Mark Zuckerberg and Dr. Priscilla Chan established The Primary School in East Palo Alto with the goal of providing education and comprehensive services to children from low-income families, aiming to counter systemic racism and poverty. Despite its noble mission, the school, along with a sister campus in San Leandro, will close in 2026, leaving 550 students in need of new educational institutions. The closure announcement shocked parents, who were given no clear reasons, but speculation suggests a possible withdrawal of financial support from Zuckerberg due to a shift in focus away from diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The school, primarily funded by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, struggled to attract other donors and faced challenges such as high teacher turnover and the passing of a co-founder. Although the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative will invest $50 million in the affected communities, the closures have left parents feeling abandoned and uncertain about their children's educational futures.

The Primary School in East Palo Alto, founded in 2016 by Mark Zuckerberg and Dr. Priscilla Chan, aimed to provide free education, health care, and social services to low-income children.

The school, which planned to serve children from preschool through eighth grade, is set to close in 2026 along with its sister campus in San Leandro, affecting approximately 550 students.

Parents were shocked by the closure announcement, made at a breakfast meeting without any explanation, leaving them to speculate that the withdrawal of funding was influenced by Zuckerberg's shift away from diversity initiatives.

The school was heavily reliant on the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative for funding, which provided $100 million between 2018 and 2024, but struggled to secure additional private or public funding.

Challenges faced by the school included high teacher turnover and the death of co-founder Meredith Liu, adding to difficulties in achieving long-term sustainability and gaining broader financial support.

Despite the closure, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative has committed to investing $50 million in the affected communities and providing education savings accounts for students, alongside transition specialists to assist families.

Parents expressed frustration and concern over the abrupt reversal and the uncertainty it brings to their children's education, highlighting the emotional and practical impact on families who valued the school's offerings.