# Zuckerberg-backed California school closes after $125 million funding

2026-08-07T00:40:20+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

The Primary School in East Palo Alto, California, closed in June after nearly a decade, following the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative’s decision not to continue funding beyond the 2025-26 academic year. Founded in 2016 by paediatrician Priscilla Chan, the tuition-free school combined classroom teaching with healthcare and family support for low-income children. It received more than $125 million from CZI. The school’s academic results remained below California averages. A Stanford study found that 26% of students in third grade or above met literacy standards in spring 2025, against 47% statewide. CZI has pledged $50 million for the transition, including education savings accounts and support for local organisations. The school’s board had voted unanimously in April 2025 to wind down operations.

## Coverage

- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/in-2016-mark-zuckerbergs-wife-priscilla-chan-founded-a-school-10-years-later-and-after-more-than-125-million-in-funding-board-voted-to-close-it/articleshow/132858029.cms>
- businesstoday.in <https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/trends/story/founded-by-priscilla-chan-in-2016-mark-zuckerberg-backed-school-to-shut-as-funding-dries-up-547798-2026-08-07?utm_source=rssfeed>

Tags: California, education, Mark Zuckerberg, philanthropy, Priscilla Chan
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