Just when you thought Silicon Valley’s philanthropic heroes couldn’t get more performative, Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan have pulled another classic tech move. Their brainchild, The Primary School, is shutting down both of its Bay Area campuses at the end of the 2025-26 school year, leaving hundreds of students in limbo.

A Sudden Educational Exodus

In a move that screams “tech disruption,” the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative launched these tuition-free schools in 2016, targeting low-income communities in East Palo Alto and San Leandro. Serving predominantly Black and brown students, the schools were touted as a beacon of educational innovation. Fast forward to 2025, and they’re pulling the plug with minimal explanation.

Money Talks, Students Walk

To soften the blow, the Initiative is throwing $50 million at the affected communities. Because nothing says “we care” like a massive cash dump after abruptly canceling an educational program. They promise to support student transitions and create “savings plans,” which sounds suspiciously like tech-speak for “here’s some hush money”.

Corporate Philanthropy’s Greatest Hits

While the exact reasons remain mysterious, speculation runs wild. Some tech pundits suggest it might be another attempt to cozy up to political powers, especially given the school’s previous commitment to diversity and inclusion efforts. At this point, Bay Area tech philanthropy feels less like genuine support and more like an elaborate PR strategy.

Mark and Priscilla, we see you - and we’re not impressed.