Palisades Charter High School Reopens After Year of Recovery from Wildfire

Palisades Charter High School officially reopened its doors on January 27, 2026, for the first time since the devastating Palisades Fire, which destroyed approximately 40% of the campus on January 7, 2025. The reopening follows a year of significant upheaval, during which around 2,500 students attended classes in a temporary facility located in a former Sears building in Santa Monica. Principal Dr. Pam Magee expressed excitement about the return, stating, “After a year of resilience and adaptability, our school community will finally be back on our beloved Palisades campus!”

Palisades Charter HS students return a year after wildfire destroyed campusPalisades Charter High School reopens a year after LA wildfires ravaged campusPalisades Charter High School to reopen to students following Palisades FireStudents are excited — and some families worry — as Palisades High School reopensPalisades High reopens after year of instability: ‘So much has changed for all of us’

The extensive reconstruction effort included the installation of 36 temporary bungalows on the school's baseball field to accommodate classrooms. The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) oversaw the remediation process, which involved thorough environmental testing to ensure the safety of the campus. Independent health experts have cleared the site for occupancy, although some parents remain cautious about potential lingering contaminants from the fire. Environmental Health and Safety Director Carlos Torres assured the community that the remediation efforts were comprehensive, stating, “We have full confidence that what was done was appropriate to safeguard not only our students, but our staff, students, and the community.”

Palisades High reopens after year of instability: ‘So much has changed for all of us’

The reopening elicited a mix of emotions among students and parents. While many celebrated the return to campus, some expressed concerns about the environmental safety of the site. Parent Victoria Kotlyar articulated her ambivalence, saying, “I’m happy that they’re gonna have a school to go to, but I am concerned about just the environment and if there’s any pollution.” Students like junior Roxie Bakhtari reflected on the changes, noting, “So much has changed for all of us,” while freshman Oscar Lopez expressed excitement about experiencing high school traditions for the first time.

Palisades High reopens after year of instability: ‘So much has changed for all of us’

Despite the reopening, challenges remain. Enrollment has dropped from 2,900 to approximately 2,500 students, as some families have relocated due to the fire's impact. The full restoration project, estimated to cost $266.6 million, is expected to be completed by 2029, with ongoing construction of new facilities, including a permanent classroom building. Principal Magee acknowledged the journey ahead, describing the reopening as a pivotal moment in the school's recovery.

Palisades Charter High School to reopen to students following Palisades Fire

• “After a year of resilience and adaptability, our school community will finally be back on our beloved Palisades campus!” — Dr. Pam Magee, Principal

Palisades Charter High School reopens a year after LA wildfires ravaged campus

• “I'm happy that they're gonna have a school to go to, but I am concerned about just the environment and if there's any pollution.” — Victoria Kotlyar, Parent

Students are excited — and some families worry — as Palisades High School reopens

• “So much has changed for all of us,” — Roxie Bakhtari, Student

Palisades High reopens after year of instability: ‘So much has changed for all of us’

• “I’m really excited to actually have a football field” — Oscar Lopez, Student

Palisades High reopens after year of instability: ‘So much has changed for all of us’

The reopening of Palisades Charter High School signifies a step toward normalcy for the community, as students and staff navigate the complexities of returning to a campus marked by both loss and resilience.

Palisades High reopens after year of instability: ‘So much has changed for all of us’