SUMMER SCHOOL 2026
Mater Dei High School 1202 West Edinger Avenue Santa Ana, California 92707 www.materdei.org/summerschool
Last Updated: April 14, 2026
BELL SCHEDULE & IMPORTANT DATES
Summer School begins on Monday, June 15, with classes scheduled according to the Block Schedule. Summer School will conclude on Friday, July 17
Summer School holidays (no class sessions) are June 19 (Juneteenth) and July 3 (Independence Day/Observed).
Incoming Freshmen/HSP and most Credit Advancement courses follow a BLOCK SCHEDULE with RED and GRAY classes. Please review Course Descriptions for specific expectations and requirements for each course.
Block 1/2
8:00AM-10:10AM
Block 3/4 10:20AM-12:30PM
Block 5/6 1:00PM-3:10PM
RED (Blocks 1, 3, 5): Monday & Wednesday
GRAY (Blocks 2, 4, 6): Tuesday & Thursday
FLEX DAY: Friday (Office Hours, labs, make-ups)
IMPORTANT: Some Credit Advancement courses hold regular class sessions on Fridays
NEW FOR SUMMER 2026: All Credit Recovery courses will follow a HYBRID format.
● Most coursework will be completed asynchronously ONLINE; however, students are expected to engage with the course daily (Monday-Friday). Assignments will be organized into Units, and all work must be completed by the published Unit deadlines to ensure students remain on pace to earn credit.
● IN-PERSON EXAMS:
○ Midterm and Final Exams are required and will be administered IN-PERSON on campus.
○ Exams will take place between 8:00AM-1:00PM on the designated dates listed below:
Block 7
Block 8
Block 9
English, Social Studies, Religious Studies
Exam dates (Wednesdays): June 24, July 1, July 8, July 15
Math, Science, Spanish
Exam dates (Thursdays): June 25, July 2, July 9, July 16
Students remediating two Semesters of the same course
Students assigned to Block 9 will take exams on the same day as their subject area (e.g., English exams on Wednesdays; Math exams on Thursdays). The Summer School Office/teacher will coordinate specific testing details.
○ If a student is unable to attend a scheduled exam date, the student (or parent/guardian) must notify both the teacher and the Summer School Office as soon as possible to request a possible alternate arrangement. Please note that alternate testing times cannot be guaranteed.
● SCHEDULING INFORMATION:
○ The “Block #” is used for Aeries scheduling and exam coordination only. It does not indicate a daily class meeting time.
○ Teachers will offer online Office Hours twice each week; the specific days and times will be directly communicated by each teacher at the start of the course.
INCOMING FRESHMEN/HSP COURSES
The HSP classes are built to prepare incoming Freshmen for their first year of high school at Mater Dei. Students of all levels are welcome to enroll in these classes to more smoothly transition into high school and/or to establish proper placement in the course areas for their 9th grade year. Additionally, these classes provide an advanced opportunity to get acquainted with the campus and meet new classmates before the school year begins. Students do not earn academic credit for these courses, and the grades are not calculated into the student’s GPA.
IMPORTANT: Please review your student’s Admissions Letter and Course Placement Letter for any specific requirements or recommendations before proceeding with registration.
● In some cases, taking the HSP course may improve the student’s placement for the upcoming school year. For example, students who take HSP Math may be able to earn placement into Algebra I for the next school year Please consult the respective Department Chairs for more information.
● Based on the High School Placement Test (HSPT) scores and Admissions Committee review, some students are REQUIRED or RECOMMENDED to take the HSP English and HSP Math courses. Students and their families are informed of the specific requirement or recommendation in the Admissions Letter; please review this letter prior to registering for classes.
High School Preparatory English
Blocks 1, 2, 3, 4
This course emphasizes both English literature comprehension and composition skills enhancement. Students engage in the analysis of English literature while refining their writing abilities through frequent composition tasks. Additionally, the course aims to enhance reading comprehension skills, preparing students not only for English literature but also for texts across various high school subjects. Feedback from the teacher is provided to students on their compositions to facilitate their growth and development in both areas
High School Preparatory Math
Blocks 1, 2, 3, 4
This course is a review of the basic arithmetic and Pre-Algebra skills necessary to do well in a more comprehensive Algebra course. All the topics and concepts addressed in this course have been covered in grades 5 through 8 of primary education. The purpose of this course is to assist students in becoming more proficient in the recall, understanding, and use of concepts and problem-solving methods which will lead to greater success in Algebra I and higher level math courses.
Freshmen Foundations (Workshop)
July 7-10, 2026
1:00-3:00PM
The Freshman Foundations course is designed to help incoming high school freshmen develop the essential skills they need to succeed academically and personally, specifically at Mater Dei High School. Through interactive lessons and hands-on activities, students will learn time management, organization, self-motivation, task management, and effective study techniques They will explore tech tools and resources that enhance productivity and support learning, ensuring they are ready to navigate high school with confidence. This course not only prepares students for the academic challenges ahead but also helps them build the independence and responsibility needed to thrive in high school and beyond.
Geometry Readiness
Block 2
Geometry Readiness is designed to help students prepare for Geometry. Topics include (but are not limited to): solving linear equations and inequalities, setting up and solving proportions, writing and solving equations for problems in a real world situation (word problems), basic logic and if-then statements. This course is recommended for incoming Freshmen who were placed in Algebra I or Honors Algebra I but are interested in taking Geometry (with Math Department pre-approval); please review any communication you have received from the Math Department or Academic Admissions Counselor to ensure that you have selected the correct course before registering The course is also open to students placed in Geometry for the following school year as preparation. 10:20AM-12:30PM
Incoming Freshmen/HSP Course Information
RED: Monday & Wednesday
Block 1 (8:00AM-10:10AM)
Block 3 (10:20AM-12:30PM)
Block 5 (1:00PM-3:10PM)
GRAY: Tuesday & Thursday
Block 2 (8:00AM-10:10AM)
Block 4 (10:20AM-12:30PM)
Block 6 (1:00PM-3:10PM)
Freshmen
Foundations (Workshop)
Geometry
Readiness
July 7th-10th from 1:00-3:00PM
CREDIT ADVANCEMENT COURSES
Credit Advancement courses offer students the opportunity to accelerate their academic progress by delving into coursework they have not previously undertaken. Whether students are looking to jump ahead or bridge gaps in credits for graduation, these courses provide a pathway to academic advancement. Led by our experienced Mater Dei teachers, all our Credit Advancement courses are meticulously designed to align with the comprehensive curriculum and relevant academic standards of the regular school year. All Credit Advancement courses, with the exception of Art I, require completion of BOTH Semesters for advancement credit to be issued.
These courses are structured to cover the same material as a traditional Semester or year but within a significantly condensed time frame. Expectations and prerequisites are clearly outlined, acknowledging the accelerated nature of the program. Students are challenged to absorb and apply knowledge at an expedited rate, necessitating a high level of dedication and academic rigor. Enrollment in these classes signifies an acknowledgment of the academic challenge they present, offering students a chance to excel and progress in their educational journey Please note that we do not offer Honors or AP courses in the Summer School program.
IMPORTANT: Students cannot audit any courses. By enrolling in any Credit Advancement course, students are confirming their commitment to meeting the expectations of skills, dedication, and work ethic for the class. No exceptions will be made to the Refund Policy for the Summer School Program.
421 Geometry
10 credits
Blocks 1 AND 2 (AM Section: Students are scheduled for BOTH Blocks 1 & 2; students are expected to be ON CAMPUS on GRAY days ) Blocks 5 AND 6 (PM Section: Students are scheduled for BOTH Blocks 5 & 6; students are expected to be ON CAMPUS on GRAY days )
● Students are REQUIRED to attend ON-CAMPUS classes during the first week of Summer School (June 15, 16, 17, 18) This course presents geometric concepts from a deductive approach, beginning with basic definitions, postulates, and theorems. Students learn techniques of direct proof as one means of examining properties of geometric figures and concepts. Congruence and similarity relations are studied, and numerical applications are integrated throughout the course. A grade of “85%” or better in Algebra I or Honors Algebra I is required to take this course. Enrollment in this course requires approval from the Summer School Administration and/or the Math Department Chair.
421 Geometry (Hybrid)
ONLINE WITH IN-PERSON ASSESSMENTS
10 credits
● Students will work asynchronously and complete coursework online/remotely The teacher will offer live online Office Hours for student support.
● Students are REQUIRED to come to campus for IN-PERSON Midterms (2) and Final Exams (2):
○ Semester 1 Midterm: June 22, 2026 (8:30-10:00AM)
○ Semester 1 Final Exam: June 29, 2026 (8:30-10:00AM)
○ Semester 2 Midterm: July 7, 2026 (8:30-10:00AM)
○ Make-up Exams: July 13, 2026 (8:30-10:00AM)
○ Semester 2 Final Exam: July 17, 2026 (8:30-10:00AM)
This course presents geometric concepts from a deductive approach, beginning with basic definitions, postulates, and theorems. Students learn techniques of direct proof as one means of examining properties of geometric figures and concepts. Congruence and similarity relations are studied, and numerical applications are integrated throughout the course. A grade of “A” in both semesters of Algebra I or Honors Algebra I is required to take the online course. Enrollment in this course requires approval from the Summer School Administration and/or the Math Department Chair.
429 Algebra II/Trigonometry
10 credits
Blocks 3 AND 4 (This course meets during BOTH Blocks 3 & 4; students are expected to be on campus on BOTH RED and GRAY days.) Students will expand their knowledge with a strong emphasis on the study of linear, polynomial, quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic functions and their graphs. This course will include the Trigonometric functions, their identities, and proofs. The conic sections may also be covered. A grade of “85%” or better in Geometry or Honors Geometry is required to take this course. Enrollment in this course requires approval from the Summer School Administration and/or the Math Department Chair.
436 Trigonometry 5 credits
Blocks 3 AND 4 (This course meets during BOTH Blocks 3 & 4; students are expected to be on campus on BOTH RED and GRAY days ) This course will reinforce Algebra 2 concepts and cover exponential, logarithmic, and rational functions and their graphs. Students will explore trigonometry within the unit circle, trigonometric identities, graphs and proofs. Conic sections may also be covered. A scientific calculator will be required. A grade of “85%” or better in Algebra 2 is required to take this course. Enrollment in this course requires approval from the Summer School Administration and/or the Math Department Chair
441
Precalculus 10 credits
Blocks 3 AND 4 (This course meets during BOTH Blocks 3 & 4, including Fridays; students come to campus EVERY day The last day of this course will be July 15 )
This course is aimed at preparing students for the study of Calculus. The topics include a full study of trigonometric, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions and an introduction to the theory of limits There is a heavy emphasis on graphing as a tool for understanding functions A grade of “85%” or better in Algebra II/Trigonometry or Honors Algebra II/Trigonometry is required to take this course. Enrollment in this course requires approval from the Summer School Administration and/or the Math Department Chair.
532 Chemistry 10 credits
Blocks 3 AND 4 (This course meets during BOTH Blocks 3 & 4, including Fridays; students come to campus EVERY day.)
This physical science course studies the basic laws of chemistry Students will be required to keep a laboratory notebook where data collection and analysis will be emphasized. Students are expected to submit written college style lab reports to emphasize and develop critical thinking skills and scientific writing. Participation in labs and demonstrations is required. Grades of “B” or better in both semesters of Biology or “A” or better in both semesters of Principles of Biology, and “C” or better in Geometry are required to take this course.
542 Human Anatomy and Physiology (Hybrid)
Blocks 1 AND 2: ONLINE WITH IN-PERSON ASSESSMENTS
10 credits
● Students will complete asynchronous online work during Block 1 (Mondays & Wednesdays)
● Students will attend LIVE online instructional sessions during Block 2 (Tuesdays & Thursdays)
● Students are REQUIRED to come to campus for IN-PERSON Midterms (2) and Final Exams (2):
○ Semester 1 Midterm: June 25, 2026 (8:00-10:10AM)
○ Semester 1 Final Exam: July 2, 2026 (8:00-10:10AM)
○ Semester 2 Midterm: July 9, 2026 (8:00-10:10AM)
○ Semester 2 Final Exam: July 16, 2026 (8:00-10:10AM)
○ Make-up Exams: July 16, 2026 (8:00-10:10AM)
This course is an in-depth study of the structure and function of the systems of the human body. This course is designed for anyone who wants to learn about the human body, but is of particular interest to those considering a health-related profession. Each body system will be studied in terms of organizational levels, starting at the cellular level and proceeding through to an analysis of specific organ systems. Students will learn about body organization, the tissues of the body, and study the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, cardiovascular,
immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, and endocrine systems in more detail. Emphasis will be devoted to the structure and functions of various organ systems to ensure recognition of the coordinated homeostatic functioning of the human body This is a college-preparatory lab science course Laboratory work will be required and heavily emphasized, and may include anatomical dissection of the brain, eye, and fetal pig. Hands-on laboratory practicums serve as additional assessments to the curriculum. Note: This course requires participation in animal dissections.
544 Physics
10 credits
Blocks 1 AND 2 (This course meets during BOTH Blocks 1 & 2, including Fridays; students come to campus EVERY day ) This physical science course studies the basic laws of physics. Students will also learn to apply math skills to solve problems related to the laws of Physics. Students are expected to submit written college style lab reports to emphasize and develop critical thinking skills and scientific writing Participation in labs and demonstrations is required. Grades of “B” or better in both semesters of Biology, “B” or better in both semesters of Chemistry, and “B” or better in Algebra II/Trig are required to take this course. Prior completion of Precalculus is recommended.
605 Spanish III
10 credits
Blocks 2 AND 4 (This course meets during BOTH Blocks 2 & 4. Students may be required to come to campus on Flex Days for oral assessments or other meetings )
This course offers continued practice opportunities in which reading and writing are demonstrated to a greater extent than in Spanish II. At the same time, specific practice in speaking and listening continues to appear at a level of difficulty corresponding to the ever-accumulating content of the program. A grade of “B” or better in Spanish 2 is required for this course.
610 Spanish IV
10 credits
Blocks 1 AND 3 (This course meets during BOTH Blocks 1 & 3 Students may be required to come to campus on Flex Days for oral assessments or other meetings.)
This course provides specific reading practice using selections from the literature of Spanish and Spanish-American authors The main goal of the course is continued communication in Spanish. It also provides a complete review of grammar covered in previous levels of Spanish. A grade of “B” or better in Spanish III is required for this course.
820 Art I
5 or 10 credits
Semester 1: Block 1 AND 2 (ONLINE: Students are scheduled for BOTH Blocks 1 & 2.)
Semester 2: Block 3 AND 4 (ONLINE: Students are scheduled for BOTH Blocks 3 & 4 )
● This course is fully ONLINE. For both Semesters, students should plan on meeting the teacher live for the first hour of class; the teacher stays available for questions and support for the remainder of the Block. Art I introduces students to the composition of art in terms of the basic elements: line, shape/form, value, texture, space, and color as well as the principles of design: unity, balance, rhythm and variation. Emphasis will be placed on learning skills and techniques to develop the student’s creative ability as well as observational drawing skills and the use of technology in art production. The course is designed for students of all skill levels Media used include pencil, ink, charcoal, oil pastels, colored pencils, acrylic paint, and watercolors. Students must also have a tablet and stylus. Students may enroll in one or both semesters of Art I. Students who wish to only enroll in Semester 2 must have earned a “C” or better in Semester 1 of Art I during a previous Summer School session.
Algebra II/Trig
Semesters 1 & 2
Semester 1 (Online)
Semester
(Online)
Geometry
Semesters 1 & 2 (AM)
Geometry
Semesters 1 & 2 (PM)
Geometry
Semesters 1 & 2 (Hybrid)
Human Anatomy & Physiology
Semesters 1 & 2 (Hybrid)
Credit Advancement Course Information
RED: Monday & Wednesday GRAY: Tuesday & Thursday
Block 1 (8:00AM-10:10AM)
Block 3 (10:20AM-12:30PM)
Block 5 (1:00PM-3:10PM)
Block 2 (8:00AM-10:10AM)
Block 4 (10:20AM-12:30PM)
Block 6 (1:00PM-3:10PM)
Pre-Calculus
Pre-Approval Required. While this course offers flexible scheduling, students are REQUIRED to come to campus for IN-PERSON Midterms and Final Exams. See course description for additional details.
Trigonometry (1 Semester)
CREDIT RECOVERY COURSES
Mater Dei High School strives to offer our students a comprehensive remediation program. Students are eligible to take Credit Recovery for D or F grades earned from previous course enrollments (as reflected on their transcripts), focusing on mastery of concepts covered in the specific Semester of the course.
● F grades must be remediated (to D or higher) prior to graduation.
● D grades should be remediated for various reasons, such as college admissions, readiness for higher-level coursework, GPA, etc.
See the Mater Dei High School Course Catalog for full course descriptions. Students who need to recover an Honors level course will recover the regular, College Prep version of the course. No Honors credit is given in Credit Recovery.
The HYBRID format of our Credit Recovery courses combines structured online coursework, consistent feedback from teachers, and required in-person assessments to provide a meaningful remediation experience. Students review prior content and effectively prepare for future courses. All courses are 5 credits/semester.
Credit Recovery Student Responsibilities & Expectations
● Coursework Completion & Daily Expectations
○ Summer School runs five (5) weeks, and students are expected to engage with the course daily (Monday-Friday).
○ All coursework and assessments must be completed by the Unit deadlines to ensure adequate progress.
○ Students must attend all in-person Midterm and Final Exams.
○ Teachers hold two Office Hours (remotely via Teams) per week. Students may attend voluntarily for additional support.
■ Mandatory Office Hour attendance may be required if a teacher identifies lack of progress or missing work.
○ Falling behind in deadlines may result in:
■ Required on-campus work sessions
■ Grade penalties for late work
■ Removal from the course if progress does not improve
● Attendance & Required Sessions
○ Students must attend:
■ All required virtual check-ins or meetings assigned by the teacher
■ All in-person assessments on the required dates
○ Failure to attend in-person exams may result in removal from the course
● Communication Requirements
○ Students must check their school e-mail and Canvas messages/announcements daily.
○ Students must promptly reach out to the teacher if they are confused, falling behind, or experiencing technical issues.
○ Students must attend teacher-requested video check-ins or on-campus work sessions if progress is insufficient.
● Academic Integrity
○ All work must be completed independently, unless collaboration is explicitly allowed.
○ Students must follow assessment rules and understand that academic dishonesty may result in:
■ Removal from the course (without refund)
■ Loss of credit
■ Report to Administration
○ Online course activity (e.g., timestamps, logs, patterns) and detection software (e.g., Turnitin.com) may be used to verify authentic work.
● Technology Expectations
○ Students must have daily access to:
■ A personal reliable tablet (iPad) or computer (we cannot guarantee school-issued devices for Summer 2026)
■ Stable internet connection
■ Required platforms (Canvas, Aeries, Microsoft Teams)
○ Students are responsible for submitting work on time, and technology issues do not excuse missed deadlines without documented communication and attempted troubleshooting.
● Requirements for Earning Credit
○ To receive semester credit in a Credit Recover course, students must:
■ Complete all Units of coursework
■ Meet all deadlines
■ Attend in-person Midterm and Final Exams
■ Maintain academic integrity
■ Earn the minimum passing grade (D to remediate an F; C to remediate a D)
English Credit Recovery Courses
Exam dates (Wednesdays): June 24, July 1, July 8, July 15
211 English I
223 English II
233 English III
242 English IV
Math Credit Recovery Courses
Exam dates (Thursdays): June 25, July 2, July 9, July 16
412 Algebra I
416 Algebra IA
417 Algebra IB
421 Geometry
428 Algebra II
429 Algebra II/Trigonometry
437 Statistics – Not offered in 2026
441 Precalculus – Not offered in 2026
Religious Studies Credit Recovery Courses
Exam dates (Wednesdays): June 24, July 1, July 8, July 15
114 Religious Studies I: Sacred Scripture & Tradition
121 Religious Studies II: Paschal Mystery/The Church
131 Religious Studies III: Sacraments and Ethics
142 Religious Studies IV: Christian Lifestyles (1 semester)
152 Religious Studies IV: Comparative Religion (1 semester)
153 Religious Studies IV: Peace & Justice (1 semester)
Science Credit Recovery Courses
Exam dates (Thursdays): June 25, July 2, July 9, July 16
521 Biology
524 Marine Biology
532 Chemistry
542 Human Anatomy and Physiology
544 Physics
Social Studies Credit Recovery Courses
Exam dates (Wednesdays): June 24, July 1, July 8, July 15
331 Social Studies II: World History/Geography
332 Social Studies III: U.S. History/Geography
341 Social Studies IV: U S Government (1 semester)
348 Social Studies IV: Economics (1 semester)
Spanish Credit Recovery Courses
Exam dates (Thursdays): June 25, July 2, July 9, July 16
600 Spanish I
602 Spanish II
605 Spanish III
610 Spanish IV
REFUND POLICY
● The deadline for a FULL REFUND for dropped classes is June 12, 2026 at 11:59PM. The Summer School Office must be notified in writing (e-mail: summerschool@materdei.org) before this deadline
● The deadline for a PARTIAL REFUND (50% of the fees) for dropped classes is June 19, 2026 at 11:59PM (end of the first week of Summer School). The Summer School Office must be notified in writing (e-mail: summerschool@materdei.org) before this deadline.
● NO REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED AFTER JUNE 19, 2026.
● Refunds are not provided for no shows, if a student registers for and takes a course that cannot apply to his/her transcript, or if a student does not achieve his/her desired grade.
● Workshops Only: If the student cannot attend the Workshop, notify the Summer School Office at summerschool@materdei.org at least 48 hours prior to the start of the Workshop to receive a refund. Refunds are not provided for no shows.
For all other Summer School expectations and policies, please reference the Parent/Student Policies on the Program’s website: www.materdei.org/summerschool.