Helix High vs Vista La Mesa Academy
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in California, United States, 1.2 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Helix High
La Mesa · Charter high · Grades 9–12
2,554 students
Vista La Mesa Academy
La Mesa · Public elementary · Grades K–8
518 students
| Measure | Helix High La Mesa, California | Vista La Mesa Academy La Mesa, California |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 61 Top 50% | 30 Lower 50% |
| State rank | #240 of 1,343 | #3340 of 5,693 |
| National rank | #5677 of 16,910 | #38654 of 50,301 |
| Sector | Charter | Public |
| Type | High | Elementary |
| Year range | Grades 9–12 | Grades K–8 |
| Students | 2,554 | 518 |
| Enrollment | 2,554 | 518 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 65.5% | 71.8% |
| Students per teacher | 23.4 | 24.7 |
| Reading proficiency | 78% | 45% |
| Math proficiency | 72% | 32% |
| city | La Mesa | La Mesa |
| state | California | California |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Helix High scores higher on the Success Index (US) (60.5 vs 29.9).
- •Helix High does better on math proficiency (72% vs 32%).
- •Helix High does better on reading proficiency (78% vs 45%).
- •Helix High does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (65.5% vs 71.8%).
- •Helix High does better on students per teacher (23.4 vs 24.7).
- •Helix High is the larger school with 2,554 students compared with 518.
- •Helix High is a charter school while Vista La Mesa Academy is a public school, so fees and admission rules differ.
The Success Index (US) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Helix High better than Vista La Mesa Academy?
On the Success Index (US), Helix High ranks higher (60.5 vs 29.9 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Helix High and Vista La Mesa Academy?
About 1.2 km in a straight line, between La Mesa and La Mesa in California.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Helix High: 2,554. Vista La Mesa Academy: 518. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Helix High and Vista La Mesa Academy rank in California?
Helix High is 240th of 1,343 and Vista La Mesa Academy is 3340th of 5,693 among high schools in California on the 2025 Success Index (US).