Our History

1994 • TIEE acquires a K-12 school
In 1994, The Institute for Effective Education (TIEE), which previously had laid plans to open a school for typically developing children, came instead to acquire Coleman Preparatory School from the Coleman Foundation, a non-profit organization that had operated the K-12 school since opening it in 1983.

1995 • Emphasis on K-8 schooling
In 1995, TIEE phased out the tiny high school component in order to focus on educating kindergarten through 8th grade students. Within four years, the Coleman Prep facility, which was located on the Coleman College campus, had reached its capacity, so it was necessary for TIEE to find a new home for the school.

2003 • A new home and a new name
In January, 2003, the search for a campus culminated in the leasing and developing of our school, conveniently located on the northern slope of La Mesa’s Mt. Helix in the Village Station Center. Its location called for a new name and “Mt. Helix Academy” was born.

The school’s name was launched February 3, 2003, with a grand ceremony at the new campus attended by more than 300 students, parents, government representatives, and community members. Mt. Helix Academy opened its doors to students in time to graduate 15 eighth graders in June, 2003.

2004 • Peaceful Playground addition
In 2004, the school campus was further enhanced with the addition of a beautiful new school playground and communal eating area. We also added display boards throughout the school to highlight our remarkable student art projects.

2006 • WASC addreditation
In 2006, Mt. Helix Academy, now educational home to over 240 K-8th graders, culminated a rigorous 32-month process required for certification by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The WASC reviewers who conducted their final school visit in February were very impressed by Mt. Helix Academy’s facility, staff, parents and students. The best possible outcome, final certification with a six-year review, was received by Mt. Helix Academy on June 30, 2006.

2007 • On-line visual arts
In 2007, Mt. Helix Academy’s Art Program joined Artsonia, an on-line Art gallery, which showcases student artwork on the Internet, enabling parents, relatives, and friends to view and to purchase copies of the child’s artwork online.

2009 • Expansion and Awards
In 2009, Mt. Helix Academy acquired approximately 2000 square feet of additional space adjacent to its Middle School annex, to meet the needs of its growing population and to enable the Middle School to emphasize the mathematics, science, and information technology aspects of its curriculum.

2009 also brought an award from Artsonia, which honored the school as having the fourth best visual arts program in California and honored Stephanie Bedwell, the school’s visual arts teacher for her contribution to Mt. Helix Academy’s visual arts curriculum.

2010-2011 • Moulaison retires, Collins accepts Directorship, website launched
In June, 2010, Ms. Barbara Moulaison, Mt. Helix Academy Director since TIEE acquired the school in 1994, announced her retirement. In her honor, the school announced the Moulaison Leadership Award to be given each year to the graduating eighth grader who, by vote of the faculty, best demonstrates the achievement of the school’s seven goals for all students.

Mr. Mike Collins, Assistant Director of Mt. Helix Academy, was promoted to Director.

In July, 2010, the school’s website (MtHelixAcademy.org) was launched.

In June, 2011, Mt. Helix Academy graduated its largest 8th grade class, consisting of 32 students.