Mt. Helix Academy (2026-27 Profile)

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Quick Facts (2026-27)

Grades: Prekindergarten-8
Enrollment: 153 students
Yearly Tuition: $16,875
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: 鉁�Verified school update

School Facts

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades Prekindergarten-8

Students By Grade

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade
Grade	Mt. Helix Academy
Pre-K	10
Kind	15
1	20
2	19
3	21
4	15
5	19
6	14
7	8
8	12

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ADD/ADHD Support

Yes

Learning Difference Programs

Yes

Learning Programs Supported

Autism, Specific Learning Disability, Intellectually Disabled, Other Health Impairment, Students requiring additional support to develop social skills, learner skills, self-management, and organizational skills

Year Founded

1994

Summer School Offered

Yes

Summer Program Details

School Calendar

Last Day of School

Wed. Jun 9, 2027

School Motto

"Catch 'Em Being Good"

Student Body

Total Students

153 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

37%

State avg.: 52%

Academic Profile

Total Classroom Teachers

24 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

6:1

National avg.:

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

46%

Classroom Dress Code

Formal

Top: Polo (Navy, White, Burgundy), Bottoms: Khaki or Navy

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

Western Association of Schools and Colleges (Accrediting Commission for Schools) (ACS WASC)

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$16,875

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

Cost fluctuates based on grade and number of Aim High classes

Summer Program Cost

$750

Summer Program Cost Notes

Cost is per two-week session. Priced adjustments made to reflect national holidays

% on Financial Aid

31%

Admissions Director

Alison Young, TK -4th

Admissions Associate

Sarah Robertson, 5-8

Application URL

Sports

School Mascot

Mountaineer

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

6 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Club or Organization:

Chess ClubLego Club

Arts and Music Programs:

ArtMusic

Musical TheaterSpanish

School Notes

Mt. Helix Academy is a private, co-educational, nonsectarian preparatory school located in La Mesa's Fletcher Hills neighborhood, serving students from Transitional Kindergarten through 8th grade.
Known for its small class sizes and low student-teacher ratio, Mt. Helix provides a nurturing, bully-free environment where students thrive academically and socially.
The school emphasizes mastery learning and research-based teaching methods, with accelerated programs in math and reading, as well as weekly instruction in art, music, Spanish, and theater.
Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), Mt. Helix Academy is part of The Institute for Effective Education's network of nationally recognized schools.
Families praise the school's strong academic foundation, inclusive support for diverse learners, and a vibrant community that feels like family.
With a commitment to both academic excellence and character development, Mt. Helix Academy offers a well-rounded education that prepares students for lifelong success.

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Mt. Helix Academy cost?

Mt. Helix Academy's tuition is approximately $16,875 for private students and $750 for summer students.

Does Mt. Helix Academy offer a summer program?

Yes, Mt. Helix Academy offers a summer program. Visit their 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).

School Reviews

5.00 out of 5 (2 reviews)

5 5/4/2026

We feel incredibly grateful to be part of such a warm, welcoming, and enriching school community. From the very beginning, our family has felt supported not just academically, but personally as well. The teachers and staff truly go above and beyond to create an environment where each child feels seen, valued, and encouraged to grow.We currently have three children at the school, and each of them has had such a positive and unique experience. The balance between strong academics and character development is something we deeply appreciate. It''s clear that the school is focused on nurturing the whole child, building confidence, kindness, and a genuine love for learning.One of the highlights for our family has been the musical program. Our daughters have been involved in the school musical, and it has been such a meaningful experience for them. Not only have they grown in confidence and creativity, but they''ve also formed friendships across different grade levels, which has been so special to see. The sense of community that comes from these programs is truly something unique.We couldn''t be happier with our experience and feel lucky every day to be part of this amazing school. It''s a place where children are encouraged to thrive, friendships flourish, and families feel genuinely connected.

- Posted by Parent - Cortney Dallo

5 7/25/2025

Our family's journey with Mt. Helix Academy has been truly outstanding. With one child who graduated and another currently in 8th grade, we've had the opportunity to experience the school across multiple years鈥攁nd we're so grateful we found it. What really sets MHA apart is the sense of community and the dedication of its staff. The teachers are not only highly competent, but they also genuinely care about each student's growth and success. Both of our kids were academically challenged in all the right ways, with the school allowing them to progress at their own pace. Beyond the strong academics, the enrichment offerings like Spanish, music, art, and PE brought balance and creativity into their school day. The performing arts program in particular had a huge impact鈥攐ur children discovered a love for theater that continues to this day. Now, our oldest is thriving in high school鈥攅xcelling in AP and honors classes, involved in extracurriculars, and confidently pursuing her passions. The solid academic and social foundation Mt. Helix Academy provided has been invaluable. It's a school that truly prepares kids for what's ahead.

- Posted by Parent - Parent of Two

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in San Diego County, CA is $17,123 for elementary schools and $25,342 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in San Diego County, CA is 84% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).