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Only 1 Malibu elementary school reopens; 3 others remain closed

Only one elementary school in Malibu is reopening Tuesday despite previous indications that all four schools closed due to the Palisades Fire were welcoming students back.  

Webster Elementary School, located at 3602 Winter Canyon Road, is opening because it is the only one of the closed schools with power. 

The other three – Malibu Elementary, Middle and High schools – were supposed to open Tuesday; however, power to the schools was cut due to the high winds in the area. 

The school district confirmed the opening and closures on social media early Tuesday morning

“We are monitoring conditions and will notify families of changes,” the district said. 

At Webster Elementary on Tuesday were relieved parents and students happy to return to some sense of normalcy after the Palisades Fire, which impacted approximately 65 student families, according to school district officials.

Webster Elementary School in Malibu pictured on Jan. 21, 2025. (KTLA)

The Franklin Fire, which erupted in Malibu in December, had previously caused the four schools to close and relocate students to Malibu Elementary School.

“Malibu is a community that has known hard times, and I would even say tragedies,” said parent Bobbi Thomason. “But one thing I really treasure about this place is that we come together in those moments, through them and after them — and if anything, those moments make us realize what a precious place this is and what a gift it is to be here together.”

Webster Elementary was damaged by the Palisades Fire and underwent repairs before reopening, with crews working tirelessly throughout the week and yesterday, according to Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Antonio Shelton, who praised the community for their resilience.

“This is the third fire that this community and this school alone have endured,” he said. “Coming back to school and the community is key to all of our success.”

Not all schools in the Palisades Fire area are standing in the wake of the blaze, as Palisades Charter High School was completely destroyed.

Dangerous winds and critical fire weather will continue for Southern California through the week, but there is rain in the forecast, which could pose danger to areas recently burned by wildfires. 

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