3 weeks ago
Mark Zuckerberg-Backed Primary School to Shut as Funding Dries Up
A school in California called The Primary School is closing.
Priscilla Chan, a doctor, started the school in 2016.
Her husband, Mark Zuckerberg, helped pay for it.
The school helped kids who live in poverty by giving them school, doctor check-ups, and support for their families.
The school has to close because the money from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative will stop after this school year.
The people in charge tried to find other people to give money, but it was hard.
The school's test scores were lower than the state average.
The organization is giving $50 million to help families find new schools.
Families also get special savings accounts to pay for their children's education.
Another school district is getting ready to welcome about 540 students from the closing school.
The Primary School, founded by Priscilla Chan in 2016, will close after the 2025-26 academic year after the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative decided to stop funding it.
CZI said its philanthropic priorities shifted toward scientific research, while funding for social advocacy was reduced.
The school combined classroom learning with healthcare, mental health services and family support, including free dental check-ups and developmental screenings.
About 85% of students completed annual well-child visits, but academic results lagged California state averages, with only 26% of third-graders and above meeting literacy standards in spring 2025.
CZI committed $50 million for the transition, and the Ravenswood City Elementary School District is preparing to take in nearly 540 students from The Primary School.
- Who
- Priscilla Chan, the founder of The Primary School, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative backed by Mark Zuckerberg, board president Jean-Claude Brizard, and the students and families affected by the closure.
- What
- The Primary School, which combined education, healthcare and family support, is shutting down after the 2025-26 academic year.
- Where
- California, United States, with nearly 540 students expected to move to the Ravenswood City Elementary School District.
- When
- The school was founded in 2016 and will close after the 2025-26 academic year.
- Why
- The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative stopped funding the school after its priorities shifted toward scientific research, and the school struggled to attract other donors.
Key facts
- School
- The Primary School
- Founded
- 2016
- Founder
- Priscilla Chan, backed by Mark Zuckerberg
- Funder
- Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI)
- Closure
- After the 2025-26 academic year
- Transition funding
- $50 million committed by CZI
- Education savings accounts
- $10,000 elementary, $2,500 preschool, $1,000 early childhood
- Students moving to Ravenswood district
- Nearly 540
- Literacy proficiency (spring 2025)
- 26% at the school vs 47% statewide (3rd grade and above)
- Well-child visits completed
- 85% of students vs 55% of county Medicaid children
Quotes
Jean‑Claude Brizard
Board president of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative
“"Why would you give money to an entity being funded by one of the wealthiest people in the world?"”
businesstoday.in
“"The board wouldn’t have voted to close without alignment from their biggest funder," he said.”
businesstoday.in
Mele Fakapelea
Parent of a former Primary School student
“"crushing."”
businesstoday.in
Sources
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