East Palo Alto Mourns the Loss of Beloved Educator Meredith Liu, Co-Founder of The Primary School
It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Meredith Liu, a beloved educator, innovator, and tireless advocate for children’s education and well‑being. Her sudden death is a significant loss to the educational community in East Palo Alto and beyond.
A Life Devoted to Changing Education
Meredith Liu’s career was marked by a passionate commitment to educational equity. A Dartmouth alumna (B.A. in Economics and Public Policy, magna cum laude, ’04) and MBA from Harvard Business School (with distinction, ’10), she brought together rigorous academic preparation and deep compassion
Her work began in earnest as Dean of Enrichment at Codman Academy in Boston, where she cultivated her belief in addressing students’ needs holistically—recognizing that factors outside the classroom often impact a child’s ability to learn . She then held leadership roles at Match Education, Mass Insight Education, and the Clayton Christensen Institute, focusing on teacher development, school turnaround, and research into blended learning models
Pioneering “Whole‑Child” Education with Priscilla Chan
In 2016, Meredith co‑founded The Primary School in East Palo Alto with Dr. Priscilla Chan, supported by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. The school launched an innovative holistic model—integrating early childhood education, on‑site health care, and robust family support services to nurture students’ academic performance, health, and emotional development
As president and COO (2014–2018), and later Chief Design Officer (until 2023), Meredith shaped the institution’s mission and vision, always guided by the core belief that real educational equity required much more than lessons in the classroom.
Her approach drew attention and praise: the school became a beacon for reimagining K–12 education—enrolling students from birth, providing health checkups and mental health support, and empowering parents as partners in both learning and family leadership
Remembered for Her Compassion and Leadership
Colleagues remembered Meredith as “a brilliant innovator, an inspiring champion of children and families, a deeply caring friend, and a cherished colleague” A LinkedIn tribute from The Primary School echoed this sentiment:
“Through her work here and in every community she served, she advocated relentlessly for a more equitable system of care for children.”
Her work and spirit live on in the Spark Innovation Fund—a memorial initiative launched in her honor at The Primary School, designed to support creative teacher‑led projects that uplift students holistically A Lasting Legacy
Meredith Liu’s contributions reshaped perspectives on education and equity. She challenged societal norms around schooling, health, and social support—showing that all three are essential to a child’s success. Her vision inspired educators, policymakers, and families across the country.
Her untimely passing leaves a void, but her legacy continues through the students, educators, and communities whose lives she transformed.
For Those Grieving and Inspired
Services and remembrances are being organized by The Primary School and her family. Supporters wishing to honor Meredith’s legacy can contribute to the Spark Innovation Fund, ensuring her vision for creative, compassionate education endures.