East Palo Alto School to Close, Announces Initiative
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) has made the significant announcement that it will cease operations of The Primary School, a tuition-free private educational institution serving children in East Palo Alto and the Belle Haven neighborhood of Menlo Park. The closure is set to occur at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 academic year, as detailed in a notice released on the school’s official website. In response to inquiries regarding this decision, the school refrained from providing additional comments.
“This was a very difficult decision, and we are committed to ensuring a thoughtful and supportive transition for students and families over the next year,” the school conveyed in its announcement.
Since its inception in 2016, The Primary School has been a cornerstone institution for many families, serving over 200 students annually. As of now, enrollment at the Clarke Street campus stands at 443 students, with approximately 58% requiring individualized education programs or specialized support services. The demographic makeup includes a significant percentage of Latinx students (61%), alongside 7% Black and 7% Pacific Islander students.
Founded by Dr. Priscilla Chan, a pediatrician and spouse of Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, The Primary School was designed not only to provide education but also to integrate health care and additional support services into its curriculum. This holistic approach aimed to meet the diverse needs of its student population and their families.
In light of the impending closure, CZI has committed to investing million into the East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, and broader East Bay communities. This initiative will include enhancements to education savings plans for all children and the provision of transition specialists to assist families in finding new schooling options. CZI also intends to collaborate with the Ravenswood City School District to facilitate this transition for affected families.
“Over the years, the District has added dedicated family engagement roles, strengthened health programs, and expanded early childhood care,” stated the school’s announcement. “We look forward to sharing our learnings to support their bolstering of crucial student and family services.”
In expressing gratitude, Jean-Claude Brizard, the board chair at The Primary School, acknowledged community members for their trust and highlighted the importance of local partnerships. He emphasized that the CZI’s commitment will significantly support transition efforts, including programs focused on early childhood education and healthcare services for families impacted by the closure.
It is worth noting that this development occurs amidst broader changes within Meta, as Zuckerberg has been scaling back initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The fate of The Primary School raises essential questions about the sustainability of philanthropic educational endeavors and their long-term impact on vulnerable communities.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available regarding this significant educational transition.
