The Primary School, co-founded by Priscilla Chan, is closing after a decade of operation

In a surprising turn of events, The Primary School, a tuition-free private school significantly associated with Priscilla Chan, wife of Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg, will be ceasing operations after the 2025-26 school year. The school, inaugurated in 2016 and co-founded alongside educator Meredith Liu, has been a beacon of education for hundreds of children, providing learning opportunities ranging from toddlers to middle school-aged students. The decision comes after 'much deliberation,' according to the school's official announcement. As noted on the school's website, the leadership is committed to providing a 'thoughtful and supportive transition' for students and families, an essential consideration given the profound impact this closure could have on the community it has served. Notably, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative has pledged $50 million for the future of the schools’ communities, focusing on education savings plans and the provision of transition specialists for affected families. This closure follows the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative's recent pivot away from its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. Earlier this year, staff members were informed that the Initiative would be ending its DEI efforts—an eyebrow-raising shift, referenced in a report by The Guardian, which indicated that legal and regulatory changes influenced this decision. It is essential to contextualize this move against a backdrop of growing scrutiny and criticism faced by Big Tech firms, including Meta, which similarly suspended its own DEI initiatives in January. There is speculation regarding the implications of the Zuckerbergs' strategies in relation to contemporary political landscapes, especially considering their past donations to Trump’s inaugural fund and their social positioning alongside high-profile political figures. Critics may perceive this as the couple catering to shifting political tides, raising questions about the alignment of philanthropy with political maneuvering. In an era where educational access and social equality are at the forefront of public discourse, the closure of The Primary School not only marks a loss for its immediate community but also sheds light on broader trends impacting social commitments among tech leaders.