Helix High School

I am a sophomore at Helix this year, and so far my experience has been excellent. As a sophomore I am currently enrolled in two honors classes and two AP classes for my first semester. The classes truly challenge me, and on top of two sports a year, Helix teachers and counselors push me to do my very best. The thing that I like most about my school, though, is its tolerance. No matter your race, gender, sexual preference, or ethnicity, Helix High is the most accepting school out there. With clubs such as YBS, GSA, MASA, and MECHA, Helix teaches you to be proud of who you are. Many of my teachers are Helix graduates themselves, and each and every teacher wants you to succeed. Helix Charter High Schoo is an excellent school.

Amazing school on many different levels. I have three children. All from brilliant (4.0+) to IEP needs. The teachers are a combination of strength and compassion towards all the students. Always responding to parents in a loving and effective way so that kids succeed. Just awesome.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is ok at best. The school vibe at first is all about "ACADEMICS", but obviously a pitch just to think there kids are getting the best education there. At first the atmosphere feels nice, once two or three weeks go by, you feel like you are in jail. everything seems repetitive. Not a lot of extra curricular activities when I attended. Students tend to just stick with there group of friends. Not really a friendly atmosphere. I noticed that athletics were the main deal in a way over shadows most students. Teachers I had were disrespectful and rude. This coming from a good student. The teachers I had lacked the charisma to teach and true desire to help a student. Only a select few teachers were very caring. Another thing I did not like about the school was the grading system, I felt that the homework grade should of at least been 25 to 30 percent of a grade, tests were way to high of overall percentage. This meant was that if a struggling student that was truly working hard to get a good grade and did not do good on 2 tests then the student would barley pass a class or not even pass at all including doing all homework. I felt this was very unfair. Lunches are another issue

My daughter has been a Helix student for the last 3 years and I've stood behind them because academically they've been pretty strong. But with all their legal problems in recent years I question the judgment of their leaders. The local news is frequently at the school reporting on the latest scandal, which is disruptive to students. The district recently threatened to revoke their charter, which it looks like they have avoided this time. Another issue is their arbitrary policies that both my daughter and I have grown tired of. They kept her from going to homecoming because she had TWO tardies ("too many" they said) and put her on an attendance contract for too many absences last year, which included a trip that THEY approved! My daughter is a B student and deserves better, so we're done. She's transferring out next year.
--Submitted by a parent

i hear that this school is one of the best schools that california has to offer

I can full recommend Helix High School as an excellent environment for students to learn and grow. Having had my children in my district High school (patrick Henry) I can tell I found new schools for the oldest 2 and gave it another try with my youngest. Once again I was completely disappointed byt faculity and staff. Helix has been the best school I have dealt with as a parent of 3. They are respectfull to both sturdents and parents. My daughter has gone from failing most every core class her first year in High School to A' and B's and is moving into AP classes for English and Math. She is excited about College and if there is an issue or concern they address immediately and respectfully. I support Helix 100%, there set up is great and the 90 minutes per class gives students real time to learn the subject.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is a freshman at Helix and has over a 4.0 currently. (Honors) She is involved in the sports provided and is able to complete all of her homework without problems.
--Submitted by a parent

this school is not ment up to what people say it is. their are very few teachers that i can say help students and show they care. the school itself seems seperated with students. surrounding area of the school has a bit of a crime issue also.
--Submitted by a student

I am a Junior at Helix, and I had to choose between attending Helix and Grossmont High School, and I chose right. Helix teachers are willing to come early and stay late after school to help their students, lots of AP and Honors classes are offered, and every year there is an option for travelling abroad during spring break. While Helix is racially diverse, I have never once been a victim or racism or prejudice. There isnt random bullying, usually a student has put themselves in that situation by making rude comments. Some added perks of Helix include the fact that Helix has a Special Education program for deaf students, as well as strong club actitivy in the Gay Straight Alliance, as well as 'culture clubs' like Mecha, the Asian Culture Club, and the Africa club. We have also have a multi-cultural day. Helix is the best choice.
--Submitted by a student

I graduated from Helix in 2008, and I have to say that this school really helped prepare myself for what college was going to bring in the years to come.
--Submitted by a student