Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan’s tuition-free Primary School will close after the 2025-26 year, leaving Bay Area families in shock. Here’s why it matters.
A Shocking Goodbye: Zuckerberg’s Tuition-Free School to Close
Imagine building a dream school — only to see it shut down a few years later. That’s the reality hundreds of families in California’s Bay Area are now facing after the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) announced it would pull support from the beloved Primary School.
The decision? Sudden.
The impact? Massive.
But why is one of Silicon Valley’s most ambitious education projects coming to an unexpected end? Let’s dive in.
What Was the Primary School All About?
When Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Dr. Priscilla Chan, launched the Primary School in 2016, it wasn’t just about academics.
It was a bold idea:
Free, high-quality education for low-income families. Integrated healthcare and wellness support from birth through high school. Focus on families, with “parent wellness coaches” helping caregivers too.
In short, it was about raising not just educated kids, but thriving families.
More than 95% of its students were underrepresented minorities, and the school quickly became a model for integrating healthcare and education.
Related: Read how tech initiatives are reshaping education at Daily News Motion
Why Is It Shutting Down?
The school announced it will close after the 2025–26 academic year, calling it a “very difficult decision.”
But the truth behind the decision seems tied to bigger changes within the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative itself.
Here’s what’s happening:
CZI is shifting focus: In February, CZI revealed it would scale back social advocacy and focus mainly on science and research. Funding Pullout: Parents were informed that CZI would no longer fund the school, making continued operation impossible.
Although CZI pledged $50 million to support affected families and communities, many parents feel blindsided.
According to CNN, conversations between school staff and families are ongoing, but clarity around the closure remains scarce.
What Changed for Zuckerberg and Chan?
Once vocal advocates for immigration reform, racial equity, and education, Zuckerberg and Chan’s recent moves suggest a political and strategic shift:
Meta (formerly Facebook) cut DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives internally. CZI also announced cuts in immigration reform and racial equity programs. Zuckerberg has grown closer to Donald Trump, attending events at Mar-a-Lago and even praising the former president.
Is the school’s closure a casualty of this broader pivot? Many observers think so.
A Blow to the Bay Area’s Families
For Bay Area families, the closure stings deeper.
The tech boom has already made affordable living almost impossible for many lower-income residents.
Now, even free, holistic education options are being pulled away.
One parent described the Primary School as a “gift to the community” — a rare safe haven amid rising housing costs and inequality.
Explore more community stories at Daily News Motion
What Happens to the Students and Families?
Thankfully, the Primary School isn’t leaving families completely adrift.
Parent Wellness Coaches will work with families to find alternative education options. Staff members have committed to making the final school year the best it can possibly be.
Still, replacing a resource like the Primary School won’t be easy — or fast.
What’s Next for Chan Zuckerberg Initiative?
As CZI pivots toward science and winds down social programs, we can expect:
More research funding in biotechnology and medical science. Less focus on community-centered initiatives like education or social advocacy.
It’s a dramatic shift for a foundation once seen as a beacon of tech philanthropy.
Conclusion: A Sad Chapter Ends — What Will Rise in Its Place?
The Primary School’s closure marks more than just the end of a school; it signals a changing vision for Big Tech’s role in society.
Will future tech philanthropists learn from this?
Or will community needs keep getting lost in corporate pivots?
Time — and the next generation of leaders — will tell.
What do you think? Should billionaires be more accountable when their philanthropy impacts real families? Share your thoughts below!