Mt. Helix Academy

5955 Severin Drive

La Mesa, CA 91942

18 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on July 24, 2019

Very good, sending our second kid too.
Submitted by parent on August 12, 2017

Excellent school. Challenges kids and teaches social skills.
Submitted by parent on May 29, 2017

The wonderful teachers and administractors prepared my son with special needs for high school. My son is graduating high school this year and moving on to a competing 4-year university. I am thankful to MTA for never giving up on my son.
Submitted by parent on February 02, 2017

Small class sizes, some great teachers, good kids, and good environment with art, music, and Spanish classes. We have nothing but good things to say about the elementary part of this school.
Submitted by parent on January 28, 2017

Although the school sends parents the message that it will accommodate special needs and ADHD kids, and has a specific AIM high program for them, in reality it does not. Our child with ADHD had a hard time in middle school and we felt he was *punished* by the school for his ADHD, not accommodated for it. Dig deep and ask hard questions of the school and other parents before sending a child with ADHD to this school.
Submitted by parent on August 11, 2015

The fact that school starts in 3 weeks and my child is counting down the days until he can go back tells me that we picked the right school. Teachers really care and he is doing way better academically than he was at his old school. Great school!
Submitted by parent on February 05, 2015

Small classes, friendly teachers, friendly parents and friendly kids! Our daughter was struggling at our local school and was to the point of crying and refusing to go. Since she has been going to Mt. Helix Academy we only see smiles in the morning and that makes us smile too!
Submitted by parent on October 13, 2014

We LOVED this school in elementary. It was excellent, with excellent teachers. They worked with our special needs son, and he learned and loved it, despite difficulties. Then came middle school. Totally different. No support, no accommodations, no walls between classes (seriously. Six classes in two rooms with no walls. Our ADHD kid could not survive.) Still in tears over leaving, but it had to be...please consider seriously before putting your student in middle school here.
Submitted by parent on September 19, 2014

The academics are the best because group sizes for math, spelling and reading are so small. My child is working way ahead of grade level and she loves it! The teachers are really nice and positive and you can tell they love the kids. It wasn't like that at our old school. We love MHA!
Submitted by parent on September 12, 2012

MHA is an amazing school! My son advanced 3 grade levels in his academics in one year. We have just started our second year there. The academics are challenging and kids learn in small groups at their own pace. The school rewards good behavior and teaches the kids the importance of respect and good character. The art teacher and music teacher are fantastic. My son has social skill delays and the teachers and staff have been wonderful in helping him. The entire school is small enough that it is like a family--everyone works together to help the kids learn and excel--in all aspects! I am amazed at how well my son is doing--both academically and socially. This is truly an outstanding school!
Submitted by parent on August 24, 2012

My twin boys have been attending MHA from Kindergarten to now. This year they will be attending 6th grade. My children often amaze not only me but other family members with their knowledge of math, social studies, history, art, and just anything in general we may discuss. They are so smart and I am so lucky to have such great kids who learn many skills at MHA including social skills. They know how to settle issues with peers by talking and thinking things out before acting. I am amazed with my children. I thank MHA for the scientific methods that they use! Paying for their education is not always easy but my kids are worth every penny and I'm thankful to have found a great school that makes me feel comfortable about spending money for tuition.
Submitted by parent on July 17, 2012

MHA is perhaps THE best education value/investment in San Diego County. My daughter attended beginning in 5th grade. Prior to that she was at a Montessori school. She just graduated from the 8th grade and was accepted into the top high schools in San Diego. While the Montessori education was great through pre-school and kindergarten, knowing what I know now, I would definitely have considered starting her much earlier at MHA. The teachers are outstanding and provide the attention that each child needs to excel. The elementary school has a process-oriented approach to teaching that makes it easy for children to learn. The school also nurtures creativity. The art program is especially outstanding with a wonderful wonderful art teacher- check out the masterpieces as you walk through the school. Music is also available as well as a fabulous theatre program. Good behavior is constantly rewarded and children are taught to be respectful to the teachers and each other. There is no such thing as bullying at this school. The administration is always available to listen to support the kids and always has the best interest of the individual student at heart.
Submitted by parent on March 30, 2012

Invaluable investment. As a former public school teacher, I can tell you that MHA's research-based methods result in astonishingly rapid achievement and eliminate teaching to the lowest level. MHA believes that children have an unlimited capacity for learning. Students reach high academic expectations yet do not feel pressured. My children don't realize how much they are learning because they have so much fun doing it in MHA's energized and nurturing environment. Teachers truly care about students and are clearly happy to be there. The curriculum includes teaching how to be good friends and respectful citizens. Problem solving, communication and responsibility are taught in both formal and informal lessons and are integrated into daily culture. In addition, daily P.E. and weekly music and art courses taught by professionals help our children stay healthy and inspired. We also appreciate the strong social network parents are friendly, helpful and engaged. Final thought: Don't judge this book by its cover. The warm atmosphere inside is remarkable, the classrooms are equipped with the latest technology, and it's amazing to watch the students in action. Be sure to schedule a tour!
Submitted by parent on March 30, 2012

Invaluable investment. As a former public school teacher, I can tell you that MHA s research-based methods result in astonishingly rapid achievement and eliminate teaching to the lowest level. MHA believes that children have an unlimited capacity for learning. Students reach high academic expectations yet do not feel pressured. My children don t realize how much they are learning because they have so much fun doing it in MHA s energized and nurturing environment. Teachers truly care about students and are clearly happy to be there. The curriculum includes teaching how to be good friends and respectful citizens. Problem solving, communication and responsibility are taught in both formal and informal lessons and are integrated into daily culture. In addition, daily P.E. and weekly music and art courses taught by professionals help our children stay healthy and inspired. We also appreciate the strong social network parents are friendly, helpful and engaged. Final thought: Don t judge this book by its cover. The warm atmosphere inside is remarkable, the classrooms are equipped with the latest technology, and it s amazing to watch the students in action. Be sure to schedule a tour!
Submitted by parent on January 26, 2012

Highly Academic, Dedicated Teachers, Amazing School!! Our child has been going to Mt. Helix Academy since Kindergarten and is now in 2nd grade. Living in Chula Vista and working in Del Mar, we researched all the schools throughout San Diego County for the best school. We are grateful to have found this academy! As working parents, we are very fortunate that our son goes this safe and caring school. We are also impressed with the dedicated and passionate teachers who have worked with us to provide our son with a highly challenging academic environment. The small groups and ability to move up and down the grades for core subject areas allows our son to go as far as he can go academically, yet still be with his age group/peers throughout the day. Most of all, the teachers and professional staff create a fun and positive environment, inspiring the kids to want to learn more! We are blessed to have our son attend this academy and highly recommend this school!!
Submitted by parent on January 25, 2012

My husband and I went to 'many' schools all over San Diego to see what the best fit was going to be for our daughter. Although we don't have a lot of money, we still went to tour/visit the most expensive privates schools, many Catholic schools, and Charter and public schools. We did this so as to have comparisons of what each school and setting could offer to our child. Some of the main reasons why we picked Mt. Helix Academy: 1. THEY CATER TO YOUR CHILD'S ABILITIES: For every main subject (Reading, Math, Spelling), the children are put into groups of 7-8 kids that match up to their abilities. 2. WHATEVER LEVEL YOUR CHILD IS IN FOR THE CORE ACADEMICS, HE/SHE WILL RETURN FOR THE REST OF THE SCHOOL DAY TO HIS/HER GRADE LEVEL 3. TEACHER TO STUDENT RATIO 4. QUALITY OF TEACHERS and their LOVE for education! Just a wonderful staff all around! 5. KIDS ARE TAUGHT TO RESPECT EVERYONE and it is apparent at every turn you take at Mt. Helix. 6. MT. HELIX ACADEMY HAS A GREAT MIX OF STUDENTS AND OFFERS SCHOLARSHIPS SO THAT ANY STUDENT HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET SUCH AN AMAZING EDUCATION! You will not go wrong if you choose Mt. Helix Academy!
Submitted by parent on July 28, 2011

I enrolled my 5 yr old son in Summer Camp w/ the intent that he d have a positive learning experience & start Kindergarten w/ happy feelings about school. Little did I know that he d love MHA so much. His academic & social skills made leaps forward. He was warmly welcomed by his teachers, the secretary & administrative staff daily. He felt that he was a valuable part of his class & school. He made friends w/ classmates & with kids in all the grades; a plus of having your kid enrolled in a school where the kids & adults really get to know each other. He made great improvement in his skills during his 5 weeks of summer camp. MHA provides a perfect blend of academic instruction & real-life lessons in social skills/personal responsibility, that challenged him to stretch his academic muscles & refine skills he s mastered. It sounds simple, but my kid was really HAPPY when he was at school. The school practices Catch em being good. My son was uber proud to bring home his certificates. The campus is clean, bright & beautiful. (Awesome student art on the walls.) It s clear that there s great pride in the school & campus. Truly a great school, all-around!
Submitted by parent on January 04, 2011

This school has helped my son learn to love his education. We tried public school last year and the teacher student ratio was unacceptable. At Mt. Helix there are three groups for reading, language and math to accommodate all levels and challenge all the students appropriately at a 1:8 ratio for these core classes. My son has blossomed at this school and completely changed his attitude about school. The kindergarten teachers are amazing to say the least. The price is worth the outcome.