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Anonymous
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Academics

Prospective parent here, is religion mandatory at MD? We are not that religious, but our son would love to go to MD, so i just want to more about this general. Like do they need to go to mass and religion course? Thx for the understanding

As a prospective parent, it's important to understand that Mater Dei High School has specific religious requirements for all students, regardless of their personal beliefs.

Religious Studies Courses Students are required to complete 40 credits in Religious Studies over four years, which includes courses on Catholic teachings and electives such as Comparative Religion or Philosophy for seniors. This curriculum is designed to ensure that all students engage with the school's Catholic identity.

Mass and Liturgy Participation All students must attend school-wide masses and liturgies. While non-Catholic students are not required to participate in prayers or receive the Eucharist, they are expected to attend as respectful observers.

Christian Service Hours Graduation also necessitates completing 80 hours of Christian service, averaging 10 hours per semester, which aligns with the school's mission to promote faith in action.

Spiritual Development Participation in spiritual retreats and other faith-based activities is encouraged to foster personal growth and community involvement.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the 2025-2026 Parent-Student Handbook.

Recent questions at Mater Dei High School

maranorst
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Financial aid

When will we receive notification if our student was awarded one of the merit-based scholarships

Families can expect to receive notifications regarding merit-based scholarships for incoming freshmen at Mater Dei High School in February 2026. This applies to students who have been officially accepted to the school.

Scholarship Notification Dates

The following scholarships will have their notifications released in February 2026:

  • Principal's Scholarship
  • President's Scholarship
  • Heart of Santa Ana Scholarship
  • Alumni Heritage Fund Grant
Important Note

Families who submitted their Tuition Assistance applications by the December 8, 2025 deadline will receive notifications about general admissions and need-based grants in January 2026, prior to the merit scholarship notifications. For more details on eligibility and application processes, you can visit the Mater Dei High School Scholarships page.

Anonymous
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Admissions

When using the Shadow A Monarch program, can I request a host specifically from a niche extracurricular

The Shadow A Monarch program at Mater Dei High School allows prospective students to request hosts based on their specific interests, including niche extracurricular activities.

Requesting a Specific Host

You have two options to be paired with a host:

  • Direct Request: If you know a current Mater Dei student in good standing, you can request to shadow them directly.
  • Interest-Based Pairing: If you do not have a specific student in mind, you can fill out the official shadow form indicating your interests in particular activities, subjects, or sports. The school will then pair you with a host involved in those areas.
Additional Information

For more details, you can visit the official Shadow A Monarch page or contact the Admissions Office directly at shadowprogram@materdei.org or by calling (714) 754-1175 for specific inquiries regarding niche extracurriculars.

couchCaution
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Financial aid

Since 50% of students receive financial aid, what are the options for 12-month tuition payment plans to manage the $20k+ annual commitment? Thxx

To assist families with the financial commitment of tuition, Mater Dei High School provides several payment options, including a 12-month plan that allows for equal monthly payments throughout the year.

Tuition Payment Plans

The available plans include:

  • 12-Month Plan: Equal monthly payments spread over the year.
  • 10-Month Plan: Payments from July through April, ideal for families of seniors.
  • Semi-Annual Plan: Two payments due in June and December.
  • Annual Plan: A single payment due by the end of June.
Enrollment Process

Families can manage their payment plans through an online portal. Enrollment typically begins in early June or during the registration window starting in January. Additionally, for those needing further financial flexibility, Mater Dei partners with Your Tuition Solution to offer fixed-rate student tuition loans without pre-payment penalties.

For more detailed information, visit the Mater Dei Tuition and Fees page.

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