Priscilla Chan founded a school in 2016; 10 yrs later, it closed after $125m funding
The Primary School, a tuition-free institution, will close in June after a decade of operation. This school provided education, healthcare, and family support to low-income children. The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative will not continue funding beyond the upcoming academic year. Academic results remained below state averages, prompting the board's decision. The initiative pledged fifty million dollars…
Mark Zuckerberg's wife, Dr. Priscilla Chan, established The Primary School in East Palo Alto, California, in 2016. Aimed at delivering tuition-free education alongside healthcare and family support services, the institution catered to low-income children. Despite receiving over $125 million in funding from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) over a decade, the school closed in June following a unanimous board decision in April 2025.
The closure came after CZI announced it would cease funding beyond the 2025-26 academic year. Principal Jean-Claude Brizard explained that the board had considered various options, including winding down the school, before making the decision, which required alignment from their most significant donor. CZI remains committed to academic outcomes rather than the school's operational costs.
The Primary School integrated education with healthcare, mental health support, and family services, reflecting Chan's experience as a pediatrician. While the school achieved a higher rate of well-child visits than county averages, its academic results lagged behind state standards. CZI pledged $50 million to aid the transition, covering lease payments, supporting community organizations, and providing education savings accounts for students.
Renovations to Ravenswood City Elementary School District facilities are underway to accommodate displaced students. The closure impacted many families, as the school had provided essential health and family services beyond academic instruction.
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