Mt. Helix Academy is a WASC-accredited, co-educational, and non-sectarian preparatory school that educates ~ 250 San Diego County students in TK 8th grade.
Located in La Mesa, CA, MHA has been referred to as "East County's best-kept secret.".
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 193 students
- Yearly Tuition: $16,375
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
193 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
40%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
25 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
43%
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Top: Polo (Navy, White, Burgundy), Bottoms: Khaki or Navy
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$16,375
Tuition Notes
Cost fluctuates based on grade and number of Aim High classes
Summer Program Cost
$1,100
Summer Program Cost Notes
Cost is per three-week session. Priced adjustments made to reflect national holidays
Admissions Director
Alison Young, TK -4th
Admissions Associate
Sarah Robertson, 5-8
Application URL
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
5 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
TARC Club (Rocketry)
Arts and Music Programs:
Art, Music, Musical Theater, Spanish
TARC Club (Rocketry)
Arts and Music Programs:
Art, Music, Musical Theater, Spanish
School Notes
- Located in La Mesa, CA, Mt. Helix Academy has been called "East County's best-kept secret."
- A traditional private school
- In many important respects, Mt. Helix Academy is a "traditional" private school. Lessons make up the majority of each student's day; classes are led by skilled teachers; instruction emphasizes the fundamental academic skills of reading, speaking and writing, mathematics, critical thinking and problem solving, and the traditional content areas such as history and science.. . . and much more. Mt. Helix Academy goes way beyond traditional schooling because it is based on what the science of education tells us is effective, efficient, and enjoyable. We challenge our students with a curriculum and teaching methods designed to help students acquire academic skills and knowledge at faster rates than their age-mates at other schools. For example, we have 4th Graders taking Pre-Algebra, 6th Graders taking Algebra 2 and Geometry, 3rd Graders in 7th Grade level reading groups, and many other high achieving students.
- A positive, welcoming school
- We pride ourselves in being a very safe school. We believe that safety is supervision, safety is programmed activities in which everyone is taught what to do, and most importantly of all, safety is a positive welcoming environment in which everyone feels good about being there. That's Mt. Helix Academy. A California State Department of Education visitor remarked: "It's the most positive place I've ever been."Catch 'em being goodWe are very positive. There is simply no derision. There are no "put downs." There is no bullying either. Bullying is not tolerated. Our kids are taught to interact positively and how to solve their common problems peacefully.
- Mastery learning
- We provide small group instruction for basic skills so all students learn as quickly as they can and they master skills before moving on to learn new skills. Our teaching methods are evidence-based and our students excel year after year.Unparalleled visual arts programStudents create frame-worthy art even in Kindergarten and their efforts progress stunningly as they learn more and more about what makes for visual art that is continuously pleasing to view.
- Exciting music, art, and performing arts program
- Our art and music programs are cosistent and performing arts program teaches music appreciation, and the emerging musical talent of our students has given us unforgettable performances. They have performed The Wizard of Oz, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Annie, Beauty and the Beast, Seussical, the Musical, and last year's performance of Roger's and Hammerstein's Cinderellato rave reviews.
- AIM HIGH Resource Program
- We do not allow our students to fall behind and we have AIM HIGH for students who need to catch up, so we provide tutoring or more intensive instruction.Becoming a good personWe emphasize each student's acquisition of skills in self-management, in social interaction, and in ethical conduct. We want Mt. Helix Academy students to do well in any school they may enter and, above all, we want them to become highly regarded, contributing members of our community.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Mt. Helix Academy cost?
Mt. Helix Academy's tuition is approximately $16,375 for private students and $1,100 for summer students.
Does Mt. Helix Academy offer a summer program?
Yes, Mt. Helix Academy offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
When is the application deadline for Mt. Helix Academy?
The application deadline for Mt. Helix Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Nearby Private Schools
The nearest high school to Mt. Helix Academy is Foothills Christian High School (0.8 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is Shepherd Of The Hills Lutheran School (0.5 miles away)
The nearest preschool is St. Andrews Episcopal Parish Da (1.5 miles away)
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Grades: K-8 | 60 students 0.5 miles 9191 Fletcher Pkwy
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 469-9443
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 469-9443
0.5
K-8
60
Foothills Christian High School
(Christian)
Grades: 9-12 | 265 students 0.8 miles 2321 Dryden Rd
El Cajon, CA 92020
(619) 303-8035
El Cajon, CA 92020
(619) 303-8035
0.8
9-12
265
Our Lady Of Grace Elementary School
(Catholic)
Grades: K-8 | 290 students 1.1 miles 2766 Navajo Rd
El Cajon, CA 92020
(619) 466-0055
El Cajon, CA 92020
(619) 466-0055
1.1
K-8
290
Sierra School Of San Diego
Special Education School
Grades: 2-12 | 94 students 1.4 miles 6460 Boulder Lake Ave
San Diego, CA 92119
(619) 460-5090
San Diego, CA 92119
(619) 460-5090
1.4
2-12
94
St. Andrews Episcopal Parish Da
Daycare / Preschool (Episcopal)
Grades: PK-K | 143 students 1.5 miles 4816 Glen St
La Mesa, CA 91941
(619) 469-5330
La Mesa, CA 91941
(619) 469-5330
1.5
PK-K
143
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