Admissions

Looking for Elementary Admissions information? Click here.

Mater Dei Catholic High School is an amazing place to continue your education and to learn, live and grow as an individual and a member of the global community. With hundreds of applicants every year for 9th grade, we count on a wide variety of students who demonstrate academic excellence, promising leadership skills, commitment to service, and diverse talents. We strongly encourage you to visit our campus and set up a personal family tour or a virtual tour. Click on any one of the photos below to contact our admissions team directly.

Application Essentials

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Admissions Application/ HSPT Registration

Tuition Assistance

Scholarships

MDCHS offers scholarships for both incoming and current students!

Mater Dei Catholic High School offers the most robust scholarship program for incoming 9th Graders based on the outcome of their High School Placement Test (HSPT). Students must take the HSPT on campus to be eligible to receive this scholarship.

The MATER DEI Scholarship

Covers 90% of tuition for 4 years! Limited to the top 2 Students who place in the 99th percentile nationally on the HSPT.

The PRESIDENTIAL Scholarship

Covers 80% of tuition for 4 years! Limited to the next 6 Students who place in the 99th percentile nationally on the HSPT.

The PRINCIPAL Scholarship

Covers 60% of tuition for 4 years! Limited to the next 12 highest scoring students.

Incoming 9^th Graders are eligible to receive scholarships based on the outcome of their High School Placement Test (HSPT).
Students must take the HSPT on campus at Mater Dei Catholic to be eligible to receive all scholarships.

Scholarship applications are closed at this time.

MDCHS Skaggs Undergraduate Scholarship for Graduating Seniors

Mater Dei Catholic High School is honored to offer a new scholarship opportunity exclusively for graduating MDCHS seniors. The Skaggs Undergraduate Scholarship is a special award created to support students continuing on to a two- or four-year college or university in pursuit of an undergraduate degree, and to help ensure their first year of college begins with confidence and momentum.

This remarkable opportunity has been made possible through the extraordinary generosity of the Skaggs family, whose vision and commitment were also instrumental in endowing our Academy of Science and the Juan Diego Adult Centers.

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

Enrolled into a 4-year University or a 2-year College by Monday, May 4, 2026.
Submitted application along with 2–3-minute video essay to school website by Monday, May 4, 2026.
Has met all requirements to earn a diploma from Mater Dei Catholic High School (as per the current Curriculum Guide) by the graduation date of Friday, May 22, 2026.
Provide proof of enrollment and registration, and a remaining balance for the Fall 2026 term at their two-year or four-year college of choice by Monday, June 8, 2026.

Scholarship funds will be shared among all qualifying applicants, meaning the exact amount each student receives will depend on the total number of eligible applicants. We strongly encourage every eligible Crusader to apply and take advantage of this generous gift.

Click here for more information

Other Scholarships: Applications for the 2026-2027 school year are now closed.

Each scholarship requires a list of extracurricular activities, service hours, and an essay. Students can apply for more than one scholarship in an academic year; however, an application must be submitted for each scholarship you apply for. **Applying for a scholarship you don't meet the requirements for will result in disqualification from being awarded any scholarships for the 2026-2027 school year.

Bud and Ginny Milke Memorial Scholarship

Minimum Requirement:
Currently Enrolled at MDCHS

Awarded annually to a student/athlete(s) who exhibits a will to succeed and lead in academics, athletics, and citizenship. Someone who epitomizes the adage of “work hard and good things will happen!” This award is in honor of Bud & Ginny Milke, longtime supporters of St. Rose of Lima and Marian Catholic / Mater Dei Catholic High School.

Recipient(s) selected by Administration
Priority based on financial need
Applications submission deadline: March 16th, 2026
Projected award(s) for the 2026-2027 school year.

Crusader Alumni Scholarship

Minimum Requirement:
Currently accepted/enrolled student at MDCHS.

This scholarship is typically awarded to a student who is a descendant of a Crusader alumnus. Others may apply but priority is given to a descendant of a Crusader alumnus. Student must have demonstrated participation in community service or extracurricular activities.

GPA 2.5 or above
Recipient selected by Crusaders Alumni Association and approved by the MDCHS Administration.
Priority based on financial need.
Applications submission deadline: March 16th, 2026
Award will be applied for the 2026-2027 school year.

Dr. Estelle L. Kassebaum Memorial Scholarship: External Scholarship

Minimum Requirement:
Currently be an enrolled junior at MDCHS

For more information and to apply to this scholarship, please click here.

The Dr. Estelle L. Kassebaum Memorial Scholarship is now open to juniors. Applications are available in Mrs. Puschendorf’s office and are due by information coming soon. Incomplete or illegible applications will not be accepted. Completed applications should be sent via email to The Dr. Estelle L. KIassebaum Memorial Scholarship at drkassebaumscholarship@gmail.com (PDF files only). Please direct questions to Mrs. Puschendorf, MDCHS School Counselor, at apuschendorf@materdeicatholic.org.

This prestigious scholarship is awarded annually to qualified members of the junior class of Mater Dei Catholic High School. Candidates must exemplify excellence in scholarship, character, leadership, and service and are interviewed by board members of The Dr. Estelle L. Kassebaum Scholarship Foundation.

Upon selection, candidates are required to complete an approved leadership service project through the Pay It Forward Leadership Service Project Program. After completing their projects, candidates will be fully vested as Kassebaum Scholars. Besides receiving a scholarship to be applied to their tuition in their senior year, the scholars and their families will be honored at The Dr. Estelle L. Kassebaum Annual Celebration of Life Event. The Kassebaum Scholars’ names will be commemorated on a memorial scholarship plaque in the Dr. Estelle L. Kassebaum Theater.

GPA: 3.75 or above
Applicants in their junior year become candidates for the scholarship once recommended by the Board Members of The Dr. Estelle L. Kassebaum Scholarship Foundation and approved by MDCHS Administration. Only those candidates who attend the required training and complete their Leadership Service Project will become Kassebaum Scholars.
Priority is based on demonstrated excellence in scholarship, character, leadership and service.
Award will be applied during the 2026-2027 school year.

The Dallas Freitas '15 Memorial Scholarship

Minimum Requirement:

Currently Enrolled at MDCHS
One-year participation either Track and Field, VAPA, Ambassador for Christ members, Drama club and/or Music.
Minimum GPA 3.0

Awarded annually to a student who exemplifies camaraderie and friendship in the classroom, on the track and in the community.

Dallas Freitas, Class of 2015, was a Merit scholarship recipient at MDCHS, who also excelled in athletics, especially track, cross country, and pole vaulting. Dallas held the 200m record at MDCHS from 2015 to 2019. He is currently second overall. In 2015, Dallas was the Mesa League Runner-Up in the 200m and finished fifth at CIF Finals. He is also 8th overall in the 100m record. He was a four-year varsity track runner at Mater Dei. Dallas was on the 4×100 relay all four years and participated in the 100m and 200m sprints. Dallas’ personal records include running a 11.33 in the 100m, 22.41 in the 200m and jumping 9’0 in the pole vault event.

Dallas was also very involved in various aspects of student life, such as Ambassadors for Christ, Yearbook editor, Band (steel and regular drums) and the Drama Club. Among his many accolades, he was a gifted artist, talented cook, classical pianist, and a Rubik’s Cube Society enthusiast who was able to solve any cube presented to him. One of his endearing and witty interactions with his close friends was the “Cooking with Dallas” show. He was deeply introspective and naturally philosophical, with the ability to discuss any topic in a comprehensive way. Dallas had a love for travel, with Spain and Morocco being the most culturally diverse and exciting destinations he visited. Having a genuine care for humanity that was evident with his EMT state certification, proficiency in Braille and St. Vincent de Paul volunteering, Dallas offered sincere efforts to help those in need. His continuous encouragement helped many to believe in themselves and to manifest their dreams. He exemplified the Crusader spirit on and off the Mater Dei Catholic campus with his camaraderie, authenticity, grace, and approachability. Dallas was a great friend in every sense; and is loved and admired by all who knew him.

Applications will be reviewed by members of The Dallas Freitas Scholarship Trust and recipient(s) selected by MDCHS Administration.
Priority based on financial need
Application submission deadline: March 16th, 2026
Award will be applied for the 2026-2027 school year
A letter of recommendation from a mentor (teacher, coach, or friend) is strongly suggested. The person writing the letter of recommendation must send it directly to scholarship@materdeicatholic.org with your First Name and Last Name in the title.

The Mario Fierro Memorial Scholarship

Minimum Requirement:
Incoming Freshman Currently Accepted at MDCHS

This scholarship is awarded to an incoming Freshman student who has shown a positive impact in our community and has led peers by example. The candidate must exemplify Crusader School spirit. This award is in honor of Mario Fierro, Cathedral Catholic High School teacher, coach and Uni alum. Mr. Fierro was young, vibrant and beloved educator, coach, and friend.

GPA: 3.5 or above.
Must participate in at least one sport.
Must take a foreign language each year.
Student must serve 25 hours of community service or volunteer 25 hours as a coach each year prior to application. These hours are in addition to Mater Dei Catholic’s requirement of 25 service hours each year.
A letter of recommendation from a mentor (teacher, coach, or friend) is strongly suggested. The person writing the letter of recommendation must send it directly to scholarship@materdeicatholic.org with your First Name and Last Name in the title.
Recipient(s) selected by MDCHS Administration.
Priority is based on financial need. Candidate must prove financial hardship.
Application submission deadline: March 16th, 2026
Note: The candidate must re-apply each year for the scholarship and meet eligibility requirements to continue to receive the annual tuition scholarship for each of the candidate’s 4 years.

Mr. and Mrs. Richard G. Balelo Sr. Memorial Scholarship

Minimum Requirement:
Students with at least one-year participation on Frosh, Junior Varsity, or Varsity football team are eligible to apply.

The recipient of the Richard G. Balelo Memorial Scholarship epitomizes leadership, sacrifice and resilience in the classroom, the community and on the field.

GPA: 2.5 or above
Recipient chosen by Administration
Priority based on financial need
Application deadline: March 16th, 2026

The Rebecca Brown Drama Scholarship

Minimum Requirement:
Sophomore or Junior Currently Enrolled at MDCHS

Awarded annually to recognize and celebrate a student’s achievement in the theatre. This award is in memory of Mr. Kevin Brown, a longtime supporter of Marian Catholic/Mater Dei Catholic and the Arts.

Member of the National Thespian Society
Minimum GPA 3.0
Recipient(s) selected by Administration
Priority based on financial need
Application deadline: March 16th, 2026
Award will be applied for the 2026-2027 school year.

Trinity Angel Scholarship

Minimum Requirement:
Currently accepted/enrolled student at MDCHS who has lost a parent.

Scholarship awarded to a student or students (accepted) who have experienced the death of a parent. The award is in honor of triplets, Tom, Jim, and Claire McNamara (born in 1932) who were blessed to have both parents along with their other eleven siblings, well into adulthood. It is also in the memory of Timothy J. Hilgeman, whose family is part of the Mater Dei Catholic community.

Recipient chosen by Administration
Priority based on financial need
Application deadline: March 16th, 2026
Award will be applied for the 2026-2027 school year.

The St. Ignatius of Loyola Scholarship

Minimum Requirement:
This scholarship is open for all MDCHS students to apply. Preference is given to an alumnus of Our Lady's School.

Established by the San Diego Jesuit Community, the St. Ignatius of Loyola Scholarship recognizes outstanding students who show a strong commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and generous service to others. Rooted in the values and vision of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus, the scholarship seeks to support students who strive to make a meaningful difference in the world. Preference is given to alumni of Our Lady’s School.

Priority based on financial need
Application deadline: March 16th, 2026
Award will be applied for the 2026-2027 school year.
A letter of recommendation from a mentor (teacher, coach, or friend) is required. The person writing the letter of recommendation must send it directly to scholarship@materdeicatholic.org with your First Name and Last Name in the title.

The Ed Johnson Scholarship

Minimum Requirement:

Any baseball athlete encouraged to apply, regardless of level
Minimum GPA 3.0

Awarded annually to a student who exemplifies the values of Coach Johnson: hard work, perseverance, sportsmanship, and faith.

Coach Eddie Johnson was more than just a baseball coach at Marian Catholic and Mater Dei Catholic. For 29 years, he was a mentor, a leader, and a lifelong example of integrity, dedication, and heart. Through years of service, Coach Johnson shaped generations of student-athletes both on and off the field, leaving a legacy defined by excellence, character, and compassion. To celebrate his remarkable life and career, the scholarship was created as a tuition assistance program established in his name to ensure deserving students have the opportunity to receive comprehensive Catholic education, regardless of financial circumstance.

Applications will be reviewed by scholarship committee and recipient(s) selected by MDCHS Administration.
Application submission deadline: March 16th, 2026
Award will be applied for the 2026-2027 school year
A letter of recommendation from a mentor (teacher, coach, or friend) is strongly suggested. The person writing the letter of recommendation must send it directly to scholarship@materdeicatholic.org with your First Name and Last Name in the title.

Admissions FAQ

Applications

When can we apply for next school year?

Am I able to return to my application to upload documents?

What is the application deadline?

What are the application requirements?

Who do I list for the recommendation part of the application?

There are two different types of recommendation in our application. The first is a required academic recommendation from your child’s current principal or vice principal. The second is an optional character recommendation from your child’s coach, a business professional, a clergy member, or anyone else you feel can speak to your child’s character (non-family member).

What is the enrollment timeline?

Enrollment and registration begin in the month of March and continue into August, depending on when you apply, and the process is completed. Enrollment is done online using the FACTS family portal. Enrollment packets must be completed and submitted for students to have their schedules created. Additionally, all health documents and forms must be uploaded to MAGNUS as part of the enrollment process. Health documents needed are a physical form dated after June 1st, up-to-date immunization records, and a health questionnaire filled out on MAGNUS. Optional items include a medication form should your child require medication while at school.

How will I know to register?

School Admissions

How are admissions decisions made?

Admission decisions are made using 4 elements by Mater Dei Catholic’s admissions team. The four components are: High School Placement Test (HSPT), transcripts from 7th and 8th grade, recommendations from school administrators (optional character reference is used if submitted), and the in-person interview. Students will find out their admissions decisions via email on March 1st. Please note that admissions for a transfer student are different. Transfer students need to submit all grades from any completed years of high school and then complete the in-person interview.

What is the inquiry form for?

Does my child need a recommendation letter?

We have two recommendation letters in our application, one is required and the other is optional. The recommendation that is required is an academic recommendation from your child’s current principal or vice principal. The optional recommendation is a character recommendation from your child’s coach, a business professional, a clergy member, or anyone else you feel can speak to your child’s character (non-family member).

Do you accept international students?

International applicants are required to submit the Amerigo application. Please be prepared to submit the following documents:

Official Transcript in Original Language Certified
Certified English Translation of Transcripts
English Proficiency Testing
Copy of Passport
Two Letters of Recommendation from Teachers

Click here to access the Online Application Form.

Click here to learn more about our international students program

Please note that students living in Tijuana, Mexico who cross the border are not considered international students for Amerigo purposes.

Tuition/Financial Aid

How do I apply for tuition assistance? When can I apply for tuition assistance and what is the process?

Mater Dei Catholic's tuition assistance program is available to all families and is awarded based on need. Families must complete the tuition assistance application on the school website in order to receive any award. The application will ask for employment and financial documents which must be verified through FACTS. Families can begin to apply for tuition assistance for the 2026 –2027 school year starting November 1st. Families must submit all documents required by FACTS and then they will go through a verification process which takes up to 2 weeks. After verification the committee will review the application and decide if an award will be given.

Do I need to re-apply every year?

What is the tuition cost? What does tuition cover? Are there additional costs?

Click here to see our current tuition details

The tuition cost for Mater Dei Catholic high school for the year 2025-2026 will be $21,115. There is an additional registration/enrollment fee that varies depending on the student’s grade. Tuition and enrollment fees cover all textbooks and online platforms required for enrolled students. Additionally, tuition also covers potential tutoring needed by students.

Admissions

Admissions Timeline