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Helix Charter High School, located in La Mesa, California, has been proudly serving students and families since 1951. Originally founded as a traditional public high school, Helix made history in 1998 by becoming one of the first comprehensive public high schools in California to convert to charter status.
While our educational programs have evolved to meet the diverse needs of today’s students, our traditions, spirit, and commitment to excellence remain at the heart of who we are.
Helix is known for its strong academic programs, vibrant arts and athletics, and wide variety of student activities. As both a neighborhood school and a charter school, we continue to serve our local community while welcoming students from across the region who are drawn to the Helix experience.
“ONCE A SCOTTIE, ALWAYS A SCOTTIE”
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
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🎯 2026–27 HELIX ATTENDANCE CHALLENGE
There are 365 days in a year, but only 180 instructional days dedicated to building your student's future. Let’s make every day count!
✨ OUR 3 BIG GOALS THIS YEAR: • 98% Daily Attendance (~75 more students present & learning every day) • 50%+ Reduction in Chronic Absenteeism • 50%+ Reduction in 1st-Period Tardies
💰 Did You Know? Reaching 98% attendance unlocks roughly $1.25 Million in additional funding! These dollars directly fund field trips (Zoo, Catalina Island, Old Globe), college visits (SDSU, UCSD), and our annual C4ME college tour for 200+ juniors!
🗓️ FAMILY ACTION STEPS: • Align trips/vacations with the school calendar. • Book appointments on Fridays or Minimum Days when possible. • Drop off by 8:00 AM so students are settled and ready for 1st period. • Contact your GLT if you ever need attendance support!
SHOW UP. ON TIME. READY TO LEARN! 💚
![Helix Posts]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1786122600/helixcharternet/eqlvbcmbjsfbyc23bnal/gilliancollegecenter-cropped.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1786122600/helixcharternet/eqlvbcmbjsfbyc23bnal/gilliancollegecenter-cropped.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1786122600/helixcharternet/eqlvbcmbjsfbyc23bnal/gilliancollegecenter-cropped.jpg","width":750}])
This is your opportunity to visit your student’s classes, meet their teachers, and learn about course objectives and expectations. Attending will also give you tools to help your student succeed this school year.
What to Bring:
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Please have your student fill out the schedule on the night-of handout and bring it with you—it will be your guide for the evening.
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The second page of the handout includes a campus map; it may help to have your student mark their classrooms ahead of time.
Parking:
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Student parking lot at 4200 Lowell St. (fills quickly)
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Overflow parking on Lowell St. and at The Hill Church (above our parking lot)
Special Notes for Dual Enrollment Parents:
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Grossmont Community College instructors will not be present.
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Our College Counselor will be available in the College & Career Center (Room 180) if you want to stop by.
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Helix staff who teach Dual Enrollment will provide class overviews but cannot discuss individual student progress due to FERPA laws.
Additional Information:
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Our student support team will be in front of the Admin building to print schedules or answer questions (no need to check in if you don’t have questions).
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When you arrive, you may head directly to your student’s first class.
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The PTSO will be available from 5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. in front of the Admin building—stop by to meet our PTSO president and learn how to get involved!
Classroom Location Changes:
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PE (Fitness / Team Sports / Individual Sports) and Fitness & Weight Training → Gym
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Extended Learning (ExL), Scottie Connect, Academic Support Labs → Room 1600
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Helix First → Room 1300
![Helix Posts]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1731951352/helixcharternet/nezupglfodobmourivtf/Helix_ScriptLettering_Green-cropped-cropped.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1731951352/helixcharternet/nezupglfodobmourivtf/Helix_ScriptLettering_Green-cropped-cropped.jpg","width":380}])
Helix is implementing a new Personal Electronic Device (PED) policy to help minimize classroom distractions and boost student focus. From the start of 1st period through the end of 4th period, all student devices—including cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, personal laptops, and tablets—must be powered off or silenced and stored completely out of sight in a backpack or locker. This "not seen, not heard" rule applies everywhere on campus throughout the entire school day, including during passing periods, lunch, and assemblies. School-issued Chromebooks are exempt and remain permitted for academic use, and exceptions will be honored for documented medical or learning needs (IEPs/504s).
To support this focused learning environment, we ask that parents do not expect direct replies from students during school hours. For non-urgent matters, students can check and send emails via their Chromebooks, while urgent messages can be routed directly through the Main Office or your student's Grade Level Team. Please rest assured that in the event of a school-wide emergency, students will be permitted to use their phones to communicate with families as soon as it is safe to do so. For full details, please read the complete policy or review our comprehensive Phone-Free Policy FAQ Page.
![See Something, Do Something]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1743185626/helixcharternet/onz15jow2neju3lrc0nt/Screenshot2025-03-21093911_1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1743185626/helixcharternet/onz15jow2neju3lrc0nt/Screenshot2025-03-21093911_1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1743185626/helixcharternet/onz15jow2neju3lrc0nt/Screenshot2025-03-21093911_1.png","width":788}])
Helix is now using Anonymous Alerts, a confidential system that allows students to report bullying, behavioral concerns, or campus safety issues 24/7, either through a mobile app or a web-based platform. This system replaces the previous Student Safety Form and offers enhanced features, including the ability for staff to communicate anonymously with the person reporting. This two-way communication allows us to gather additional details, provide follow-up, and respond more effectively to concerns.
To get started:
- We recommend all students download the Anonymous Alerts app on their phones if possible. They can also use this link to the web-based platform - https://tips.anonymousalerts.com/helixcharterhs/
- Enter activation code: helixcharterhs
We appreciate your continued support in keeping our campus safe and welcoming for everyone.
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SCHOOL INFORMATION
76
COLLEGE CREDIT SECTIONS OFFERED ON CAMPUS THIS YEAR
23,000
COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS PERFORMED BY OUR SENIORS LAST YEAR
4
FULL TIME SOCIAL WORKERS ON CAMPUS EVERY DAY TO HELP SUPPORT OUR STUDENTS
68
DIFFERENT ATHLETIC TEAMS