For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public charter schools serving 3,947 students in La Mesa, CA.
The top-ranked public charter schools in La Mesa, CA are Helix High School, Jcs - Manzanita and Sparrow Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
La Mesa, CA public charter schools have an average math proficiency score of 42% (versus the California public charter school average of 32%), and reading proficiency score of 65% (versus the 48% statewide average). Charter schools in La Mesa have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of California public charter schools.
Minority enrollment is 75% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is equal to the California public charter school average of 75% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Charter 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.
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: #33.
Sparrow Academy
Charter School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
4207 Spring Gardens Rd.
La Mesa, CA 91941
(619) 439-6327
La Mesa, CA 91941
(619) 439-6327
Gr: K-8 | 348 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #44.
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: #55.
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 charter schools in La Mesa, CA?
The top-ranked public charter schools in La Mesa, CA include Helix High School, Jcs - Manzanita and Sparrow Academy.
How many public charter schools are located in La Mesa?
5 public charter schools are located in La Mesa.
What is the racial composition of students in La Mesa?
La Mesa public charter schools minority enrollment is 75% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is equal to the California public charter schools average of 75% (majority Hispanic).
Which public charter schools in La Mesa are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public charter schools in La Mesa include: The Learning Choice Academy - East County vs. Jcs - Manzanita, Sparrow Academy vs. Jcs - Manzanita, Jcs - Manzanita vs. The Learning Choice Academy - East County
Recent Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.