The Primary School, an innovative educational institution co-founded by Priscilla Chan and supported by Mark Zuckerberg's philanthropic arm, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), has closed its doors after nearly a decade of operation. Located in East Palo Alto, California, the school ceased operations in June 2026 after its board determined that CZI funding would not continue beyond the 2025-26 academic year.
Founded in 2016 by Chan, a pediatrician, The Primary School pioneered a model that integrated free education with comprehensive healthcare, mental health services, and robust family support for children from low-income communities. This holistic approach aimed to address the multifaceted challenges faced by children living in poverty, inspired by Chan's observations that schools, healthcare providers, and social services often operated in isolation despite serving the same families.
A Unique Integrated Model
Students at The Primary School received a range of services, including free dental check-ups and developmental screenings. Parents were offered wellness coaching and child development workshops on campus. The school also collaborated with local clinics to identify students with learning disabilities, behavioral challenges, and other support needs. Approximately three out of four students spoke a language other than English at home, underscoring the diverse community it served.
According to school data, about 85% of its students completed their annual well-child visits, significantly higher than the 55% average for children enrolled in Medicaid across the county. Priscilla Chan remained actively involved in the school's early years, regularly visiting classrooms and participating in curriculum development.
Academic Results and Operational Hurdles
Despite its extensive support services, The Primary School faced challenges with academic performance. A Stanford University study indicated that only 26% of third-grade students met literacy standards in spring 2025, compared to 47% statewide. However, the school noted that over 50% of its eighth-grade students achieved proficiency in their final year.
Operational difficulties also contributed to the school's eventual closure. Former consultant Katherine Carter highlighted a lack of understanding regarding the significant time and support required to establish such a novel school model. School leaders and former employees pointed to frequent principal changes and the complexity of managing integrated education, healthcare, and family services within a single organization. Chan herself acknowledged last year that academic outcomes were not where "frankly anyone would have wanted them to be."
Shifting Philanthropic Priorities
The decision to close was made by the school's board after learning that CZI would discontinue its funding. CZI, which had invested over $125 million into the project, stated that its philanthropic priorities had gradually shifted towards scientific research, leading to a reduction in funding for social advocacy initiatives.
CZI explained that the long-term vision for The Primary School was always for it to achieve financial sustainability through public funding, rather than perpetual philanthropic dependence. However, attracting alternative donors proved difficult. Jean-Claude Brizard, the board president, articulated this challenge, stating, "Why would you give money to an entity being funded by one of the wealthiest people in the world?"
Support for Transitioning Families
In response to the closure, CZI committed $50 million to support students and families during the transition. This funding will cover the remaining lease balance for the school, provide support to local community organizations, and establish education savings accounts: $10,000 for elementary students, $2,500 for preschoolers, and $1,000 for children in early childhood education programs.
The Ravenswood City Elementary School District is also preparing to accommodate nearly 540 students from The Primary School by renovating existing facilities. School staff assisted families with touring other schools, completing admission applications, and setting up the CZI-funded education savings accounts. For many parents, like Mele Fakapelea, whose eldest daughter was in the founding class, the loss of the school's comprehensive support system was described as "crushing."