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5d ago

Chan Zuckerberg Initiative to Close Tuition-Free Primary School Serving Low-Income Families

The school’s closure at the end of the 2025-26 academic year follows a strategic funding shift by CZI, with $50 million pledged to support affected families and communities.

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CEO of Meta Mark Zuckerberg, right, and pediatrician Priscilla Chan attend the 11th Breakthrough Prize ceremony at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif., on April 5, 2025.
Elisa Morales, 39 stands next to her kids Alexis Valencia, 12, right, and Joaquin Valencia, 10, outside The Primary School, which is closing in 2026. Morales said the closure will be a "big change" for her and her kids.
The Primary School at 2086 Clarke Ave. in East Palo Alto. 

Overview

  • The Primary School, established in 2016 by Priscilla Chan and funded by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, will close its East Palo Alto and East Bay locations after the 2025-26 school year.
  • The school currently serves 443 low-income students and integrates education, healthcare, and family support, including prenatal care and parent coaching.
  • CZI cited a strategic shift in funding priorities and has pledged $50 million to assist with student transitions and community programs in impacted areas.
  • Parents expressed concerns about the loss of resources and support, with many worried that local public schools lack comparable services.
  • The closure coincides with broader rollbacks of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at Meta and CZI, raising questions about the sustainability of privately funded social programs.