St. Matthew’s Parish School Unveils Comprehensive Plans for Return to Pacific Palisades Campus in Fall 2026
Community Event Showcases Detailed Site Plans and Renderings for Campus Restoration
SANTA MONICA, Calif., Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — To a roomful of eager families, faculty and staff, and parishioners, St. Matthew’s Parish School unveiled comprehensive plans for the School’s Fall 2026 return to its Pacific Palisades campus following the devastating Palisades Fire.
At the school’s temporary campus in Santa Monica, Head of School Alley Michaelson, and the School’s Campus Development Partner Will McGregor, The McGregor Group, detailed architectural plans, including visuals of their remediated and temporary structures for the School’s campus reoccupation in Fall 2026.
“Today marks an important milestone in our journey home,” says Michaelson. “Every child returning to the Bienveneda campus will have a brand-new classroom space. Whether in existing buildings or temporary campus structures, student spaces will be immaculate, reflect our mission and standards, and feature significant upgrades.”
The Fall 2026 return to campus is thoughtfully designed to minimize proximity to construction and preserve the natural beauty that makes St. Matthew’s feel like home. The School’s 2-year-old through Pre-K Early Childhood program, as well as the Kindergarten and First Grade, will occupy a new village of temporary classrooms integrated into the campus. This strategy allows the School community to function nearly undisrupted as they redevelop the broader campus.
“Our task force focused on finding the best experts, going above and beyond standard testing, and getting us back as soon as possible,” Michaelson shares. “We simply will not take chances when it comes to community health and safety.”
In partnership with leading industrial hygienists, a task force of community members was charged with overseeing the extensive testing and associated remediation of the grounds for the last nine months. Additionally, safety and filtering equipment and technology, including HEPA vacuum cleaning, MERV 13 air filters, and local air purification systems and monitors will occupy all interior spaces.
“I continue to be inspired by our bright future at St. Matthew’s, thanks to our amazing community’s resilience, support, and unwavering dedication,” adds Michaelson. “Our future will honor our rich history while creating cutting-edge facilities that will serve generations of St. Matthew’s students to come—providing the academic excellence and safe, joyful learning environment they deserve. This is about more than rebuilding a campus; it’s about restoring the heart of our community.”
While carefully preparing for its Fall 2026 return to the Pacific Palisades campus, St. Matthew’s has invested in its two temporary locations in Santa Monica and West Los Angeles, transforming them into vibrant, inspiring spaces with full academic programming.
Applications for the 2026-2027 School year and information about Admission Open House Events are now available at www.stmatthewsschool.com.
About St. Matthew’s
Founded in 1949, the School has been a cornerstone of the Pacific Palisades community for 75 years, providing an excellent education through a challenging, caring, and balanced program. Visit www.stmatthewsschool.com.
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SOURCE St. Matthew’s Parish School
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