SCHOOL PROFILE · FREE PREVIEW
SCHOOL PROFILE · FREE PREVIEW
The Helix School
San Rafael, CA · Independent schoolNAIS MEMBER
THE READ · FREE SUMMARY
The Helix School shows signs of real financial distress. On the latest filing, net assets are negative on the latest filing — liabilities exceed total assets, so there is no reserve cushion. Revenue runs 78% tuition-dependent (peer median 87%), diversified by day-school standards, with meaningful contribution and investment income. Staff compensation runs 71% of expenses, generous relative to peers. NACUBO Composite Financial Index: -2.3 / 10, distressed.
The Helix School reported $4.2M in revenue against $4.8M in expenses in fiscal year 2023, the most recent filing on record. Net assets stood at -$237K.
Operating margin landed at -13.6%, with 77.9% of revenue coming from tuition. Among same-size peers, that puts The Helix School at the p3 on operating margin.
$4.2M
REVENUE FY2023
-13.6%
OP MARGIN
20
PEERS RESOLVED
IRS FORM 990 · DATA THROUGH FY2023
THE FULL REPORT
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Ten panels on The Helix School: financial health, peer comparison, community demographics, paying & giving capacity, competitive position, enrollment demand, leadership compensation, governance — and the questions to ask. One subscription opens every school.
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WHERE THIS SCHOOL SITS · REVENUE SCALE VS PEERS
Among 20 similar peer schools, The Helix School ranks 17th by latest 990 revenue.
Revenue scale
WHAT’S IN THE REPORT
- Financials — IRS Form 990, up to nine years on file.
- Enrollment & demand — IRS 990 tuition revenue + U.S. Census county births.
- Competition — NCES private (PSS) + public (CCD) school inventory.
- Demographics — U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year estimates.
- Local economy — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, QCEW and CES.
- Peer set — 1,620 independent schools with verified financials.
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