Mater Dei Catholic High School San Diego Amerigo Education

• Location: Chula Vista, California, USA,
• Year of foundation: 1960,
• Number of students: about 1306,
• Language of instruction: English,
• Type of study: mixed.

Mater Dei Catholic High School is one of the best schools in California, offering a harmonious academic program with a wide range of subjects for high school students.

It was founded in 1960 by Bishop Charles F. Buddy as the first coeducational Catholic high school in the Diocese of San Diego. Over the past decades, the school has changed several names: in 1992 it became Marian Catholic High School, and in 2007 it moved to a new 48-acre campus in East Chula Vista and received its current name, Mater Dei Catholic High School. By 2021, the institution has become the largest Catholic school in the TK–12 format and the second largest private school in San Diego, bringing together about 1,750 students. The team has 183 employees: teachers, administrators, consultants and specialists.

Today, Mater Dei Catholic High School is considered one of the strongest schools in the state, focused on preparing students for admission to leading universities and colleges in the United States and other countries. The school covers all levels from preschool (TK) to 12th grade, and places special emphasis on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics), bilingual education (English and Spanish), and spiritual and moral development in accordance with Catholic values.

The student community is multinational — both local children and representatives of families from different countries study on campus. Comprehensive support from teachers and staff, a variety of leisure activities for personal development, and a wide range of modern subjects give students not only a strong base of knowledge and applied skills, but also an expanded horizons, a multifaceted educational experience, and opportunities for further academic advancement and career building.

Mater Dei Catholic High School provides students with the latest technologies for studying and self-development: high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the school grounds, IT support, high-tech computers, and robotics equipment. Apple MacBook Air/Pro (M2/M3/M4) or Windows laptops with Intel i5/Ryzen 5 processor, 9th generation iPad (with keyboard) are recommended for classroom use. Required software tools include Lockdown Browser, Bluebook, PaperCut, and Office 365. Students can use their personal device in class and when doing homework.

The educational process is based on the principles of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics) and project-based learning. A typical freshman's schedule (Grade 9) covers 7 subjects: theology, English, mathematics, biology, a foreign language (Spanish or French), academic technology/rhetoric, and physical education. The academic departments of the high school include English, Mathematics, natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Theology, foreign languages, physical education, visual and performing arts.

The school offers an extensive student support system, and tutoring is included in the tuition for all students. Aquinas Center supports students with documented learning disabilities, individual educational programs, or 504 Language Academy plans. Language Academy is a program for students learning English (class size is limited to 25 students, enrollment is based on the results of an entrance test and an interview). The studying journal and document management are conducted through the FinalSite system, medical documents are conducted through Magnus. The primary school uses the Standards Referenced Grading (SRG) assessment system based on the CA Common Core: grades reflect the degree of mastery of standards, not just the final result. Students in grades 9-11 annually complete summer reading assignments assessed in the first quarter.

In 2019, more than 140 students completed internships at leading San Diego research institutions, and Academy of Science students annually present university-level scientific posters at STEAM Night.

Mater Dei Catholic covers all levels — from preschool (TK) through 12th grade, structured into three divisions.

Elementary and Middle School (TK–8). This is the first Catholic school in San Diego County with a 50/50 bilingual immersion program (Spanish/English), aligned with California Common Core standards, diocesan religious education, and NGSS. Class sizes are limited to 26 students (12:1 ratio). Students can earn the Seal of Biliteracy in 5th and 8th grades.

High School (grades 9–12) offers the following options:

• College preparatory academic program — Honors, Advanced Placement, and dual enrollment courses,
• Academy of Science — a specialized academic track for high-achieving students focused on STEAM, including internships at leading San Diego research organizations,
• Dual Language Academy (DLA) — a bilingual immersion program (English/Spanish) for 9th grade students; Biology courses in Spanish (grade 9), World History in Spanish (grade 10), Theology (grades 11–12); graduates earn the Seal of Biliteracy,
• Language Academy — a support program for students learning English; class size is limited to 25 students,
• VAPA (Visual and Performing Arts) — 16 courses including 2 AP: photography, videography, drawing and painting, ceramics, digital art, 3D modeling, film, musical theater, orchestra, choir, and others.

Summer programs: the high school runs two summer school sessions (June–July) — credit recovery, introductory courses for incoming freshmen, and advanced courses. For grades K–8, summer camps are offered: digital media design, musical theater, performing arts, sculpture, and sports camps.

The school regularly celebrates the sporting and academic achievements of its students and alumni. Since 1996, the title of Crusader of the Year has been awarded annually for spiritual achievements and dedication to the school's values. In 2025, the Crusader Awards ceremony was held with nominations in the areas of academic excellence, national awards, NHS programs, and the Academy of Science.

Among the sporting victories over the years:

• In 2002–2003, the football team won two consecutive Metro League championships, two consecutive CIF DIV III titles, and became the CIF state champion for the first time in the school's history,
• In 2005–2008, the golf team won the South Bay League championship four consecutive times; in 2008, one of the players was named to the CIF San Diego all-star team,
• In 2009, the women's basketball team won the league championship, the CIF Southern Regional championship, and the CIF state championship,
• In 2011, the women's softball team finished the season with a record of 28–0 and won the CIF championship.

The Kassebaum Scholars program has maintained a list of honorees since the 2005–2006 academic year; the names are immortalized on a memorial plaque in the Kassebaum Theatre. In 2024, the next Crusader Hall of Fame alumni induction ceremony took place.

The school's campus prides itself on its environmental friendliness: for example, solar panels produce most of the energy for the premises. Staff carefully take care of all the plants on the territory, conduct seminars on the topic of sorting garbage and the impact of waste on the world around them.

• The school motto is The Place to Be ("The place to be"), the Latin motto on the seal since 1960 is Rationabile Obsequium ("Reasonable service"), the school colors are blue and gold; the mascot is Crusaders,
• The school's yearbooks have been digitized and are available in a digital archive since the 1964 edition.,
• In 2015, the first Catholic bilingual immersion program in San Diego was opened for TK-2 students.,
• In 2021, the school became the largest Catholic TK–12 school and the second largest private school in San Diego.,
• Buildings named after prominent figures and philanthropists are located on the campus: Kassebaum Theater, Egger Stadium, Bosco Gym,
• In May 2024, at the Timeline in Art exhibition, every student from TK to 8th grade presented an artistic work covering the path from rock art to pop art.

Mater Dei Catholic High School graduates enter leading universities in the USA:

• Boston University,
• University of Alabama,
• American University,
• Berklee College of Music,
• California Institute of Technology,
• The College of Wooster,
• Columbia University,
• Brown University,
• Cornell College,
• University of Denver,
• Florida State University,
• Fordham University,
• Knox College,
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

International students are accommodated in comfortable residences off-campus, managed by Amerigo Education. Students are provided with double rooms (single-sex) with an individual set of furniture for everyone: single beds, work areas, storage cabinets.

The residential buildings are equipped with common areas: kitchens with all necessary appliances, a laundry room with washing machines and dryers, as well as:

• Resort-size swimming pool,
• An open space for recreation, events, and sports,
• Golf Simulator,
• Game room,
• Basketball, tennis courts.

The residences are safe, they are under round-the-clock video surveillance, and staff living on site are available around the clock to help with any issue. A school lunch program is organized on the campus.

Mater Dei Catholic High School strives to balance studying with a variety of extracurricular development opportunities, offering a variety of leisure activities: sports clubs, creative teams, charitable activities, scientific projects, participation in themed clubs.

Special attention is paid to athletic achievements and maintaining physical activity of students.

More than 27 national teams regularly participate in Metro Conference competitions. To participate in teams, you need an average score of at least 2.0.

Among sports are:

• Baseball,
• Basketball,
• Cross-country,
• Cheerleading,
• Soccer (American and European, soccer),
• Golf,
• Lacrosse,
• Swimming and diving,
• Lawn tennis,
• Athletics,
• Volleyball,
• Water polo,
• Fighting,
• Flag football,
• Sotfball.

Many athletes receive athletic scholarships to colleges. Elementary school students participate in Diocesan Sports League: basketball, volleyball, flag football, soccer, cheerleading. An important part of school life is spiritual development and the Christian Service program: 9th grade students gain at least 10 hours of volunteer work per year, 10th grade students obtain 15 hours, and graduates gain at least 25 hours. Annual retreats and liturgical celebrations unite the collective.

Themed clubs are an important part of student life. There are dozens of associations on the campus:

• Animal Rescue,
• Art Club,
• Asian pop culture and k-pop,
• Chess,
• The choir,
• The art of writing,
• Cooking,
• The debate,
• Esports,
• Future medical career,
• Hiking and tourism,
• Journalism,
• Dance club,
• Ecological Club,
• The Special Olympics, the NBA Fan Club, and more.

The folklore dance program (Folklorico) unites elementary and secondary school students. The elementary school has a school newspaper, a student council, and a yearbook. Concerts, theatrical performances and art exhibitions are regularly held on the school grounds. Annual events include Blue & Gold Night, Crusader Golf Tournament, Open days for families, and Alumni Career Day.

• Niche Rating+,
• Apple Distinguished School status,
• 100% admission to colleges and universities,
• The ratio of students to teachers is 16:1 (in primary schools — 12:1),
• More than 30 Advanced Placement courses, professional development programs,
• The average score on ACT exams is 31 (with a national average of 23 points),
• The STEAM Academy of Sciences program, which provides internships at leading organizations in San Diego,
• Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA),
• Member of the National Association of Catholic Education (NCEA),
• One of the 28 partners of the TWIN-CS bilingual education program with Boston College,
• A modern approach to teaching using the latest technologies, computers and other devices in the learning process,
• After-school tutoring is included in the price,
• The largest Catholic TK–12 school in San Diego (about 1,750 students),
• A wide range of extracurricular areas of interest development,
• Accommodation in a comfortable residence with a swimming pool.

The school is located in the East Chula Vista area (South Bay, San Diego). The 50-acre campus offers students excellent conditions for academic and personal development.:

• Classrooms with interactive equipment,
• Science laboratories, including the only natural sciences laboratories in the South Bay area, a large library with a reading room,
• Creative and engineering studios,
• Dr. Estelle L. Kassebaum Theater with rehearsal rooms and dressing rooms,
• Aquinas Student Center,
• Egger Stadium (8 sports),
• Bosco Gym (6 sports),
• Aquatics Center (4 sports),
• Tennis courts,
• Outdoor seating and dining areas.

Video surveillance is organized on the campus, former law enforcement officers are responsible for security. Students are provided with modern computers, robotics equipment, research, and in-depth study of extracurricular interests.

The academic year begins in August, orientation for students is scheduled for the first days of August, and the mandatory program for meeting first—year students is around the same time. The year consists of two semesters and ends in late May — early June. During the year, rest is provided on weekends, national holidays and vacations. Classes are held on weekdays, followed by extracurricular activities. In elementary schools, classes last from Monday to Thursday until 3 p.m., on Fridays until 12:30 p.m., and the ECEP program is available for students who arrive earlier.

Non-refundable registration fees are paid upon enrollment. A medical examination is conducted annually on the campus. 

The approximate list of additional expenses includes:

• Registration fee,
• Accommodation and meals,
• Individual needs,
• Printed educational materials,
• Some extracurricular activities,
• Contributions to student activities,
• Pocket expenses.

Applicants go through several entrance stages, some of which are available online:

• Clarification of admission dates, requirements and availability of vacant places in the desired class,
• Filling out an application, providing documents,
• Payment of registration fees,
• Receiving an invitation to subsequent tests,
• Passing interviews, entrance tests,
• Obtaining an official letter of admission,
• Payment for the program,
• Arrival on campus: accommodation in the residence, attendance at introductory events, start of classes.

Every year, Mater Dei Catholic High School seniors achieve excellent results in their final exams, thanks to which 100% of them enter colleges and universities. In 2019, more than 140 students of the Academy of Science program completed internships at leading research institutions in San Diego - USD, UCSD and SDSU. Many athletes receive college athletic scholarships, and graduates of the Language Academy program are often members of the National Honor Society.

International applicants for entering Mater Dei Catholic High School must provide:

• Official transcript with certified English translation,
• English Language Test Results,
• A copy of your passport,
• Medical insurance and health certificates,
• A visa or a document confirming the status in the USA.

Applications from international students are accepted as places are available; an interview is organized based on the results of reviewing the documents.  To enter the 9th grade, all applicants (including local ones) take the HSPT entrance test on the school's campus. The Bilingual Education Program (DLA) additionally requires an average score of at least 3.0 and a grade of B or higher in Spanish in grades 7-8.

Applicants to elementary schools are tested in English, Spanish, and mathematics; the age for the TK level is at least 4 years old by September 1. Upon admission to TK/K, a full set of vaccinations (DTaP, polio, hepatitis B, MMR, chickenpox) is required; for grade 7, additional Tdap and chickenpox vaccinations are required. The school accepts children of any religion.

Mater Dei Catholic High School offers a wide range of scholarships for students of all grades: some are awarded to first—year students based on the results of an entrance test, others in recognition of outstanding results, and others as financial support in difficult situations. More than 75% of students receive one or more awards.

• Scholarships based on the HSPT entrance test (the test is taken directly on campus):
• Mater Dei — covers 90% of the tuition for 4 years (over $75,000); awarded to the top 2 students with the highest HSPT score,
• Presidential Scholarship — covers 80% of the tuition for 4 years (over $60,000); awarded to the following 6 students,
• Basic Scholarship (Principal) — covers 60% of the tuition for 4 years (over $45,000); awarded to the following 12 students.

Personal and special scholarships are:

• The scholarship in memory of Dr. Estelle L. Kassebaum is for 11th grade students with an average score of at least 3.75; requires the implementation of a leadership project; established in 2006,
• The Bud and Ginny Milke Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a student-athlete with a strong will to succeed in school, sports and citizenship; priority is financial need.,
• Crusader Alumni Scholarship is for students with an average score of at least 2.5 who participate in public life; preference is given to the descendants of graduates,
• Skaggs Undergraduate Scholarship — for graduates entering universities for 2-4-year courses,
• Trinity Angel Scholarship — awarded to a student who has lost one of his parents,
• Dallas Freitas Memorial Scholarship, Mario Fierro Memorial, Richard G. Balelo Sr. Memorial, Rebecca Brown Drama Scholarship, St. Ignatius of Loyola Scholarship, Ed Johnson Scholarship.

Each scholarship requires a separate application with a list of extracurricular activities, volunteer hours, and essays. The Mater Dei Catholic Elementary School does not provide financial assistance.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision