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

What are requirements to get into mater dei for a sophomore transfer? Any help if they are on the football team? Thanks a lot

Transferring to Mater Dei High School requires careful attention to both academic and athletic eligibility requirements, particularly for students interested in joining the football team.

Academic Requirements

  • A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required, with no failing grades on the transcript. While 'D' grades are accepted, it is advisable to remediate them before applying.
  • Required application documents include:
  • Unofficial high school and 8th-grade transcripts
  • Current semester progress report
  • E-recommendation from a teacher, counselor, or principal
  • Disciplinary Clearance Form and immunization records
  • Standardized test results or an Admissions Readiness Assessment
  • An admissions interview is mandatory after application completion.
Athletic Eligibility for Football

As a CIF member, Mater Dei has specific transfer rules:

  • Students transferring without a valid change of residence typically face a sit-out period of about 50% of the season.
  • Immediate eligibility may be granted only with a documented valid change of residence or a successful hardship waiver.
  • Any prior contact with Mater Dei coaches must be disclosed to avoid issues with eligibility.
  • Student-athletes must maintain NCAA eligibility by sending transcripts from all attended high schools to the NCAA Eligibility Center.
For further details, especially regarding football eligibility, it is advisable to contact the Mater Dei Athletics Department directly.

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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