Mark Zuckerberg’s wife Priscilla Chan’s $125 million school to shut after 10 years
The Primary School, founded by Priscilla Chan, has closed after a decade of operation. Funding from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative ceased, leading to the board's decision. Academic results fell short of state benchmarks and leadership expectations. Around 540 students will now join the Ravenswood City Elementary School District. The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative provided financial support for the…
Mark Zuckerberg's wife, Dr. Priscilla Chan, established The Primary School in East Palo Alto, California in 2016 to serve low-income families. The tuition-free private school provided wraparound services like dental checkups, wellness coaching, and early-intervention screenings. With over $125 million from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), the school operated for ten years despite academic performance often falling short of state benchmarks.
The school's closure was announced in April 2025 after CZI decided not to continue funding it beyond the 2025-26 academic year. Board president Jean-Claude Brizard stated that the board would not have voted to close without CZI's alignment. CZI's focus has since shifted towards scientific research rather than social issues. While the school's eighth-grade students showed proficiency, the overall academic performance fell short of state norms and expectations.
Approximately 540 students were enrolled across the two campuses, with around 85% completing well-child visits. The remaining funds from CZI will cover the lease and support local organizations, while the school prepares for an enrollment surge and campus renovations.
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