The Los Angeles fires have ravaged more than 40,000 acres—an expanse larger than the entire city of San Francisco—leaving behind a trail of devastation. For countless families, the fires reduced homes to ash in mere moments. But for some, the loss was even greater. Their children’s schools—places of learning, safety, and community—were wiped out alongside their homes.
Among the hardest hit are four charter public schools in the Altadena and Pasadena areas—Alma Fuerte Public Schools, Aveson School of Leaders, Odyssey Charter Schools, and Pasadena Rosebud Academy. The Eaton Fire either obliterated or severely damaged these campuses, displacing more than 150 students and 35 educators. Now, they have nowhere to return—not to their homes, not to their schools.
The disaster has gripped headlines nationwide, but veteran fire recovery experts warn that the real challenge begins once the cameras turn away. The hardest part isn’t just the initial loss—it’s the long road to rebuilding. And for these school communities, that road is only just beginning.
Yet, in the heart of every charter school community lies an unshakable spirit: resilience.
As CCSA’s President and CEO Myrna Castrejón highlighted in a recent La Opinión commentary, schools like Odyssey Charter South are not just mourning their loss; they are rising from the ashes, determined to rebuild, reimagine, and reclaim their future. Here 's an excerpt from her column:
While the fire consumed their physical school, Executive Director Dr. Carlos Garcia Saldana emphasized that Odyssey’s true essence remains untouched. “Odyssey is not about buildings; Odyssey is about community,” he said, his voice quivering with emotion. “We are a community first, and then we are teachers, administrators, and students. This is who we are—a tight, connected, and supportive family.”
This ethos of selflessness and resilience shines through even in the darkest moments. One principal who lost everything has set aside her own needs to focus on supporting her students. The entire staff echoes this sentiment, prioritizing the well-being of their community above all else.
Odyssey Charter Schools, serving over 850 students from transitional kindergarten (TK) through 8th grade across two campuses in Altadena, is now faced with the monumental task of starting over. One campus remains intact and will temporarily house students as recovery plans take shape. Carlos and his team are determined to rebuild despite the overwhelming disbelief and sadness.
“We find glimmers of hope and optimism in reminding ourselves and being reminded by those around us that, despite the tragedy, there is hope. We have our lives, and we will recover,” Carlos said. “It may take time, but our community is strong, and we will support each other through this."
HOW CCSA IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE RIGHT NOW
The road to recovery for fire-impacted charter schools will be long and challenging, but CCSA is unwavering in its commitment to ensure no school, educator, or student is left behind. From securing emergency funding to finding immediate learning spaces, we are working tirelessly to support every school affected by the SoCal wildfires. Here is how CCSA is making a difference right now:
On-the-Ground Advocacy & Support
CCSA has deployed dedicated advocacy teams to the hardest-hit areas, working alongside local organizations and school leaders to assess urgent needs, provide critical resources, and identify temporary learning spaces to get students back in classrooms as soon as possible.
Fighting for Equitable Emergency Relief
Our advocacy leaders and legal experts are actively pressuring district officials and state agencies to ensure charter schools receive fair and immediate access to emergency relief funding—because rebuilding should not come with bureaucratic roadblocks.
Amplifying the Voices of Charter School Communities
Through our media outreach, we are making sure charter schools are not forgotten in the wildfire recovery conversation. We are securing coverage at local, state, and national levels to keep the focus on charter school families who have lost everything.
Raising Critical Funds for Affected Schools
CCSA is mobilizing resources and collaborating with partners to raise funds that directly support fire-impacted schools, ensuring they have what they need to rebuild stronger than before.
WAYS YOU CAN HELP FIRE-AFFECTED CHARTERS
This effort isn’t just about today—it’s about long-term recovery. While we continue this work, you can make an immediate impact. Whether large or small, your contribution will help students and educators regain a sense of normalcy in the face of devastation.
CCSA's Southern California Wildfire Relief Fund
CCSA has joined forces with other organizations to create this relief fund, providing both immediate aid and long-term support to affected charter schools and families.
Support Aveson’s Recovery – GoFundMe
The Aveson School of Leaders has been reduced to ashes, and its 6-12 Global Leadership Academy is damaged beyond use. Many of Aveson's teachers and families are also displaced. Your support can help sustain this charter school community as they work to rebuild.
Support Odyssey Charter Schools – GoFundMe
Odyssey Charter Schools serve over 800 students across two campuses in Altadena, and both have been devastated by the fires. These schools are the heart of their community, shaping future leaders. Every donation helps provide hope and stability for their students and staff.
Rebuilding Pasadena Rosebud Academy – GoFundMe
For years, Pasadena Rosebud Academy has been a safe haven for children to learn and grow. Though the fire has wiped out the entire campus, it will never extinguish the spirit of this charter school community. Help them rebuild a school where students can once again thrive.
This is more than rebuilding schools—it’s restoring hope and opportunity for hundreds of children. Together, we can make sure these schools don’t just recover, but come back stronger than ever.
