Three weeks after the arson attack that forced its closure, the Champollion middle school in Dijon reopened its doors on Monday. The reopening was gradual and conditional, marked by emergency arrangements and a fragmented organization. Of the school's 491 students, only 375 were able to return to class, the others being temporarily enrolled elsewhere due to the extent of the damage.
Students in grades 5 and 4 have resumed classes in the buildings spared by the fire, while grade 6 is being housed in modular structures set up during the holidays. Grade 3 students have been transferred to the Eiffel high school, a few hundred meters away—a temporary solution, but one that has been a major disruption for teenagers already embarking on a pivotal year.
A community still scarred, a return under surveillance
While the reopening was met with relief by students and families, concerns remain in the Grésilles neighborhood, which has been affected by tensions linked to drug trafficking. Parents and teachers describe a still fragile atmosphere, despite an increased institutional presence and significant psychological support put in place after the tragedy.
Local and academic authorities, present for this unusual start to the school year, emphasized the commitment of the state and local governments to restoring a stable school environment. Reconstruction of the most damaged building is expected to take several months, with a return to normal operations anticipated for the start of the school year in September. In the meantime, the school is operating under a transitional structure, balancing collective resilience with heightened vigilance.
