Mater Dei High School

We have multiple children who have attended different high schools. We have been following Mater Dei protocol (their sole concern) for six months to let them know that our child's teacher is not teaching. We were warned about this teacher before school began and asked to switch but were denied. This teacher takes weeks to over a month to post grades so the students don't know where they stand. She also changes the dates of quizzes and tests in Aeries to attempt to hide issues. For example, the syllabus states students can only retake quizzes before unit tests. They don't get quiz grades back before the unit tests, rendering retakes impossible. Another consistent issue is that 10-15 of the questions on quizzes/tests/finals are not from the correct unit. If students complain, she pulls the questions out of the exams resulting in less points possible/more difficult tests. Her study guide for the final only covered 30 of the material but she failed to disclose this, resulting in many failed exams. She gave a unit test the last day prior to the final (of which they didn't get graded until mid-January). They did not have any review before the final. The teacher has failed to attend meetings with our child and is not at stated office hours. When he was able to meet with her, she refused to answer any questions and mocked him. She should not be teaching.

Meanwhile, our teen has a Spanish teacher who also doesn't teach and is MIA. The school has yet to communicate the loss of this teacher. In conclusion, unless your student plays football, don't attend this school. Our child is an athlete but the school only responds to issues for football players. The students have witnessed the coach come into the classroom and request the teacher 'round up" the player's grade and then the player receives an "A" in the class. JSerra and RSM are much better options whether you're looking at academics, athletics or student life. A local public school would even be better. If you want to pay money to have your kids at a school where the administration, all the way up to the AP and Principal, does not care if their teachers are teaching...then this is the place.

This school is amazing. Great parent participation. Staff expects students to learn and to be responsible for themselves. College prep excellent. Sports participation competitive. Extracurricular activities outside of sports are available. My son was accepted to every college he applied for because of the preparation this school expected of him. He even received a congressional nomination to West Point Military Academy and a full academic ride to five other high ranking private colleges. If you want your child to find the best in themselves, send them here. It is worth the investment of money, time, sweat and yes, a few tears. The ability to supply your child with the best possible opportunities for their future is priceless. They offer scholarships and other financial aid to those that qualify. My daughter went to a public school and there wasn't a soul to be found after 3pm to speak with. The counsellors at the public school could care less to take the time to encourage her to attempt college. They actually said to her, "college isn't for everyone" Bologna. One actually laughed at her during college night for coming. I was appalled. She did go to college, she went to a Jr. College for two yrs and then accepted to Chapman University theatre program for two yrs, graduated, and eventually won an Emmy. So even if your child isn't a scholar or the least bit athletic, Mater Dei is an excellent academic choice and a great place to provide your child with self esteem and the desire to achieve.