Helix High School

Helix Charter High School, is one of the best schools in the district. I am currently a junior and i feel as though i could go off to UCSD right now and be fully prepared. helix is a charter school so its standards are a lot higher than any other school. unlike other charters, we actually live up to ours and put a lot of effort into what we do. Some of the teachers here are also professors at colleges and in the honors program we are doing college level work. one thing i love about helix is that finances are never an issue because when there is an opportunity, helix gives you that chance in having it, and wont let anything get in the way of your aspirations. People i know from other schools in the district are exposed to many drugs but at helix that is not an option because we have drug testing for sports and a trained dog on campus for those purposes. i feel completely safe here with the narks who secure the campus and keep us on track. Also, Helix football and our sports program is huge, Reggie Bush, Alex Smith, and some up & coming stars Sam Meredith, Darian Hancock and base ball player Jake Reed, come from helix, just to name a few & were ranked 5th in CA for football

My child is starting his second year at Helix....I love this school its amazing. There are so may opportunities for kids at this school. My son has done very well at this school. I really enjoyed the meeting with the councelor for his classes she was amazing. She gave him so much information and guidance for his sophomore year. The only problem I have ever had with this school is the attendance clerk...she seems to have an attitude. I try very hard to be kind but she is alot younger than I am and tends to be condesending. Wish she had better customer service skills.
—Submitted by a parent

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

Great school. It is very diverse and the teachers really want your child to do well.
—Submitted by a parent

I am graduating in Helix Class of 2009! I finished my porfolio and senior project which was hard work but rewarding. I am failing 3 AP Classes right now...but its just a progress report and its spring break. I know because I need to keep pushing through. I got into UCSC and Chico and SDSU! I cannot wait to graduate! Great place!
—Submitted by a student

My niece who came to live with us was on her way to fail the 9th grade for the 2nd time. Helix worked miracles with her and she became interested in school again. She loved Helix and missed only 2 days in 2 years...and for her that is saying something. She worked hard with support from all her teachers, she made up all her failed grades and she will be graduating as a Senior, exactly where she was intended to. My son is also at Helix and he loves it and his teachers. He is a Honors student and said that he is looking forward to the challenge next year in AP classes. Helix has done this family good! Thanks Helix!
—Submitted by a parent

both my daughters went to Helix and recieved a great education and were accepted at elite colleges. You get out what you put in.
—Submitted by a parent

Helix is clearly the best school in the east county if not the city. The faculty is very involved, and active in getting their students to college. I have worked at several schools in the city and there is nothing that compares to Helix. I have worked at other schools which perform higher than Helix (as far as test scores), but Helix works miracles with their students. Before you believe the bull that is spewed by the media and the school district, investigate what actually happens at the school. The school is high perfbborming, and active like no other school in San Diego. The principal and the vice principals, and the other administrators do a wonderful job. Think twice before beleiving the smear job that is coloring the success of Helix Charter.
—Submitted by a teacher

We had entered our daughter's name in the lottery to attend Helix, but her name was not called until mid-October. We pulled her out of the school she was attending, where she was doing well, because we thought Helix would offer a better foundation for a college-bound student. Were we ever wrong. There were problems from the very start with bullying and, as a freshman, they would only give her 3 classes (one of which was PE) and she became bored very quickly. When the bullying did not stop, and I did speak to her vp, we pulled her out and put her back in her old school. She continues to be an outstanding student. The neighborhood Helix pulls from is very tough and she was the victim of a lot of racist and prejudicial comments; by the way, she is white. The school needs some serious help.
—Submitted by a parent

Helix is absolutely the best school in the district. We are good in academics and sports. Because we are so good in everything we do we have neighboring schools who aren't too supportive. Therefore, we have a ton of school spirit. It always a loud and fun game to be at when Helix is playing. We have some awesome teachers, and alot of classes to choose from with the help of supportive counselors. An excellent choice for your child!
—Submitted by a student

I am a former helix high school student who moved away just about a year ago and I would do anything to go back. I loved freshman year and it was the best high school I have ever dreamed of. Helix is an amazing campus with plenty of course selections to help focus on future careers. As the saying goes, once a scottie, always a scottie
—Submitted by a student