Zuckerberg and Chan, Facebook's CEO and his wife, allegedly manage a private school on their Palo Alto estate.
In the heart of Silicon Valley, a private school operated by Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan in their Palo Alto compound has been shut down due to zoning violations. The school, known as BBS, opened its doors on October 5, 2022, and catered to kindergarten through fourth-grade students.
Neighbours in the Crescent Park neighbourhood reported seeing multiple families dropping off children during the pandemic. The school, which was formerly known as Bicken Ben, was said to have excellent teachers and diversity, aiming to prepare children for elite boarding schools.
Despite claims that the school followed city rules to the best of their understanding, the City of Palo Alto confirmed that it was indeed in violation of the city's codes. The school was operating as a private school without special city approval, which is required for businesses running from private homes that generate more traffic than usual.
The school does not charge tuition for the 12 other children enrolled, in addition to Zuckerberg and Chan's two children. However, many subjects were taught by parents rather than formal instructors.
The new location of the BBS school has not been disclosed, but it is known that the school is moving out of Crescent Park. The school's status as a private school is disputed by Aaron McLear, a spokesperson for Zuckerberg and Chan, who claims the state documents do not allow for a distinction.
This development comes amid the announcement that the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative would close its other tuition-free private schools serving low-income students in East Palo Alto and San Leandro at the end of the 2025-26 school year. The closure of the school for low-income families in East Palo Alto has been denounced by some, adding to the controversy surrounding the BBS school.
Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan own property in Washington, D.C., in addition to their properties in Palo Alto, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and Hawaii. The operation of the BBS school in Palo Alto will require special city approval at its new location, as it operates from a private home and generates more traffic than usual.
Emily Burack, the Senior News Editor for Town & Country, covers entertainment, celebrities, the royals, and a wide range of other topics. Before joining Town & Country, she served as the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma, a Jewish culture site.
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