletes,
statisticians, managers or trainers
State of the art facilities include aquatic center, gym,
athletic fields, track, weight room, golf practice facility and
baseball complex
50 student athletes from the Class of 2016 signed a
National Letter of Intent to compete in collegiate athletics
Over 100 National, State and CIF championships won by athletic
teams
Ranked #1 by ESPN Rise & MaxPreps.com and #2
by Sports Illustrated for comprehensive athletic
program
Two Heisman trophy winners and seven Olympians (four in the
2016 Summer Games) in the school's history
Four National Gatorade Players of the Year and 12 State Players
of the Year.
SPIRITUALITY & SERVICE
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.
100% of student body complete at least 80 hours
of community service prior to graduation
Class of 2016 completed nearly 80,000 volunteer hours at
hundreds of organizations an average of 160 hours per student
Over 400 students involved in daily and weekly liturgies and
prayer services. Over 500 students participate annually
in retreats
Over 500 students participate annually in our
on-campus Special Games Outreach, which invites over 250
athletes with special needs to compete, play and have fun!
TRADITION & FAMILY
Building on overv65 years of excellence, Mater Dei is rich in
tradition and a belief in the very best.
First graduating Class of 1953 created the school traditions
that are alive and well with today`s generation of Monarchs
Alumni network of nearly 27,000 have pursued careers in
medicine, law, technology, finance, government and ministry.
Active alumni association with online social networking
through Facebook , Twitter, and Instagram.
Class reunions keep Monarchs connected to former classmates,
faculty and their alma mater
Family events throughout the school year (the Family Mass &
Reception, Father-Daughter Dance, Mother-Son Brunch, Grandparents
Day and Marian Mass) unite the Mater Dei family in a spirit of
faith while celebrating our bondSchool publications
Scarlet & Gray Magazine (bi-annually) and The
Scarlet Scroll (student written, online monthly
newspaper) keep the MD family informed of events, activities
and updates in the community
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.
School-wide 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.
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