Amerigo partner school ·
Mater Dei High School
One of the largest and most nationally recognized Catholic college-preparatory high schools in the United States, located in Santa Ana, California.
100%
accepted to a Top 50 university
A+
Niche Ranking
$142 Million
Scholarships Received by Recent Graduates
About the school
Mater Dei pairs a demanding college-prep curriculum with nationally acclaimed athletics and a robust performing and visual arts program. Its graduates go on to top universities as well as collegiate and professional athletics.
Key Info
Location
Santa Ana, California
Grades
9-12
Intakes
August/September Intakes
Language requirement
TOEFL equivalent 60-80
Cost of attendance
From $70,000 - $92,000
Accommodation
Residence & homestay
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
100%
accepted to a Top 50 university
100%
accepted to a Top 30 university
100%
accepted to a Top 50 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
Exceptional Arts & Theatre
Explore a wide range of arts programs, including music, theatre, film, dance, and vocal performance, with opportunities to take part in 10+ theatre productions each semester and pursue a dedicated Theatre Capstone.
02
Top-Tier Athletics
Mater Dei is home to one of the most accomplished high school athletic programs in the U.S., with 28 CIF sports teams, 7 club sports, and a long history of national and state championships.
03
Distinguished STEM Program
Students can build a personalized four-year STEM pathway across fields such as medicine, engineering, computer programming, animal science, and forensics, alongside core sciences including biology, chemistry, and physics.
School facts
A+
Niche overall grade
2,000
students enrolled
75
AP and Honors Courses
80+
Clubs
25
Average Class Size
#24
in Best Catholic High Schools in California
#5
Best High Schools for Athletes in California
5%
International Students
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
A Diverse & Vibrant Community
Santa Ana is known for its multicultural community, vibrant arts scene, historic downtown, and rich food culture.
Santa Ana has a population of around 315,000 people
Easy access to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX); John Wayne Airport (SNA).
Close to top-ranked colleges and universities, including California Institute of Technology (#7), University of California - Los Angeles (#15), University of Southern California (#28), University of California - Irvine (#33) and many more.
Accommodation
A safe home away from home.
Students live in a supervised residence or a vetted local homestay, both 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.
Vetted homestay
Carefully screened local host families for a fully immersive experience.
Fully staffed & supported
24/7 wellbeing check-ins from the Amerigo team on campus.
FAQ
Your questions, answered.
It’s a great fit for students who enjoy a larger campus with excellent facilities to explore their interests, get involved in sports, and make the most of Orange County’s beaches and outdoor lifestyle.
What academic programs stand out?
Mater Dei’s four-year STEM program offers tailored pathways in fields including medicine, engineering, computer programming, animal science, and forensics, alongside core sciences such as biology, chemistry, and physics. Students can customize their STEM experience to match their interests and future career goals.
Where will you live?
In a supervised residence with live-in staff or a vetted local homestay, both 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?
Santa Ana in Orange County offer a vibrant mix of cultures, communities, and landscapes. It’s also centrally located in Orange County, making it easy to reach beaches, shopping, and other Southern California attractions.
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.
