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

If a student needs to move down/up a level in a class mid-year, how flexible is Mater Dei about a schedule

Mater Dei High School offers some flexibility for students wishing to change their class level mid-year, but this process is governed by certain conditions.

Approval Process Changes are not guaranteed and depend on the availability of space in the desired course as well as the student's fulfillment of prerequisites. For students looking to level down from an Honors or Advanced Placement (AP) course to a College Prep class, a formal request must be initiated by a parent or legal guardian via email to the academic counselor. Conversely, leveling up to a more rigorous course typically requires meeting specific prerequisites and obtaining permission from the relevant department.

Steps to Initiate a Change

  • Parent Approval: For leveling down, a parent must send an email to the academic counselor.
  • Contact Counselor: Students should identify their assigned academic counselor through the Aeries Student Portal.
  • Department Permission: For leveling up, students may need to consult with the Department Chair for approval.
  • Communication Lines: For further academic concerns, students or parents can escalate through the school's communication structure, starting with the teacher and moving up to the Assistant Principal of Academic Services.
Overall, while Mater Dei is open to class level adjustments, the process requires careful adherence to established protocols and communication with school officials.

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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