Paradise Elementary School Rises from the Ashes of the Camp Fire to Welcome Students for the 2026/27 Academic Year

The Ridge continues to regrow after the devastation of the 2018 Camp Fire. A crucial element of restoring community services as well as lost structures is the rebuild of Paradise Elementary School following its loss in the Camp Fire.

The oldest school in Paradise, it was originally built in 1940 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Since last June’s groundbreaking ceremony for the new campus, the construction is progressing according to schedule, with the goal of welcoming students for the 2026/27 academic year, says Betsy Amis, Superintendent of Paradise Unified School District.

Paradise Elementary Rebuild Stirs Strong Emotions

The groundbreaking ceremony was an emotional day for Camellia Horne, bringing tears to her eyes. Her family has a long history with Paradise Elementary School. Three generations have attended, starting with her father when his family moved up to Paradise in the 50s and continuing as both Camellia and her son attended the school – and Camelia returned to be a kindergarten teacher. “I loved that school.

It was my favorite school as a student and a favorite as a teacher.” She says, “Mr. Harms was the principal when I was a student; he was absolutely wonderful.”

Camellia has fond memories of running down the stairs to the cafeteria that had a “wonderful stage. It was something special. “Even though the school will not be what is used to be, it is neat to see the growth. Modernization and change are what life is about.” She currently job-shares with another kindergarten teacher at Pineridge Elementary school in Magalia.

“I look forward to the opening ceremony. I absolutely plan on attending.” Asked if she thinks it will be another emotional day for her, she replied “My husband would say that I will cry again.”

Community Input Facilitates Thoughtful Planning

The rebuild project, originally planned in two phases, may now be split into three, pending state funding. Phase one, the current phase of construction, will complete classrooms for transitional kindergarten, kindergarten and grades 1-6.

It also includes the administration and multipurpose building, library/STEM wing and early education buildings.

Paradise Unified School District currently serves 1,825 students, representing approximately 53.4% of the district’s total student enrollment before the Camp Fire. The district conducted an interest and preference survey for families who live within the Paradise Elementary School (PES) boundary – the same boundaries that were in place before the Camp Fire.

“Because the first phase of the school can accommodate approximately 200 students, we are using this survey to help guide enrollment decisions.” said Amis. “While we wish we could enroll all students living within the PES boundary, that will not be possible until Phase 2 is completed.” Families will be notified once enrollment decisions are finalized

Teacher selection took place in late January and early February. A survey was distributed to teachers to determine who would be interested in voluntarily moving to the new school. “This process allows us to staff the school thoughtfully and ensure a strong match between teachers, grade levels and the new campus.” says Amis.

Families Eagerly Await Paradise Elementary Opening

The Galla family is eagerly waiting to know if they will be able to enroll in the new school. Staci Galla says she is hoping their 6-year-old son will be able to attend PES for first grade. He is currently enrolled at what was formerly Ponderosa Elementary School and is currently named Paradise Ridge Elementary School. “The teachers are great, but the school is extremely overcrowded. It has reached a capacity of over 500 students. It can be very overwhelming, especially to the younger students. Plus, the drop off and pick up is a nightmare with so many cars blocking Pentz Road.”

Galla had volunteered to help advocate for the school bond that failed to pass to help provide funding for the rebuild. “We were told that the school district originally thought they would have about 10 years before the new school would be needed. However more families have moved back than expected and after only six years we are in dire need of this second elementary school.”

Paradise Elementary Campus Design Encourages Future-Forward Learning

The new campus is designed with a focus on creating safe, engaging and future-forward learning environments and will include a central courtyard, an outdoor stage plaza and a total of 32 classrooms, a learning resource center and special education spaces. Outdoor learning areas have also been thoughtfully incorporated to encourage collaboration and exploration beyond the classroom.

Additional site improvements include a reimagined main entrance with streamlined drop-off and parking, as well as recreational facilities, such as soccer fields, a baseball field, hard courts and playgrounds with shade sails.

Phase two, which covers the wing beneath the current construction, could finish by August 2027. Phase three might be completed by August 2029 or 2030. Both phases are uncertain until additional funding is confirmed and final timelines are set.

The loss of the original school to the Camp Fire was deeply felt throughout the community. However, the growing demand for a new elementary school – driven by the steady return of families to the ridge – is a promising sign of renewal and resilience. This focus on building and adding to educational facilities underlines the community’s commitment to providing quality learning environments for its children and reflects the ongoing efforts to rebuild and strengthen Paradise for future generations.