Welcome to today's podcast, where we delve into a significant development in education. The Primary School, founded by Dr. Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg in 2016, aimed to provide a tuition-free educational experience for low-income children in East Palo Alto, California. It was designed to support not only academic growth but also health and social services for its students.

However, this week, a shocking announcement left families reeling. The school officials revealed that the campus would close in the summer of 2026, catching many parents off guard. Emeline Vainikolo, a parent present at the meeting, shared her experience, stating that the announcement came during a breakfast meeting, leaving parents “dumbfounded.”

Compounding the confusion, her son speculated, “Mommy, the guy who’s been giving money to our school doesn’t want to give it to us anymore.” This statement underscores the uncertainty surrounding the school's funding and future.

As we explore the implications of this closure, we reflect on the mission of The Primary School and the challenges it faced in addressing the needs of its community. Stay tuned for more insights.
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