Helix High School, or Helix Charter High School, is a charter high school in La Mesa, California, built in 1952. It received its charter in 1998. Helix is part of Grossmont Union High School District, and serves a mid-level socioeconomic community. It has a student body of approximately 2,400 students.
Serving 2,554 students in grades 9-12, Helix High School ranks in the top 10% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 58% (which is higher than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 83% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 23:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 76% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,554 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 23:1
- Minority Enrollment: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 96% (Top 10% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10%
- Math Proficiency: 58% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 83% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 39% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Helix High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Graduation Rate
Diversity
School Overview
Helix High School's student population of 2,554 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 110 teachers has grown by 10% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
2,554 students
Total Classroom Teachers
110 teachers
Year Founded
1952
Colors
Green, Grey
School Calendar
School Motto
ONCE A SCOTTIE, ALWAYS A SCOTTIE
Average Class Size
25 students
School Rankings
Helix High School ranks within the top 10% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Helix High School is 0.70, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#772 out of 9523 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
58%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
83%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
39%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
23:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
6%
12%
Hispanic
47%
56%
Black
11%
5%
White
24%
20%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
11%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
96%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
27%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
38%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Scottie Dog
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Helix High School's ranking?
Helix High School is ranked #772 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in California.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
58% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 83% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Helix High School?
The graduation rate of Helix High School is 96%, which is higher than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend Helix High School?
2,554 students attend Helix High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
47% of Helix High School students are Hispanic, 24% of students are White, 11% of students are Black, 11% of students are Two or more races, 6% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Helix High School?
Helix High School has a student ration of 23:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Helix High School offer ?
Helix High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Helix High School part of?
Helix High School is part of Helix High School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
~Excellent school- I was going to home school my children if they did not make it into Helix. Teacher response to any of my questions or concerns is immediate. The education my children are receiving is outstanding. The staff is friendly and professional. Despite the negative on goings that Helix has had in the recent past, I have no regrets nor concerns of the safety of my children. This could happen at any school. I would recommend this school to any parent who expresses concern for their child's educational future.
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