Palisades High Reopens After Wildfire

Community gathers to welcome back students as school resumes classes

Jan. 27, 2026 at 8:47pm

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Palisades Charter High School in Los Angeles has reopened its campus after a wildfire forced its closure last year. Alumni, longtime residents, parents, and school staff gathered to welcome back the 2,500 students as they returned to the school, marking a significant milestone in the community's recovery.

Why it matters

The reopening of Palisades High is seen as a symbol of the community's resilience and a sign that normalcy is returning after the devastating wildfire. The school is a major employer in the area, and its return is expected to provide a boost to local businesses as well.

The details

After the wildfire last year, much of the surrounding neighborhood still bears scars. But on Tuesday morning, the community came together to celebrate the students' return to campus. Alumni, including those who graduated decades ago, joined parents and school staff to welcome the students back. Volunteers handed out coffee, and community members cheered and applauded as the students made their way to the campus, which includes a quad that survived the fire.

  • Palisades High School reopened its campus on Tuesday, January 28, 2026.
  • The school had been closed for about a year after a wildfire in the area.

The players

Tolley Casparis

A Palisades High alumna who graduated in 1982.

David Card

A member of Palisades Charter High School's first graduating class of 1963 and the head of the Palisades Forestry Committee.

Nick Melvoin

A member of the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education who represents the Palisades area.

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What they’re saying

“We don't have much of a community left. This is our first big moment of the community coming home.”

— Tolley Casparis, Palisades High alumna

“I wanted to support the kids and say hi to the kids. It's a big day for them to move back after the fire and everything.”

— David Card, Member of Palisades Charter High School's first graduating class

“One of the things I love about today is it feels like a normal day on campus. But Pali High is the largest employer in the Palisades, so as a real sign of recovery, having this anchor tenant back is huge for the local businesses, the homeowners who are excited to see some activity back and a sense of normalcy.”

— Nick Melvoin, Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education member

What’s next

The school district and community leaders will continue to work on rebuilding and restoring the campus and surrounding neighborhood in the coming months.

The takeaway

The reopening of Palisades High School is a significant milestone in the community's recovery from the devastating wildfire, symbolizing the resilience and determination of the residents to rebuild and reclaim a sense of normalcy.