Flames from the Palisades Fire sweeping through Los Angeles have reached the well known Palisades Charter High School.
As of Wednesday afternoon, it is unclear what the assessed damage is, and Newsweek has reached out to the Palisades Charter High School for comment via email.
Why It Matters
Palisades Charter High School was one of the first in the area to gain charter status and is well known for its high-profile alumni, including athletes, actors and musicians.
The Palisades Fire erupted on Tuesday and has rapidly expanded. Live broadcasts showed the blaze and heavy smoke reaching the prominent "Pali High" on Tuesday.
The school wrote in a statement on Wednesday: "Due to the ongoing Palisades fires, PCHS is currently closed. We will provide updates regarding the start of the Spring semester, scheduled for Tuesday, January 14th...Students and families are advised to avoid the area and adhere to all evacuation orders."
The school is also known for its academics and as a filming site for various Hollywood films and shows.
The Los Angeles Times confirmed that some of the school's sports facilities have been damaged and that several nearby classroom structures might have been as well.
What To Know
The Palisades Fire, which has scorched 2,925 acres, is 0 percent contained and is expected to continue spreading as Santa Ana winds are expected to continue on Wednesday.
Two other major blazes have also ignited in the area, the Hurst and Eaton fires, the latter of which took the lives of two people. A fourth wildfire, Woodley, erupted on Wednesday.
Seventy-thousand people are under evacuation orders in the area, a number that is expected to grow as the fires continue to spread.
At least 170,000 households are without power, and 28,000 structures are threatened by the fires.
Evacuations are underway because of the potential threat to life and property, according to Cal Fire. A severe windstorm with gusts up to 100 mph in higher elevations is fueling the fire, along with dry, low-humidity conditions across Southern California.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said on X, formerly Twitter, late Wednesday morning that more than 1,400 firefighters have been deployed, 267 fire engines, 16 crews, nine water tenders and nine helicopters are all fighting the fires across the region.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declared a state of emergency, and Newsom deployed the National Guard to assist.
Which Celebrities Went To The School?
The school boasts a notable list of celebrity alumni, including, but not limited to:
- J.J. Abrams
- Jeff Bridges
- Jennifer Jason Leigh
- Forest Whitaker
- Katey Sagal
- Steve Kerr
- Will.i.am
- Kiki Vandeweghe
What Movies And TV Shows Were Filmed There?
Dozens of movies have filmed scenes at the school according to IMDB, including Carrie (1996), The Glass House (2001), Freaky Friday (2003), Havoc (2005), and Old School (2003), among others.
The school has been featured in several television series as well, including Modern Family, Saved by the Bell, Teen Wolf, Project X and American Vandal, among others.
When Did PCHS Become A Charter School?
Palisades Charter High School officially became a charter school in 2003, making it one of the first public schools in the district to transition to independent charter status. While its charter was initially approved in 1993, the school did not achieve financial independence until a decade later.
Principal Pam Magee wrote on the school's website that its nearly 3,000-member student body represents more than 110 zip codes across the area. Though the Palisades neighborhood is often considered affluent, the school serves students from all financial backgrounds across Los Angeles. According to its 2024-2025 school profile, "approximately 31% of our students are eligible for the free and reduced lunch program."
The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges until 2030.
What People Are Saying
California Governor Gavin Newsom, in an X post on Wednesday: "California is mobilizing an unprecedented number of local and state resources to fight the fires in Los Angeles."
President Joe Biden, in a statement Tuesday night on X: "I urge the residents of the Pacific Palisades and the surrounding areas of Los Angeles to stay vigilant and listen to local officials."
Actor Chris Pratt, in an X post Tuesday night: "Thank you to the brave firefighters and first responders who are working tirelessly to protect lives, homes, and wildlife as they battle fast-moving wildfire fueled by fierce winds. You are true heroes, and we are endlessly grateful for your sacrifice and courage. Let's all come together to support one another during this tough time."
What Happens Next
Students and parents will receive updates from the school through its online platform. Prospective students are expected to still be notified of the lottery results for admittance on January 13.
Los Angeles residents are urged to keep up to date on evacuations and safety measures.
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