Mark Zuckerberg, wife Priscilla Chan to open 'new kind' of private school

PALO ALTO, Calif., Oct. 24 (UPI) -- Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan announced plans to open a "new kind" of school offering on-site healthcare to all students and their families.

Called The Primary School, the private, nonprofit K-12 institution stems from Chan's work as a pediatrician and teacher. Announced on Zuckerberg's Facebook page Friday afternoon, the school, opening next fall, is aiming to enroll low-income students from East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, Calif., and surrounding communities.

"Health and education are closely connected," Zuckerberg wrote in his announcement. "When children aren't healthy, they can't learn as easily. Many kids and teachers across the country deal with the consequences of poor health in classrooms everyday."

Providing healthcare to all admitted students, the Primary School will also accept new students before they're born, giving families access to prenatal support. The project is funded through the Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan Donor Advised Fund. Attendance at the private school will be free.