The department said about 28,000 students from 87 schools were able to return to their original schools on Dec. 3, and another 2,200 students from nine schools are attending classes at temporary sites.
In addition, there are still 1,520 students from 7-12 grades that are not yet attending a school, but are being given “independent study on a temporary basis.”
After the Camp Fire ignited on Nov. 8, the wildfire either damaged or destroyed 14 schools and forced all 99 schools in the county to be closed, leaving 31,670 students without a classroom for nearly a month.
“The reopening of schools in Butte County so soon after this terrible tragedy provides a bright ray of hope. It shows the resilience and determination of school leaders and community members, and the generosity and kindness of so many people who gave and continue to give,” said Tom Torlakson, State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
The Camp Fire was dubbed the deadliest wildfire in California history, killing at least 88 people, burning more than 153,000 acres of land, and destroying about 14,000 residences. According to an update on Dec. 3, there are still 25 people on the list of missing persons.
“Thousands of residents have suffered the trauma of narrow escapes and the tragedy of losing their homes. Many have lost loved ones,” said Torlakson. “But through all this, Butte County residents are pulling together and rising above the tragedy, devastation, and sorrow caused by this natural disaster.”
Although the majority of students in Butte County are back in their original schools, the children at temporary sites will have some major challenges.
The 220 students from Children’s Community Charter School in Paradise were forced to move into a church gym in Chico. Another charter school will be joining them later this week.
“Will our test scores suffer? Yeah. I’m just going to be honest with you. We’re going through trauma,” said Principal Steve Hitchko.
School attendance levels in the area are expected to be 50 percent lower due to families displaced by the Camp Fire, according to ABC News.
However, officials from the Butte County Office of Education said any homeless students are able to re-enroll in the school district where they are temporarily staying, according to federal law.
In the meantime, officials are still searching for available buildings as well as partnerships with other agencies to try to keep classrooms and teachers together.
The Camp Fire displaced 5,000 students in the Paradise Unified School District alone. Since the fire destroyed most of the town, many Paradise residents have chosen to settle down in Chico, a city about 12 miles away from Paradise.
“It could be years” before schools are rebuilt in Paradise, said Tom DeLapp of the Butte County Office of Education. “While the place burned down in 24 hours, we can’t rebuild it in 24 hours.”
