Mark Zuckerberg & Priscilla Chan-Backed 'Unique School' Shuts Down After A Decade & $125 Million Investment

The Primary School, a tuition-free institution co-founded by Priscilla Chan in East Palo Alto, California, has ceased operations after a decade, due to its primary funder, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), ceasing financial support after the 2025-26 academic year. The school's board unanimously voted to close in April 2025, after learning CZI would not extend funding.

CZI spokesperson indicated the final decision rested with the school's board. The organization's focus had shifted from social causes to scientific research in recent years.

Founded in 2016, the school combined free education with services like dental care and wellness coaching. Despite receiving over $125 million from CZI, academic outcomes often lagged behind state benchmarks. A Stanford study in 2025 showed only 14% of third-graders met state literacy standards, compared to 26% at the school and 47% statewide.

The school reported higher proficiency among eighth-graders who had attended for a decade. Health outcomes were better than county averages, with 85% of students completing annual well-child visits. Roughly 540 students were enrolled across the school's two campuses.

Mele Fakapelea, whose daughter was part of the school's founding class, called it a "godsend school." However, some families were unaware of the closure until learning about it through news reports. Displaced students will be absorbed by the Ravenswood City Elementary School District, which is renovating a campus to accommodate the surge in enrollment.

CZI pledged $50 million to cover lease obligations and fund local organizations to keep some services running, providing $3.6 million for education savings accounts for affected families. Priscilla Chan, the school's co-founder and board chair, had actively lobbied for additional funding but found it difficult to attract outside donors due to perceptions of existing backing from CZI.