Welcome to Mater Dei Catholic Elementary
Welcome to Mater Dei Catholic Elementary is the first TK-8 Catholic dual-language school in San Diego County. Committed to developing the whole child to live a Christ-centered life through academic excellence and innovation, Mater Dei Catholic Elementary provides an exceptional bilingual Catholic education. We strive to educate the next generation of faith filled, bilingual, global leaders.
Our Rich 60-Year History
Our students embody a love of God and neighbor.
Our story began 60 years ago in Imperial Beach when Marian High School was founded by Bishop Charles F. Buddy as the first coed Catholic high school in San Diego. In 1992, Marian High School changed its name to Marian Catholic High School.
Our Crusaders possess a generous heart and are committed to a spirit of service.
A bigger transformation began in 1995 when Estelle Kassebaum (Dr. K) joined as the new principal. With great zest and a vision to re-energize and restore the school, she reinvented Marian Catholic High School and forged a plan to move it to a new, bigger, and more beautiful campus in East Chula Vista
The school was renamed Mater Dei Catholic High School, signifying the elevation of “Marian” to becoming the “Mother of God.” Despite the name change, the Crusader mascot, spirit, and tradition, remained an integral part of this private Catholic school.
We encourage and serve as a model to others by sharing the mission of Jesus in our world.
In 2015, Mater Dei Juan Diego Academy opened its doors on the Mater Dei Catholic High School campus, serving kindergarten through second grade. Today Mater Dei Catholic Elementary serves TK-8th grade. We are the first Catholic school in San Diego County to offer a 50/50 dual language, Spanish/English immersion curriculum. Students receive 50% of their instruction in Spanish and the other 50% in English.
