Amerigo partner school ·
Mater Dei Catholic High School
A college-preparatory school in the South Bay of San Diego serving a diverse and welcoming community.
98%
acceptance rate into UC system by Amerigo students
A
Niche Ranking
100%
accepted to a Top 100 university
About the school
Mater Dei Catholic offers a rigorous college-prep curriculum. Its Academy of Science provides an advanced, hands-on STEM experience, with graduates going on to top universities and programs including UC San Diego, MIT, and other highly selective institutions.
Key Info
Location
Chula Vista, California
Grades
9-11
Intakes
August/September, January
Language requirement
TOEFL equivalent 60-80
Cost of attendance
Starting from $86,000
Accommodation
Residence
Program
Diploma and Exchange
Brochure Download
More School Info
School Website
Class of 2026 acceptances
Where the class of 2026 got in.
100%
accepted to a Top 100 university
67%
accepted to a Top 50 university
25%
accepted to a Top 30 university
100%
accepted to a Top 30 university
67%
accepted to a Top 50 university
25%
accepted to a Top 100 university
100%
accepted to a Top 30 university
Reflects Amerigo students who applied to that university tier. Results are self-reported by Amerigo students
New to Amerigo?
The premium way to study in the USA
Since 2016, we've helped students from around the world thrive. But a top-ranked high school is only the start. Amerigo 360° is what comes next, helping students grow and prosper and making sure nothing falls through the cracks.
Amerigo 360° · Complete support
Dedicated on-campus support team
Academic coaching
Wellbeing & progress check-ins
Parent app for real-time updates
Three things this school does exceptionally well.
01
Elite Academy of Science
An application-based, multi-year STEM program designed for advanced students, offering challenging coursework, internships, and opportunities to explore real-world applications of science.
02
Senior Capstone Program
Every senior completes a Capstone Project, working closely with a professional mentor to conduct in-depth research and explore a field of personal interest
03
Technology & Innovation
As a Microsoft Showcase School, Mater Dei Catholic offers hands-on technology programs, campus-wide connectivity, and innovative resources designed to build students’ digital and technical skills.
School facts
#20
Best High Schools for Athletes in California
1,036
students enrolled
30+
AP and Honors Courses
1:16
Faculty-to-Student Ratio
31
Average ACT Composite Score (national average is 20.3)
60
Annual campus visits from college/universiy
27
Athletic Teams
100%
school-wide university acceptance
The Top 100 Guarantee
A place at a Top 100 US university, in writing.
$50,000
refunded if an eligible student doesn't receive a Top 100 offer. New for students arriving Fall 2026.
What it takes
Meet the academic and attendance standards
Follow your Amerigo university counseling plan
Apply to the recommended list of universities
The location
Easy Access to San Diego
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.
Chula Vista has a population of 275,000 people
Easy Access to San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Close to top-ranked universities including California Institute of Technology (#7), University of Southern California (#28) and University of California – San Diego (#28)
Accommodation
A safe home away from home.
Students live in a supervised residence, fully staffed and close to campus. The on-campus Amerigo team is always nearby, so no one is ever on their own.
Supervised residence
Live-in staff, study spaces and meals, all on or beside campus.
Fully staffed & supported
24/7 wellbeing check-ins from the Amerigo team on campus.
FAQ
Your questions, answered.
A student who thrives at Mater Dei Catholic is curious, ambitious, and passionate about science, technology, and innovation. It’s also a great fit for students who love an active lifestyle and are excited to explore the outdoors, beaches, and natural beauty of Southern California.
What academic programs stand out?
Mater Dei Catholic stands out for its Elite Academy of Science, an application-based program offering advanced STEM coursework and internships. As a Microsoft Showcase School, students also benefit from innovative technology programs and a highly connected, tech-forward learning environment.
Where will you live?
In a supervised residence with live-in staff, close to campus and fully supported. The on-campus Amerigo team is always available, so you're never on your own.
What's the area around the school like?
Chula Vista is a vibrant neighborhood known for its sunny weather, outdoor lifestyle, diverse restaurants and shopping, and easy access to both San Diego and the beautiful beaches of the Pacific coast.
What is Amerigo 360°?
It's the complete support system around every Amerigo student: a dedicated on-campus team, academic coaching, wellbeing check-ins and a family app that keeps everyone in the loop. Other programs have a contact nearby. Amerigo has a team inside the building.
Is the Top 100 university guarantee real?
Do you help with the student visa?
Yes. We guide you through the F-1 student visa, travel and arrival in the US, step by step, so nothing feels overwhelming.
How do you get started?
Download the school profile, join a webinar or book a free call. One of our advisors will be in touch within one working day.
Take the next step
Three easy ways to go deeper.
Pick whichever suits you best.
Get the school profile
Join a live webinar
Talk to an advisor
Explore more schools
Explore our other hand-picked partner schools across the US, Canada and the UK, each with an Amerigo team on the ground.
