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Nowl78
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Campus life

For students not in athletics, what’s the main community glue at Mater Dei, clubs, campus ministry, arts? My duaghter is having a tough time finding a close group of friends

Mater Dei High School offers over 85 non-athletic clubs and organizations that provide excellent opportunities for students to build close friendships.

Main Non-Athletic Clubs & Activities

  • Campus Ministry & Faith: The Monarch Ministry Club is a central hub for faith-filled community building, leadership, and outreach. Female students can also join Sisters in Christ to explore faith in a peer-group setting.
  • Humanitarian & Service: Students often bond over shared values in clubs like Red Cross Club, Soup Kitchen Club, Paws for a Cause, and Helping Hands.
  • Academic Teams: High-engagement groups like Mock Trial, Robotics, Model United Nations (MUN), and Speech and Debate foster tight-knit teams.
  • Performing Arts: Beyond classes, students can participate in the Thespian Society, Liturgical Music Group, or audition for the Senior Musical.
  • Social & Cultural Interest: Fun, lower-pressure options include the Knitting Club, Anime Club, Film Industry and Entertainment Club, and various culture-based groups like the Hispanic Student Association.

How to Get Involved and Find Friends

  • Attend Club Rush: Typically held early in the school year, this event allows students to see all active clubs and sign up directly.
  • Join Monarch Ministry: Sign-ups are open year-round. It is one of the most active ways to meet students across different grade levels through retreats and service projects.
  • Engage in Christian Service: Mater Dei requires 80 service hours for graduation. Your daughter can find a group of friends by volunteering together at pre-approved sites like the Heart of Jesus Retreat Center or Someone Cares Kitchen.
  • Monitor School Communication: Club meetings and event reminders are regularly shared via MDTV, school email, and flyers posted around campus.
  • Participate in Retreats: Class-specific retreats, such as the Sophomore Youth Day on February 19, 2026, are designed specifically for fellowship and spiritual growth.

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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