For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public high schools serving 5,764 students in La Mesa, CA.
The top-ranked public high schools in La Mesa, CA are Helix High School, Merit Academy and Reach Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
La Mesa, CA public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 36% (versus the California public high school average of 28%), and reading proficiency score of 68% (versus the 51% statewide average). High schools in La Mesa have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of California public high schools.
La Mesa, CA public high school have a Graduation Rate of 85%, which is less than the California average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Helix High School, with 96% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in California or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public high school average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in La Mesa, CA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Helix High School
Charter School
(Math: 58% | Reading: 83%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
7323 University Ave.
La Mesa, CA 91941
(619) 644-1940
La Mesa, CA 91941
(619) 644-1940
Gr: 9-12 | 2,544 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #22.
Merit Academy
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1600 North Cuyamaca St.
La Mesa, CA 91944
(619) 956-0600
La Mesa, CA 91944
(619) 956-0600
Gr: 9-12 | 64 students Student-teacher ratio: 64:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #33.
Reach Academy
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
230 Jamacha Rd.
La Mesa, CA 91944
(619) 588-3580
La Mesa, CA 91944
(619) 588-3580
Gr: 9-12 | 22 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #44.
Jcs - Manzanita
Charter School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
5300 Jackson Dr.
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 303-4344
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 303-4344
Gr: K-12 | 200 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #55.
Grossmont High School
(Math: 23% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1100 Murray Dr.
La Mesa, CA 91944
(619) 668-6000
La Mesa, CA 91944
(619) 668-6000
Gr: 9-12 | 2,079 students Student-teacher ratio: 347:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #66.
The Learning Choice Academy - East County
Charter School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
4215 Spring St., Ste. 104
La Mesa, CA 91941
(619) 463-6801
La Mesa, CA 91941
(619) 463-6801
Gr: K-12 | 440 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: #77.
Learning Choice Academy - Chula Vista
Charter School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
881 Kuhn Dr., Ste. 106
La Mesa, CA 91941
(619) 463-6801
La Mesa, CA 91941
(619) 463-6801
Gr: K-12 | 415 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
La Mesa, California Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
3291 Buckman Springs Rd.
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 303-2782
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 303-2782
Gr: 5-8
East Region Community (Closed 2012)
Alternative School
8374 Hercules St
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 668-4660
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 668-4660
Gr: 6-12 | 266 students Minority enrollment: 74%
East Region Community School Of Greater El Cajon (Closed 2014)
Alternative School
8374 Hercules St
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 668-4660
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 668-4660
Gr: 7-12 | 108 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
East Region Community School Of Greater La Mesa (Closed 2014)
Alternative School
8374 Hercules St
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 668-4660
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 668-4660
Gr: 7-12 | 125 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
East Region Court (Closed 2014)
Alternative School
8374 Hercules St
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 668-4660
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 668-4660
Gr: K-12 | 60 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Gateway Community Day (Closed 2013)
Alternative School
8691 Echo Dr
La Mesa, CA 91941
(619) 258-3740
La Mesa, CA 91941
(619) 258-3740
Gr: 9-12 | 20 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Gateway West Community Day (Closed 2013)
Alternative School
8693 La Mesa Blvd
La Mesa, CA 91941
(619) 667-2707
La Mesa, CA 91941
(619) 667-2707
Gr: 9-12 | 15 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Grossmont Union High Special Education Program (Closed 2017)
Special Education School
1100 Murray Dr.
La Mesa, CA 91944
(619) 644-8115
La Mesa, CA 91944
(619) 644-8115
South And East Community Day Schools (Closed 2008)
Alternative School
8374-6 Hercules St.
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 668-4660
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 668-4660
Gr: 9-12 | 20 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in La Mesa, CA?
The top-ranked public high schools in La Mesa, CA include Helix High School, Merit Academy and Reach Academy.
How many public high schools are located in La Mesa?
7 public high schools are located in La Mesa.
What is the racial composition of students in La Mesa?
La Mesa public high schools minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public high schools average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Which public high schools in La Mesa are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in La Mesa include: The Learning Choice Academy - East County vs. Jcs - Manzanita