Frequently Asked Questions
Mater Dei Catholic School (Ruskin, FL)
1. What is Mater Dei Catholic School?
A new Catholic pre-school, elementary school, and middle school is being built in southwest Hillsborough County, on the grounds of St. Anne Parish in Ruskin, FL. It is part of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg. Groundbreaking was held in June 2025. Construction is underway.
2. Will my donation to the For Christ and Kids Campaign be recognized in any way?
Yes, all donations will be recognized in a Memorial Book housed in the Media Center of
Mater Dei Catholic School. Gifts of $5,000 or more will also be recognized on a Memorial Wall in the Media Center. Items designated with “(Saints Naming Rights)” allow donors to select a saint’s name (on a first-come, first-served basis to avoid duplicates).
3. What grades will Mater Dei serve, and when will it open?
It will serve Preschool 3 through 8th grade. Expected opening for students in the 2027‑2028 school year.
4. Do I have to pay my pledge all at one time?
No, donations can be spread over a three-year period. For more information regarding specific donation questions, please call the parish office and speak with one of the campaign personnel.
5. What is the academic program like?
The curriculum will be faith‑based, rooted in Catholic teaching. Students will study core subjects (religion, English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies) with the integration of Catholic values. Additional opportunities will be offered in music, visual arts, technology, physical education, and world language. The program emphasizes academic rigor, whole‑child development, and discipleship.
6. What about Catholic teaching and spiritual life?
Faith formation is an integral part of daily school life, incorporating prayer, religious instruction, and moral teaching in accordance with Diocesan standards. Spiritual pastoral leadership is provided by St. Anne Parish, with Father Kevin Yarnell serving as pastor and spiritual leader.
7. Who will the school serve / what community is it for?
Families in Ruskin, Apollo Beach, Gibsonton, and surrounding areas. The school, in particular, seeks to assist families living below the poverty line who desire a Catholic education.
8. Can I donate stocks, bonds, and other types of investments?
Yes, a member of the campaign personnel will be glad to assist you in arranging the process of transferring investments to the campaign fund.
9. What about the Florida scholarship/school choice programs (Step Up For Students)?
We are fortunate to have the Florida Scholarship Program, which is open to all Florida residents. Mater Dei will participate in Florida scholarship programs to help families afford tuition. Step Up For Students provides scholarships for eligible students (PreK‑3 through grade 12). Programs include the Florida Tax Credit (FTC) and Family Empowerment Scholarships (FES‑EO), Unique Abilities Scholarship (FES‑UA), and other support. Families apply through the Step Up For Students portal. More information can be found at https://www.stepupforstudents.org/
10. How does one enroll / what are the admissions timelines & criteria?
Inquiry forms, tours, and admissions details will be published as the school nears opening. Admissions will include Florida residency requirements, age requirements for preschool/kindergarten, diocesan entrance requirements for the school, and scholarship eligibility. The inquiry portal is now open and can be found at www.mdcsfl.com.
11. What makes Mater Dei special?
Mater Dei will be the first Catholic school in southern Hillsborough County, offering a faith-centered education with strong academics and a focus on service. It will provide access for all families via tuition and scholarship programs.
12. What about tuition / financial aid?
Exact tuition rates are not yet published (as of 2025). Tuition assistance and scholarships (state, school, and diocesan) will be available for those who qualify.
13. When will more information be available?
As construction progresses, the Diocese, parish, and school will release more details (tuition, enrollment, faculty, etc.). Families should monitor the Mater Dei website at www.mdcsfl.com. The Inquiry Portal is currently open for parents interested in enrolling their child(ren) at the school.
14. When will Mater Dei begin the admissions process?
Inquiry is now open at www.mdcsfl.net. Please complete the inquiry form to be added to the list for the admissions process. Formal admissions for the 2027-2028 school year will open in January 2027.
15. Will Mater Dei use the Parish Hall?
Yes, the parish hall will be used for the lunch program. At this time, it is undecided whether the school will offer a specific type of lunch program. The parish hall may also be used for indoor physical education if the weather is bad. More information will be sent to parents upon acceptance to MDCS.
16. Are there opportunities for Corporate gift matching?
Yes, don't hesitate to contact the St. Anne Parish Office at 813-645-1714 or visit www.givecentral.org/materdeicc if you are interested in learning more.
