Epiphany School

Highly Engaged Employees

Epiphany School is a tuition-free middle school serving economically disadvantaged families in Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1997 by a coalition of educators, Episcopal clergy, and community activists in response to a critical gap in educational access, Epiphany opened its doors in 1998 with 41 fifth and sixth grade students in a donated space... at the Parish of All Saints in Dorchester. The school expanded rapidly over the following years, adding new grade levels with support from partner institutions including St. Michael's in Milton and the Sisters of St. Joseph, reaching full capacity with students in grades five through eight by September 2000. In December 2001, Epiphany relocated to its permanent schoolhouse at 154 Centre Street in Dorchester, adjacent to the Shawmut T-station, marking a significant milestone in the school's development. Epiphany targets children from economically disadvantaged families who reside in Boston and qualify for the federal free or reduced-price lunch program, with admission to fifth grade determined primarily through a lottery system supplemented by reserved spots for referrals from the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. The school operates on an extended 12-hour school day model and requires parental or guardian commitment through a covenant agreement that includes two hours of weekly service in lieu of tuition payment, fostering close partnership between families and the institution. Sibling preference is granted to children of current or former students, and while students with Individualized Education Plans are not automatically disqualified, families are encouraged to assess whether the school's structure and resources align with their child's specific needs. Through its combination of accessible, high-quality education, strong community partnerships, and innovative family engagement model, Epiphany School has established itself as a distinctive educational institution dedicated to removing financial barriers and providing rigorous academic opportunity ...Read More