Los Angeles Schools Are Looking for ANYWHERE To Hold Classes

Los Angeles schools scramble to find temporary classrooms for students displaced by devastating wildfires, as the community grapples with the aftermath of destruction and loss.

At a Glance

  • Wildfires have disrupted schooling for thousands of students in Los Angeles, destroying several schools and forcing evacuations
  • Educators are working to find new locations for students and restore normalcy amidst citywide grief
  • Rebuilding destroyed schools may take over two years, according to LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho
  • Many schools are focusing on healing and community restoration rather than immediate resumption of instruction
  • Disruptions from natural disasters can have long-term effects on students’ learning and emotional well-being

Educational Disruption and Relocation Efforts

In the wake of devastating wildfires that have swept through Los Angeles, the education system faces unprecedented challenges. Thousands of students find themselves displaced, with several schools destroyed and others placed in evacuation zones. The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is now tasked with the monumental effort of finding new locations for affected students while attempting to restore a sense of normalcy to their lives.

One of the most poignant examples of this disruption is the story of Gabriela Chevez-Munoz, a third-grader who lost both her home and school to the fires. Gabriela, along with her classmates from Palisades Charter Elementary School, has temporarily resumed classes at Brentwood Science Magnet. This relocation highlights the immediate actions taken by educators to ensure educational continuity in the face of disaster.

The road to recovery for Los Angeles schools is expected to be long and arduous. LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho has stated that rebuilding destroyed schools may take over two years. This extended timeline presents significant challenges for maintaining consistent education and support for affected students.

Students from seven other LAUSD campuses are also facing temporary relocation. The district is working diligently to find suitable spaces that can accommodate these displaced learners while ensuring their educational needs are met. However, the task is complicated by the fact that hundreds of school staff members have also been displaced, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

Focus on Healing and Community

In the immediate aftermath of the fires, many schools are prioritizing healing and community restoration over a rapid return to regular instruction. This approach recognizes the emotional toll the disaster has taken on students, families, and staff. Pasadena Unified School District, for instance, has kept schools closed while offering optional online activities, with plans to reopen by the end of the month.

Some institutions, like Odyssey Charter School-South, are avoiding online learning altogether. This decision stems from observations of negative impacts on student engagement and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, these schools are focusing on in-person community building and support services to help students cope with their losses and adjust to new circumstances.

Experts warn that disruptions from natural disasters can have long-lasting effects on students’ learning and emotional well-being. Keeping students together in familiar groups is considered beneficial for their social and emotional stability. However, the logistical challenges of relocation may inevitably alter class dynamics and social structures.

Larger schools face unique challenges in this crisis. Palisades Charter High School, which suffered partial damage, is seeking temporary space for its 3,000 students. In the interim, the school will revert to online learning, a solution that balances the need for educational continuity with the practical limitations of finding a suitable physical space for such a large student body.

Nobody really knows where the schools will go – but at this point, they’re willing to set up anywhere.