Seven years after the Camp Fire obliterated Paradise, California, the town’s schools are still wrestling with the long-lasting trauma and academic challenges left in the disaster’s wake. What started as a complete devastation - with 85 lives lost and over 18,000 buildings burned - has slowly transformed into a story of resilience and gradual recovery.

The fire’s impact on students went far beyond physical destruction. Enrollment plummeted from 3,441 students in 2017 to just 1,657 last year, with many families permanently displaced. Academic performance nosedived, reflecting the profound emotional toll. Only 13% of graduating seniors met university entrance requirements, compared to 45% statewide, and test scores in math and reading dropped dramatically.

School administrators quickly realized that mental health had to take precedence initially. In the first years after the fire, school days were dedicated to emotional healing - featuring art therapy, counseling, and even therapy dogs. While necessary, this approach meant academic progress stalled.

Teachers themselves were not immune to the disaster’s impact. Many had lost their own homes while committing to supporting students, driving long distances and managing personal recovery simultaneously. The community discovered that supporting educators was just as crucial as supporting students.

Today, Paradise is showing signs of renewal. New schools are being constructed, including a 46,000-square-foot elementary campus with modern amenities like a STEM lab. Students like Myah Poe, who lost her home in the fire, are now planning college educations, symbolizing hope and resilience.

The story of Paradise serves as a powerful reminder that recovery from natural disasters is a complex, multi-year journey requiring sustained emotional and academic support. As climate change increases the frequency of such events, the lessons learned here could become critically important for communities nationwide.