Outlook Business Desk
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan own 11 connected properties in Palo Alto’s Crescent Park, creating a sprawling family compound. Since around 2021, the property has housed a private school. Neighbors describe it as a ‘mini campus’ in an upscale residential area.
Residents found an unlicensed school, named Bicken Ben School, running on Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan’s property since 2021. It reportedly had over 30 students without city approval or permits.
According to Wired, neighbors claimed the school broke local zoning rules, allowing only residential use. Many expressed frustration, suggesting city officials gave special treatment to Zuckerberg and questioned enforcement consistency.
Palo Alto officials denied any favoritism, stating all zoning and safety laws are enforced equally. They confirmed communication with Zuckerberg’s representatives and said measures were underway to resolve the unpermitted school issue.
By March 2025, authorities instructed the Zuckerberg family to close the unpermitted school by June 30. Neighbors said it ended, but the family claimed it had simply relocated, location unknown.
Over the years, residents also raised complaints about noise, traffic, construction, and private security. Some described living next to Zuckerberg as “untenable,” highlighting the impact of his large compound.
For now, the controversy around Zuckerberg’s unpermitted school has calmed. Yet in Crescent Park, residents remain wary, and the discussion over the family’s influence on the neighbourhood continues.