Mt. Helix Academy
La Mesa, CA 91942
Phone: (619) 243-1400
Fax: (619) 466-1448
GreatSchools Rating
private • Grades TK,KG,1,2,3,4,5,6,7, • 210 students
Mt. Helix Academy, a private school located in La Mesa, CA, serves grades K-8 in the .
Mt. Helix Academy is a private school located in La Mesa, CA. 210 students attend Mt. Helix Academy.
Posted: July 4, 2026
Mount Helix Academy has been an amazing school for my child. The middle school teachers are supportive and kind. Everyone at the school is welcoming and friendly. I highly recommend MHA!
Posted: July 4, 2026
Posted: July 4, 2026
Posted: July 4, 2026
Posted: July 4, 2026
Posted: July 4, 2026
Posted: July 4, 2026
Posted: July 4, 2026
Posted: February 27, 2026
Posted: February 27, 2026
Posted: February 27, 2026
Posted: February 27, 2026
Posted: February 27, 2026
Posted: February 27, 2026
Posted: February 27, 2026
Posted: February 27, 2026
Im very conflicted. While we LOVE some teachers with a passion (Hanlon, kinder, and Barrett,3rd) some teachers arent good especially middle school. My kid started to fall behind and they rarely made contact about it. The lady at the front desk is SO rude if she doesnt like your kid and they pick favorites and pick on certain kids. Mine have gotten in trouble for things other kids dont because they have both been singled out thanks to my situation and my older kid having struggles when we first started. If it were up to me they wouldnt be there but its a joint decision and its not all my choice. Public school would have been better socially too because the bullying is NOT ADRESSED even after multiple incidents.
Posted: July 24, 2019
My son had behavior issues in preschool and at a charter school. MHA really turned him around and this was the first time he enjoyed school. He still has some issues, but they deal with them in a positive way and don't call you every time there is a minor incident.
Posted: July 24, 2019
All of the kids knew my son's name the first week he began TK. I mean ALL of them, even 5th graders!
Posted: July 24, 2019
Posted: July 24, 2019
They break up the kids into really small groups depending on where they're at.
Posted: July 24, 2019
We had one bullying incident and the school took it seriously.
Posted: July 24, 2019
Very good, sending our second kid too.
Posted: July 24, 2019
It's very repetitive, but they say it's good for building strong foundations. I'd like it to be more creative, personally, but it's fine.
Posted: August 12, 2017
Posted: August 12, 2017
Posted: August 12, 2017
Posted: August 12, 2017
Posted: August 12, 2017
Posted: August 12, 2017
Excellent school. Challenges kids and teaches social skills.
Posted: August 12, 2017
Posted: May 29, 2017
This school assigns enough homework to achieve mastery.
Posted: May 29, 2017
The wonderful teachers and administractors prepared my son with special needs for high school. My son is graduating high school this year and moving on to a competing 4-year university. I am thankful to MTA for never giving up on my son.
Posted: February 2, 2017
Posted: February 2, 2017
Posted: February 2, 2017
Seems to be an effective level without being so much that we can't do extracurricular activities.
Posted: February 2, 2017
Had one incident and it was dealt with quickly and haven't had any others.
Posted: February 2, 2017
Small class sizes, some great teachers, good kids, and good environment with art, music, and Spanish classes. We have nothing but good things to say about the elementary part of this school.
Posted: January 28, 2017
Although the school sends parents the message that it will accommodate special needs and ADHD kids, and has a specific AIM high program for them, in reality it does not. Our child with ADHD had a hard time in middle school and we felt he was *punished* by the school for his ADHD, not accommodated for it. Dig deep and ask hard questions of the school and other parents before sending a child with ADHD to this school.
Posted: January 28, 2017
Posted: January 28, 2017
Although the AIM high program was sold as catering to kids with learning disabilities, the school seemed incapable of accommodating them, on the ground. Point in fact, staff were woefully unprepared for behavioral issues associated with ADHD. ADHD could be accommodated only if narrowly defined as having academic consequences only
Posted: January 28, 2017
Posted: January 28, 2017
Posted: January 28, 2017
Posted: January 28, 2017
Posted: August 11, 2015
The fact that school starts in 3 weeks and my child is counting down the days until he can go back tells me that we picked the right school. Teachers really care and he is doing way better academically than he was at his old school. Great school!
Posted: February 4, 2015
Small classes, friendly teachers, friendly parents and friendly kids! Our daughter was struggling at our local school and was to the point of crying and refusing to go. Since she has been going to Mt. Helix Academy we only see smiles in the morning and that makes us smile too!
Posted: October 12, 2014
We LOVED this school in elementary. It was excellent, with excellent teachers. They worked with our special needs son, and he learned and loved it, despite difficulties. Then came middle school. Totally different. No support, no accommodations, no walls between classes (seriously. Six classes in two rooms with no walls. Our ADHD kid could not survive.) Still in tears over leaving, but it had to be...please consider seriously before putting your student in middle school here.
Posted: September 18, 2014
The academics are the best because group sizes for math, spelling and reading are so small. My child is working way ahead of grade level and she loves it! The teachers are really nice and positive and you can tell they love the kids. It wasn't like that at our old school. We love MHA!
Posted: September 11, 2012
MHA is an amazing school! My son advanced 3 grade levels in his academics in one year. We have just started our second year there. The academics are challenging and kids learn in small groups at their own pace. The school rewards good behavior and teaches the kids the importance of respect and good character. The art teacher and music teacher are fantastic. My son has social skill delays and the teachers and staff have been wonderful in helping him. The entire school is small enough that it is like a family--everyone works together to help the kids learn and excel--in all aspects! I am amazed at how well my son is doing--both academically and socially. This is truly an outstanding school!
Posted: August 23, 2012
My twin boys have been attending MHA from Kindergarten to now. This year they will be attending 6th grade. My children often amaze not only me but other family members with their knowledge of math, social studies, history, art, and just anything in general we may discuss. They are so smart and I am so lucky to have such great kids who learn many skills at MHA including social skills. They know how to settle issues with peers by talking and thinking things out before acting. I am amazed with my children. I thank MHA for the scientific methods that they use! Paying for their education is not always easy but my kids are worth every penny and I'm thankful to have found a great school that makes me feel comfortable about spending money for tuition.
Posted: July 16, 2012
MHA is perhaps THE best education value/investment in San Diego County. My daughter attended beginning in 5th grade. Prior to that she was at a Montessori school. She just graduated from the 8th grade and was accepted into the top high schools in San Diego. While the Montessori education was great through pre-school and kindergarten, knowing what I know now, I would definitely have considered starting her much earlier at MHA. The teachers are outstanding and provide the attention that each child needs to excel. The elementary school has a process-oriented approach to teaching that makes it easy for children to learn. The school also nurtures creativity. The art program is especially outstanding with a wonderful wonderful art teacher- check out the masterpieces as you walk through the school. Music is also available as well as a fabulous theatre program. Good behavior is constantly rewarded and children are taught to be respectful to the teachers and each other. There is no such thing as bullying at this school. The administration is always available to listen to support the kids and always has the best interest of the individual student at heart.
Posted: March 29, 2012
Invaluable investment. As a former public school teacher, I can tell you that MHA s research-based methods result in astonishingly rapid achievement and eliminate teaching to the lowest level. MHA believes that children have an unlimited capacity for learning. Students reach high academic expectations yet do not feel pressured. My children don t realize how much they are learning because they have so much fun doing it in MHA s energized and nurturing environment. Teachers truly care about students and are clearly happy to be there. The curriculum includes teaching how to be good friends and respectful citizens. Problem solving, communication and responsibility are taught in both formal and informal lessons and are integrated into daily culture. In addition, daily P.E. and weekly music and art courses taught by professionals help our children stay healthy and inspired. We also appreciate the strong social network parents are friendly, helpful and engaged. Final thought: Don t judge this book by its cover. The warm atmosphere inside is remarkable, the classrooms are equipped with the latest technology, and it s amazing to watch the students in action. Be sure to schedule a tour!
Posted: March 29, 2012
Invaluable investment. As a former public school teacher, I can tell you that MHA's research-based methods result in astonishingly rapid achievement and eliminate teaching to the lowest level. MHA believes that children have an unlimited capacity for learning. Students reach high academic expectations yet do not feel pressured. My children don't realize how much they are learning because they have so much fun doing it in MHA's energized and nurturing environment. Teachers truly care about students and are clearly happy to be there. The curriculum includes teaching how to be good friends and respectful citizens. Problem solving, communication and responsibility are taught in both formal and informal lessons and are integrated into daily culture. In addition, daily P.E. and weekly music and art courses taught by professionals help our children stay healthy and inspired. We also appreciate the strong social network parents are friendly, helpful and engaged. Final thought: Don't judge this book by its cover. The warm atmosphere inside is remarkable, the classrooms are equipped with the latest technology, and it's amazing to watch the students in action. Be sure to schedule a tour!
Posted: January 25, 2012
Highly Academic, Dedicated Teachers, Amazing School!! Our child has been going to Mt. Helix Academy since Kindergarten and is now in 2nd grade. Living in Chula Vista and working in Del Mar, we researched all the schools throughout San Diego County for the best school. We are grateful to have found this academy! As working parents, we are very fortunate that our son goes this safe and caring school. We are also impressed with the dedicated and passionate teachers who have worked with us to provide our son with a highly challenging academic environment. The small groups and ability to move up and down the grades for core subject areas allows our son to go as far as he can go academically, yet still be with his age group/peers throughout the day. Most of all, the teachers and professional staff create a fun and positive environment, inspiring the kids to want to learn more! We are blessed to have our son attend this academy and highly recommend this school!!
Posted: January 24, 2012
My husband and I went to 'many' schools all over San Diego to see what the best fit was going to be for our daughter. Although we don't have a lot of money, we still went to tour/visit the most expensive privates schools, many Catholic schools, and Charter and public schools. We did this so as to have comparisons of what each school and setting could offer to our child. Some of the main reasons why we picked Mt. Helix Academy: 1. THEY CATER TO YOUR CHILD'S ABILITIES: For every main subject (Reading, Math, Spelling), the children are put into groups of 7-8 kids that match up to their abilities. 2. WHATEVER LEVEL YOUR CHILD IS IN FOR THE CORE ACADEMICS, HE/SHE WILL RETURN FOR THE REST OF THE SCHOOL DAY TO HIS/HER GRADE LEVEL 3. TEACHER TO STUDENT RATIO 4. QUALITY OF TEACHERS and their LOVE for education! Just a wonderful staff all around! 5. KIDS ARE TAUGHT TO RESPECT EVERYONE and it is apparent at every turn you take at Mt. Helix. 6. MT. HELIX ACADEMY HAS A GREAT MIX OF STUDENTS AND OFFERS SCHOLARSHIPS SO THAT ANY STUDENT HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET SUCH AN AMAZING EDUCATION! You will not go wrong if you choose Mt. Helix Academy!
Posted: July 27, 2011
I enrolled my 5 yr old son in Summer Camp w/ the intent that he d have a positive learning experience & start Kindergarten w/ happy feelings about school. Little did I know that he d love MHA so much. His academic & social skills made leaps forward. He was warmly welcomed by his teachers, the secretary & administrative staff daily. He felt that he was a valuable part of his class & school. He made friends w/ classmates & with kids in all the grades; a plus of having your kid enrolled in a school where the kids & adults really get to know each other. He made great improvement in his skills during his 5 weeks of summer camp. MHA provides a perfect blend of academic instruction & real-life lessons in social skills/personal responsibility, that challenged him to stretch his academic muscles & refine skills he s mastered. It sounds simple, but my kid was really HAPPY when he was at school. The school practices Catch em being good. My son was uber proud to bring home his certificates. The campus is clean, bright & beautiful. (Awesome student art on the walls.) It s clear that there s great pride in the school & campus. Truly a great school, all-around!
Posted: January 3, 2011
This school has helped my son learn to love his education. We tried public school last year and the teacher student ratio was unacceptable. At Mt. Helix there are three groups for reading, language and math to accommodate all levels and challenge all the students appropriately at a 1:8 ratio for these core classes. My son has blossomed at this school and completely changed his attitude about school. The kindergarten teachers are amazing to say the least. The price is worth the outcome.
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Canyon Run Apartments | Apartment Complex | El Cajon | CA | 3.8 mi | |
| 2 | Lakeview Village Apartments | Apartment Complex | Spring Valley | CA | 3.9 mi | |
| 3 | Del Cerro | Neighborhood/Subdivision | San Diego | CA | 4.2 mi | |
| 4 | Jackson Pointe Townhomes | Condominium/Townhouse | Spring Valley | CA | 4.8 mi | |
| 5 | Jackson Pointe Townhomes | Condominium/Townhouse | Spring Valley | CA | 4.8 mi | |
| 6 | Santee Villas | Apartment Complex | Santee | CA | 5 mi | |
| 7 | Canyon View | Neighborhood/Subdivision | San Diego | CA | 6.7 mi | |
| 8 | City Heights | Neighborhood/Subdivision | San Diego | CA | 7.2 mi | |
| 9 | Spectrum Center Blvd, Kearny Mesa | Neighborhood/Subdivision | San Diego | CA | 8.5 mi | |
| 10 | Legacy Walk | Condominium/Townhouse | San Diego | CA | 8.7 mi | |
| 11 | Heritage at Otay Ranch | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Chula Vista | CA | 9.2 mi | |
| 12 | Riverfront Condominium Rentals | Apartment Complex | San Diego | CA | 9.4 mi | |
| 13 | Eastlake Greens | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Chula Vista | CA | 9.9 mi | |
| 14 | Mission Hills | Neighborhood/Subdivision | San Diego | CA | 10.2 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | East County of San Diego | La Mesa | CA | 1.9 mi | |
| 2 | El Cajon | El Cajon | CA | 2.2 mi | |
| 3 | Santee Trolley Square | Santee | CA | 3.8 mi | |
| 4 | Santee | Santee | CA | 3.8 mi | |
| 5 | Del Cerro | San Diego | CA | 3.9 mi | |
| 6 | Rancho San Diego | El Cajon | CA | 4.5 mi | |
| 7 | Kensington | San Diego | CA | 6.4 mi | |
| 8 | Serra Mesa | San Diego | CA | 7.9 mi | |
| 9 | North Park | San Diego | CA | 8.2 mi | |
| 10 | Bonita | Chula Vista | CA | 9 mi | |
| 11 | Wine Country area of Scripps Ranch | San Diego | CA | 10 mi |
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| San Diego Naval Medical Center | 9.4 mi. |
| Miramar MCAS | 9.8 mi. |
| San Diego Naval Base | 10.3 mi. |
| MCRD San Diego | 12.1 mi. |
| Coronado Naval Amphibious Base | 12.3 mi. |
| North Island NAS | 13.5 mi. |
| Naval Base Point Loma | 15.8 mi. |
| Camp Pendleton | 45.6 mi. |
