Mater Dei Catholic High School
San Diego's Elite Catholic High School - Science Excellence, Microsoft Showcase School
Mater Dei Catholic High School is located on a beautiful 48-acre campus with state-of-the-art programs and facilities. The residential high school is a quick drive away to San Diego, California, offering outstanding Catholic education combined with cutting-edge technology and science programs.
Quick answers
Tuition, selectivity, and admissions overview
Mater Dei Catholic High School is one of the schools families often compare in the San Diego private high school search. This summary brings together tuition, acceptance-rate context, deadlines, testing, and local guardian considerations before the full profile below.
Data context
Tuition, testing, and application dates follow school-published sources.
Suggested next step
Confirm grade-level availability first, then decide whether to complete materials now or plan for the next cycle.
Application Deadline: Rolling / Application Deadline: October
$20k - $65k+
TOEFL 60-80 or equivalent
Off-Campus Residence
Compare with
Schools families often compare with Mater Dei Catholic High School
Cathedral Catholic High School
San Diego, California
Tuition $22,637 (2026-27 day tuition)
View school profile →Academy of Our Lady of Peace
San Diego, California
Tuition $26,250 tuition + $500 registration (2026-27)
View school profile →The Bishop's School
La Jolla, California
Tuition $52,500 (2026-27)
View school profile →Our Mission
“Mater Dei Catholic High School is a Christ-centered community empowering students to realize their potential as faith-filled, ethical, well-educated individuals who contribute meaningfully to society. Through rigorous academics, spiritual formation, and service, we prepare students for success in college and life.
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Key Info
Grades
Grades 9-11
Language Requirement
TOEFL 60-80 or equivalent
Cost of Attendance
$20k - $65k+
Accommodation
Off-Campus Residence
Admission Information
Fall Admission
August/September Start
•Application Deadline: Rolling
Primary admission season with full academic year experience and access to all programs and activities.
Spring Admission
January Start
•Application Deadline: October
Mid-year admission available for qualified transfer students.
Application Requirements
- Completed online application
- Official transcripts from all previous schools
- English proficiency test (TOEFL 60-80 or equivalent)
- Teacher recommendations
- Personal statement
- Student interview
- Immunization records
- Catholic baptismal certificate (if applicable)
Why Study at Mater Dei Catholic High School?
Elite Academy of Science Program
The Academy of Science is a unique, application-based multi-year program designed for advanced STEM students. This prestigious program offers complex coursework, hands-on research opportunities, professional internships, and partnerships with local universities and research institutions. Students gain real-world experience and develop advanced scientific skills that set them apart in college admissions.
Microsoft Showcase School
As a top high school in California and designated Microsoft Showcase School, Mater Dei Catholic provides students with access to the latest campus-wide WiFi technology and cutting-edge learning tools. The school features an IT help desk modeled after the Apple Genius Bar, ensuring students receive immediate technical support. This technology-rich environment prepares students for the digital demands of modern universities and careers.
After School Tutoring Included With Tuition
Mater Dei Catholic demonstrates its commitment to student success by offering free after-school tutoring in all subjects, as well as comprehensive ACT and SAT preparation courses at no additional cost. This extensive academic support system ensures that all students have the resources they need to excel academically and achieve their college admission goals.
Life at Mater Dei Catholic High School
Study in San Diego, California, United States
Mater Dei is located in Chula Vista, California – a beautiful, affluent community with incredible natural beauty, located just 9 miles (14 km) from San Diego.
San Diego Population 1.4 Million
Vibrant metropolitan area with excellent weather, beaches, and cultural attractions
Easy Access to San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Convenient travel connections with San Diego International Airport just minutes away
Close to Top Universities
Near Caltech (#7), USC (#28), UC San Diego (#28), and other prestigious California institutions
Campus Life at Mater Dei Catholic
Explore our 48-acre campus with state-of-the-art facilities
Mater Dei Catholic Campus
Beautiful 48-acre campus near San Diego
Mater Dei Catholic High School Facts
Outstanding results and comprehensive programs
Academic Excellence
Mater Dei Catholic's rigorous curriculum combines Catholic values with advanced STEM education and technology integration, preparing students for success at top universities.
Elite Academy of Science Program
Microsoft Showcase School
100% College Acceptance Rate
30+ AP and Honors Courses
1:16 Faculty-to-Student Ratio
Average ACT Score of 31
Free After-School Tutoring
ACT and SAT Prep Courses Included
140+ Recent STEM Internships
Senior Capstone Projects
Robust Technology Program
Comprehensive College Counseling
60 Annual College Campus Visits
92% Top 100 University Acceptance
58% Top 50 University Acceptance
71% UC System Acceptance
Further reading
If you're considering Mater Dei Catholic High School, also read
Full cost of US private high school for a Chinese family
Tuition, guardianship, fees, transportation — total cost beyond Mater Dei Catholic's published tuition.
When to apply to Mater Dei Catholic: San Diego private school admissions timeline
Mater Dei Catholic runs a structured admissions cycle with HSPT testing and rolling-style options.
Top private high schools in San Diego: where Mater Dei Catholic fits
Diocese of San Diego co-ed Catholic college-prep high school in Chula Vista. Mater Dei Catholic's positioning in SD's South Bay private landscape.
How Mater Dei Catholic compares to other San Diego private schools
Mater Dei Catholic is a smaller, South Bay Catholic alternative to Cathedral Catholic (central SD) and the independent Big Three.
Legal guardianship for international students at San Diego day schools
Mater Dei Catholic is a day school. International families without local relatives must plan guardianship in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mater Dei Catholic High School's acceptance rate?
Mater Dei Catholic does not publish an admissions acceptance rate. California private K-12 schools are not required to disclose this number, and aggregator sites do not list a published rate for Mater Dei Catholic. Any specific percentage seen online should be treated as an unverified estimate.
How much does Mater Dei Catholic High School cost for 2026-27?
Tuition for the current school year is in the $20,000-$25,000 range based on Diocese of San Diego Catholic-school benchmarks. Families should confirm the exact 2026-27 tuition and fees directly with the school's admissions office, since published numbers update annually.
How many students attend Mater Dei Catholic High School?
Approximately 700 students across grades 9-12. Mater Dei Catholic ranks among the major Catholic high schools in the Diocese of San Diego, serving primarily South Bay families.
Is Mater Dei Catholic open to non-Catholic students?
Yes. Mater Dei Catholic is a Catholic college-preparatory school in the Diocese of San Diego, but admits students of all faiths. Catholic religion classes and Mass are part of school life. Non-Catholic families should be comfortable with this character even if their student is not Catholic.
Does Mater Dei Catholic accept international students?
Yes. International applicants follow the school's standard admissions timeline. Required materials include HSPT scores, transcripts, and recommendations. As a Chula Vista day school, Mater Dei Catholic. International families must arrange local guardianship and housing separately.
What standardized tests does Mater Dei Catholic require?
Mater Dei Catholic uses the HSPT (High School Placement Test) for grade-9 admissions, consistent with Diocese of San Diego Catholic high schools. International applicants who cannot take the HSPT on campus should contact admissions about alternate arrangements. The school supports SAT and ACT preparation through its college counseling program.
When is the application deadline for Mater Dei Catholic?
Mater Dei Catholic typically opens applications in fall and announces decisions by late winter / early spring. The school often accepts applications on a rolling-style basis after the priority window. Confirm the current 2026-27 deadline directly with the admissions office.
How does Mater Dei Catholic compare to Cathedral Catholic?
Both are co-ed Catholic high schools in the Diocese of San Diego. Cathedral Catholic (~1,669 students, central San Diego, Carmel Valley campus) is the largest Catholic high school in the diocese. Mater Dei Catholic (~700 students, Chula Vista, South Bay) is smaller and serves a different geographic community. Both share Catholic identity, AP-track academics, and athletics programs — the choice is often driven by family location and community fit rather than program differences.
Does Mater Dei Catholic provide boarding or homestay?
No. Mater Dei Catholic is a day school and does not operate boarding or homestay programs. Families needing housing for international students must arrange this separately with a local guardian or homestay agency.
Does Mater Dei Catholic offer financial aid?
Yes. Mater Dei Catholic offers need-based tuition assistance through the diocese and school-administered programs. Specific percentages of students receiving aid and average grant amounts are not publicly disclosed; families should apply early and inquire directly with the school's financial aid office.