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Very Good

#1678 of 9,539 schools in CA

Top 18% in state

Helix High

High School · Helix High District

7323 University Ave., La Mesa, CA 91941

Charter

Enrollment

2,544

Student-Teacher

24.2:1

Score

7.9

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#1,678 of 9,539

In La Mesa

#4 of 27

public schools

Equity

9.9 / 10

Excellent

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Helix High

7.9/10

High School in La Mesa · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

La Mesa Dale Elementary

6.9/10

0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

La Mesa Arts Academy

8.6/10

0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Helix High

Helix High is a public high school in La Mesa, CA, part of Helix High District. Helix High serves approximately 2,544 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 24.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Helix High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.9 out of 10 and ranks #1,678 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Helix High show 68% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024) and 81% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024).

What's said publicly about Helix High

Sources: School's website Wikipedia

Synthesized from public, attributable sources. Updated April 2026.

Helix Charter High School is a public charter high school located in La Mesa, California 1 . Originally established as a traditional public school, it was built in 1952 and converted to charter status in 1998, becoming one of the first comprehensive public high schools in California to do so 1 2 . The school is part of the Grossmont Union High School District and serves a mid-level socioeconomic community 2 . Its student body consists of approximately 2,400 students 2 . While it primarily serves residents of La Mesa, Lemon Grove, and Spring Valley, its charter status allows any high school student in California to enroll 2 . The school identifies with the motto "Once a Scottie, Always a Scottie" 1 .
Sources (2)
  1. www.helixcharter.net
  2. en.wikipedia.org
Generated by AI from public sources. Every claim is grounded in a cited source. Report inaccuracy
How it compares1.4 pts above CA schools
  • This school 7.9 · Very Good
  • CA avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

Helix High is a large school: 2,544 students. Size usually brings more course choices and activities than a smaller school can staff, but kids can also blend into the crowd. Ask how the school keeps students known and supported.

Helix High runs 24.2:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

Helix High is a charter school: publicly funded, but run with more independence than a traditional district school. Many charters are built around a specific model or focus, so it's worth understanding this one's mission, how enrollment works, and how it differs from the district schools nearby.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress9.2Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-0.17 pts/yr
Data Period2018–2024
TrendStable
Academics9.7Excellent25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency64.7% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency83.5% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg+36.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+27.6 pts
Overall Proficiency74% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)37% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected+37.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile96th
College Readiness6.1Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate92%
AP Participation15.8%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment6.5Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio24.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,194
Chronic Absenteeism2.3%

Helix High — Students at Helix High score 74% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 37%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

66.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 68.3% (multi-year average, 2018-2024)
School
State
31.8% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 80.7% (multi-year average, 2018-2024)
School
State
51.5% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 8 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2018
Math
72%
ELA
78%
2019
Math
72%
ELA
78%
2024
Math
64.7%
ELA
83.5%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 9.2/10.

How Helix High Compares

See how Helix High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.9/10
82th percentile in CA
Academic
9.7/10
Excellent
Growth
9.2/10
Excellent
Environment
6.5/10
Average
AP Courses
4
State avg: 2.6
Sports
5
2 boys' · 3 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
67%
Teaching Staff
24:1 student-teacher ratio
105 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
2.3%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs4 AP courses offered
15.8% participation·State avg: 2.6 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics5sports offered
2 boys'·3 girls'·13 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

7323 University Ave., La Mesa, CA 91941

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Helix High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Rolando Park Elementary (rated 9.2/10, 1.2 miles away, in nearby San Diego), which scores notably higher. Another option is La Mesa Arts Academy (rated 8.6/10, 0.4 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, La Mesa Dale Elementary (rated 6.9/10, 0.3 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in La Mesa, see our La Mesa schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.3 mi
School Distance Rating
La Mesa Dale Elementary La Mesa 0.3 mi 6.9
La Mesa Arts Academy La Mesa 0.4 mi 8.6
Vista La Mesa Academy La Mesa 0.7 mi 5.7
Lemon Grove Academy Elementary Lemon Grove 0.9 mi 5.0
An-Nur Learning Academy La Mesa 1.0 mi
Rolando Elementary La Mesa 0.9 mi 3.8
CHRIST LUTHERAN ELEMENTARY La Mesa 1.0 mi 4.7
St. John of the Cross School Lemon Grove 1.0 mi
Lemon Grove Academy for the Sciences and Humanities Lemon Grove 1.1 mi 5.0
ST MARTIN OF TOURS ACADEMY La Mesa 1.1 mi 5.6
Brookshire International Academy La Mesa 1.0 mi
BROOKSHIRE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY Lemon Grove 1.1 mi 4.3
TAPROOT MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN La Mesa 1.3 mi
Rolando Park Elementary San Diego 1.2 mi 9.2
EXCELSIOR ACADEMY La Mesa 1.4 mi
Harriet Tubman Village Charter San Diego 1.4 mi 5.4
San Miguel Elementary Lemon Grove 1.4 mi 4.4
Acton Academy San Diego East La Mesa 1.3 mi
Maryland Avenue Elementary La Mesa 1.6 mi 6.2
The Learning Choice Academy - East County La Mesa 1.3 mi 6.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 91941 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$111,607

Median Home Value

$884,800

Median Rent

$2,067/mo

Population

33,706

College Educated

45.9%

Homeownership

65.5%

Avg Commute

26.4 min

Poverty Rate

7%

Median Age

41.2

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Aliso Niguel High Aliso Viejo, CA 7.9
Aragon High San Mateo, CA 7.9
Capistrano Valley High Mission Viejo, CA 7.9
Clovis High Clovis, CA 7.9
El Toro High Lake Forest, CA 7.9
Foothill High Tustin, CA 7.9

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Helix High

What grades does Helix High serve?

Helix High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Helix High?

Helix High has an enrollment of approximately 2,544 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Helix High?

The student-teacher ratio at Helix High is 24.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Helix High rank in CA?

Helix High ranks #1,678 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Helix High's MySchoolScout rating?

Helix High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.9 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Helix High?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Helix High has 68% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024) and 81% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024).

Is Helix High a charter school?

Yes, Helix High is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is Helix High a Title I school?

No, Helix High is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Helix High?

66.8% of students at Helix High qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
60 Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
37 Some Transit
Bike Score
41 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,544
Student-Teacher Ratio
24.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
105
Free/Reduced Lunch
66.8%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
San Diego County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
2.3%
4-Year Graduation
92.0%

District

Helix High District
District Enrollment
2,544
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$14,194
District Rank
#1 of 1

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