The Impacts of the Los Angeles Wildfires on Students:
Lessons for Schools Nationwide
The devastating wildfires that erupted in Southern California in early January 2025 were historic in scale and impact—disrupting the education of more than 725,000 students at over 1,000 schools. Some districts were closed for two or three days, while others kept schools closed for 10+ days.
The wildfires served as a stark reminder for how extreme weather events severely threaten student health, safety, wellbeing, and academic performance.
A new report from Undaunted and EdTrust examines the impact of the January 2025 school closures in Los Angeles on students.
Key Findings from the Report:
75% of affected students come from socioeconomically disadvantaged households
66% are Latino
40% are multilingual learners
10% of the affected students have disabilities
The wildfires disproportionately impacted vulnerable students; exacerbating existing inequities in education, social emotional wellbeing, and more.
As extreme weather events become more frequent across the country, these findings act as a cautionary tale for what could unfold in schools nationwide.
The report closes with actionable proposals for state elected officials, school district leaders, and community members to help build more equitable, resilient schools that protect student health, safety, and wellbeing in the face of extreme weather.
Coverage of Extreme Weather and Students
UndauntedK12’s Map of Lost Learning Time
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