A tuition-free school created by Zuckerberg and Chan will shutter next year

a year ago

Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan opened the tuition-free Primary School in 2016 under the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), combining healthcare and education for low-income families.
The Primary School announced its closure by the end of the 2025-26 school year, citing CZI's withdrawal of support, with $50 million pledged to affected families.
CZI has undergone significant changes, including cutting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, aligning with Meta's shifting political stance under Trump.
The school's unique model integrated early childhood education with healthcare, serving underrepresented minorities and supporting whole families through parent wellness coaches.
Zuckerberg's political alignment has shifted, praising Trump and engaging in policy discussions, while Meta settled lawsuits and funded Trump-related projects.
CZI refocused its philanthropy on science, winding down social advocacy, including immigration reform and racial equity initiatives.
The closure reflects broader tech industry impacts on Bay Area communities, exacerbating housing shortages and displacing lower-income residents.
Parents and staff express disappointment, with the school being seen as a vital community resource amid Silicon Valley's growth challenges.

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