VIDEO/PHOTOS: Construction has begun to rebuild what many leaders in Paradise call a pillar of the community: Paradise Elementary School, which was tragically lost in the 2018 Camp Fire. On Tuesday, past and present members of the Paradise Unified School District commemorated the groundbreaking of Paradise Elementary School. The school holds significant importance for many within the community. Superintendent Tom Taylor reflected on his personal connection to the school, noting that he had attended as a student and subsequently enrolled his own children there.
โItโs just a statement, that school has been there since 1939 and to think now it’s coming back within the community is just huge,” Taylor said. In the aftermath of the Camp Fire destruction, families relocating to the Ridge have opted to enroll their children at Paradise Ridge Elementary School, which has reached a capacity of over 500 students. Leaders say Paradise Unified has surpassed 50% of pre-Camp Fire enrollment. The construction of Paradise Elementary School will be undertaken in phases over the next few years, beginning with the lower-grade levels. However, board members have indicated that students are expected to return to the campus as early as August 2026.
