The Primary School, a private, tuition-free school co-founded by Priscilla Chan, wife of Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, will close after the 2025-2026 school year. In a statement, the school announced that the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) will invest $50 million over the next few years to continue supporting communities in East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, and the East Bay near San Francisco.
Transition Support for Families
The school expressed that the decision was tough but emphasized its commitment to helping students and families transition smoothly in the coming year. A spokesperson declined to provide further comments.
School’s Mission and Background
Founded in 2016 by pediatrician Priscilla Chan, the school aimed to combine education and healthcare, serving families from birth through high school. Over 95% of its students come from underrepresented minority backgrounds. As of June 2023, the school had assets exceeding $30 million.
Billionaire-Led Education Initiatives
The closure of The Primary School follows similar education initiatives by other tech billionaires. Elon Musk’s Musk Foundation has invested $237 million in Ad Astra, a tech-focused school in Austin. Jeff Bezos and Larry Ellison have also started educational ventures focused on underserved communities.
CZI’s Ongoing Commitment
Despite the school’s closure, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative will continue to support the local community through its $50 million investment, focusing on education and development in the East Palo Alto region.
Zuckerberg’s Leadership Shifts
The school’s closure coincides with Mark Zuckerberg’s changes at Meta, including new appointments of Trump administration allies to key positions. These shifts are part of Zuckerberg’s broader strategy to realign Meta’s direction.Focus on Diversity and Inclusion
The Primary School has always prioritized diversity. After the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, the school conducted a DEI audit and formed a task force to strengthen its commitment to diversity and inclusion in education.
