- For more information about SARC requirements, see the California Department of Education (CDE) SARC web page at https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/ac/sa/.
- For more information about the LCFF or LCAP, see the CDE LCFF web page at https://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/aa/lc/.
- For additional information about the school, parents/guardians and community members should contact the school principal or the district office.
DataQuest
California School Dashboard
Kevin Osborn, Executive Director
- Principal, Helix High
About Our School
Helix Charter High School has been serving the community well since 1952. Approximately 200 staff members serve a diverse community of 2,400 students. The school has a strong tradition of excellence in many areas, including academics, arts, and athletics.
Helix was one of the first high schools in California to convert from a traditional high school to a comprehensive charter high school. The conversion occurred in 1997-98, and Helix became California's 150th charter school. As a school of choice, the Helix staff made a commitment to effective collaboration, innovation, and holding ourselves accountable to ensure students reach their personal and academic potential.
The Mission of the school shifted to preparing ALL students for the opportunity to attend college, should they so choose, following graduation. As such, Helix boasts a rigorous comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare ALL students for success in college and career, as well as a comprehensive support system that makes it possible for students to achieve higher personal and academic goals. In order to graduate from Helix, all students must meet the UC/CSU A-G course admission requirements. ALL students are able to select from a variety of Honors, Advanced Placement, and Community College Dual Enrollment courses. Furthermore, students also have access to Career Technical Education programs that provide opportunities to prepare for careers in areas such as sports medicine, entrepreneurship, education, and biotechnology.
In an effort to support the overall growth and development of our students, Helix provides students access to well-rounded extra-curricular and co-curricular programs. Helix's athletic program is one of the largest and most successful programs in San Diego County, offering numerous boys' and girls' sports at the freshman, junior varsity, and varsity levels. We also provide many performing arts programs - dance, drama, instrumental music, vocal music, speech and debate - as well as clubs and organizations that meet students' interests. All of these extra-curricular and co-curricular programs are intended to connect students to school, as students who feel connected to their school tend to grow and develop both personally and academically.
Because Helix is a large comprehensive high school, it is important that students do not "fall through the cracks" or become anonymous on campus. In order to make a large campus feel smaller and safer, we assign incoming students to a Grade Level Team in which a Grade Level Principal, Counselor, Academic Advisor, and Administrative Assistant serve the graduating class of students for their entire four years. This allows families to have a consistent team of support personnel focused on their student’s growth, development, and success. Our Grade Level Teams are aware of their students’ academic goals and social-emotional needs, and are prepared to intervene when our students begin to struggle. Students who are struggling academically may be enrolled in an academic support class or assigned to attend daily or weekly tutorial sessions after school in order to meet our schools rigorous, college prep expectations. Our before and after-school programs allow students to access personalized support from a tutor and/or their teacher. Moreover, students struggling with social-emotional issues may be referred to the school’s Wellness Center to receive services from one of our school social workers.
As a Charter school, the State affords us the flexibility and autonomy over our resources to creatively develop our Educational Program in the best interests of our students. However, in return for this flexibility and autonomy, we must meet more rigorous accountability measures that are a part of our Charter. We welcome these increased accountability measures as they help to keep our focus on our main purpose: the growth and development of ALL our students and their learning.
Principal's Comment
Helix Charter High School has been serving the community well since 1952. Approximately 200 staff members serve a diverse community of 2,400 students. The school has a strong tradition of excellence in many areas, including academics, arts, and athletics. Helix was named a National Blue Ribbon School for 2022 by U. S. Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona. Helix is one of 297 schools in the nation and one of four high schools in California to be recognized this year. Find more information about this HUGE ACCOMPLISHMENT HERE.
Helix was one of the first high schools in California to convert from a traditional high school to a comprehensive charter high school. The conversion occurred in 1997-98, and Helix became California's 150th charter school. As a sch
Contact
Helix High7323 University Ave.
La Mesa, CA 91941-6055
Phone: 619-644-1940
Email: kosborn@helixcharter.net