Epiphany School

What Epiphany School does

Epiphany School is a private, nonprofit independent school in Dorchester, Massachusetts, founded in 1997 (first students enrolled September 1998). It serves economically-disadvantaged children and families — student eligibility requires family income at or below 50% of Massachusetts median income — and admits students for 5th grade. The institution runs two core programs: a Middle School (grades 5–8) and an Early Learning Center (ELC, opened 2017) serving infants through preschoolers in a 22,000 sq ft facility using Reggio Emilia and Montessori-based curricula. The school also operates a Teaching Fellowship apprenticeship, a Graduate Support Program tracking 450+ alumni through college and into the workforce, a Summer Intensive at Groton School, and an Urban Achievers after-school program. Health care (vision, dental, hearing screenings), three meals and two snacks daily, mental health services, and extended day (6:15am–6:15pm) and extended year programming are delivered on-site.

The "full-service" educational model — combining academic instruction with health, nutrition, family support, and post-secondary navigation — is the school's product. Technology plays no meaningful role in the core offering: the operational stack consists of a Squarespace website, Google Forms for the admissions interest application, and standard productivity tools; there are no proprietary platforms, APIs, or AI/ML components. Service delivery is conducted at three Dorchester addresses (154, 230, and 232 Centre Street) by ~75 staff including lead teachers (14+ year average tenure), teaching fellows, and program directors.

Revenue is philanthropic rather than commercial. All students receive full scholarships; no tuition is charged to families. Funding comes from individual donations (including a tiered monthly 'Star Squad' program and a '1997 Society' planned-giving program), corporate philanthropy (M&T, Ropes & Gray, Cabot Corporation Foundation, Bain Capital, Boston Bruins Foundation, and others), and institutional foundation grants. Annual fundraising events include a Spring Gala, Winter Showcase, Family Flea Market, and Neighborhood Heroes events. The school is accredited by the Association of Independent Schools in New England (AISNE), with a 10-year renewal recently completed, and operates within an Episcopal tradition while serving an interfaith community.

Name

Epiphany School

Legal name

Epiphany School

Website

https://epiphanyschool.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Epiphany School is a nonprofit independent school in Dorchester, Massachusetts providing full-scholarship, full-service education to economically-disadvantaged children (income ≤50% Massachusetts median income) from 5th grade through college support, including an Early Learning Center and a Graduate Support Program tracking 450+ alumni.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Independent K-12 Education

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Middle Schools (EDAJAAAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

K–12 Support & School Improvement Nonprofits (BPAGADAB)

Keywords

• Independent school education
• Full scholarship education
• Middle school programs
• Early childhood education
• Graduate support services

Headquarters

HQ city

Dorchester

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Philanthropic Donations & Grants: As a fully scholarship-based independent school serving economically-disadvantaged families, Epiphany's primary revenue source is philanthropic donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations. The school actively fundraises through annual appeals, spring galas, and grant applications. Donors include individuals (Star Squad monthly giving), corporate partners (gala sponsors), and institutional foundations.
2. Student Tuition (Full Scholarships): All students receive full scholarships — no tuition is charged to families. The school covers the full cost of attendance (approximately $125,000 in 'last-dollar' scholarships awarded annually to graduates attending tuition-charging high schools). Revenue does not come from families but rather the scholarship model is funded through donations.
3. Planned Giving & Estate Gifts: The 1997 Society is a planned giving program where members include Epiphany School in their estate plans. Bequests, life insurance beneficiary designations, and retirement plan gifts are vehicles for long-term financial support.
4. Star Squad Monthly Giving: Monthly recurring donor program called 'Star Squad' with tiered giving levels ($21, $42, $83, $208 per month) that provides steady, reliable financial support for program planning and growth.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Epiphany School is a private, independent, full-service school that provides an excellent academic program combined with comprehensive personal and family support to economically-disadvantaged children in Dorchester, Massachusetts. All students receive full scholarships covering the entire cost of attendance; the school delivers on-site health care, mental health services, three meals and two snacks daily, extended school day (6:15am-6:15pm), year-round programming including a Summer Intensive at Groton School, and an ongoing Graduate Support Program tracking alumni through college and into the workforce.

Product overview

Epiphany School is an independent school for children from economically-disadvantaged families offering a full-service educational model. The institution operates two core programs: the Middle School (grades 5-8) providing academic education with extensive support services, and the Early Learning Center (ELC) for infants through preschoolers featuring Reggio Emilia and Montessori-based curriculum. The school extends support through its Graduate Support Program serving over 450 alumni, offers a Teaching Fellowship for developing urban educators, and runs a Summer Intensive program at Groton School. All students receive financial aid, and the school delivers health care, nutrition (three meals and two snacks daily), extended day care, and comprehensive family support services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Middle School Full-service independent middle school for grades 5-8 combining an excellent academic program with personal support for each student, including on-site health care, mental health services, extended school day (6:15am-6:15pm), three meals and two snacks daily, and family support services. All students receive full scholarships.
• Early Learning Center (ELC) A 22,000 square-foot early education facility for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers using Reggio Emilia and Montessori-based curriculum, with home visits, parenting education, on-site hours from 7:30am-5:30pm, and over 7,000 sq. ft. of outdoor classroom space. Full scholarships provided for all families.
• Graduate Support Program (GSP)

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% of graduates continue their educations every year in independent, parochial, charter, pilot, or elite exam schools
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

29 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Groton SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual Summer Intensive program partnership where Epiphany's rising 6th, 7th, and 8th graders spend July on Groton School's campus in Groton, MA. Includes academic instruction (math, reading, writing, media studies, health, technology), outdoor activities, field trips, and family day. Has run for over 20 years.
• Room to GrowcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the Early Learning Center's whole family model, providing support services as part of the holistic ecosystem of care for children and their families.
• Codman CliniccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealth care partner for the ELC providing clinical services as part of the whole family support model.
• Neighborhood VillagescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner supporting the ELC through initiatives such as sponsoring bicycle lessons for young learners and helping with early education advocacy.
• Fathers UpliftminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFamily support partner working with fathers as part of the whole family engagement model beginning in the pre-natal period.
• Cambridge Family and Children's ServicesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSocial services partner providing support to ELC families as part of the holistic service ecosystem.
• Parenting JourneyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFamily support partner providing parenting education as part of the whole family model.
• JVSminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorkforce and family support services partner for ELC families.
• MetroHousingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHousing support partner helping families find safe and affordable housing as part of the student support team's family navigation services.
• Jeremiah ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFamily support organization partnering with the ELC as part of the holistic service ecosystem.
• M&T BankcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate philanthropy partner supporting Epiphany's annual spring galas and the Graduate Support Program through corporate giving.
• New Commonwealth FundcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerThe New Commonwealth Racial Equity and Social Justice Fund supports Epiphany's Graduate Support team in working with Leadership Brainery, a nonprofit supporting first-generation college students.
• Boston City SingerscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerDorchester-based nonprofit providing music education to over 300 local students annually. Rehearses weekly at Epiphany's campus. Tour Choir travels internationally (including to South Africa). Longtime gala sponsor.
• Hemenway & BarnescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerLaw firm that has generously supported Epiphany for over 15 years. Epiphany Leadership Council member Joseph Bierwirth is a partner at the firm. Supports annual Spring Gala.
• Whittier Street Health CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity health center partner that has collaborated with Epiphany on multiple vaccine pop-up clinics (COVID-19), providing free vaccinations open to the entire community.
• Boston Medical CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in vaccine pop-up clinics alongside Whittier Street Health Center, providing free COVID-19 vaccinations to Epiphany families and the broader community.
• Christ's Church (Quincy)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerEpiscopal church in Quincy, MA led by Rev. Clifford Brown. Made its first donation in 1999 and has loyally supported Epiphany for years. Rev. Brown shepherded weekly Eucharist celebrations and introduced the liturgy still used at the school.
• Cambridge CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHigher education partner listed on the Corporate Engagement page, supporting educational programming.
• Boston University AcademyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHigh school affiliated with Boston University where several Epiphany graduates have flourished. Partnered with Epiphany on a podcast 'Demystifying Independent Schools' to explain financial aid processes.
• Upward ProjectminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded by former Epiphany teacher Mindy Wright. Supports Epiphany graduates with college placement and scholarship opportunities.
• PumpspottingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity-driven breastfeeding and baby feeding support organization. Visited the ELC with a tour bus as part of their 'Feel Better, Feed Better' tour, providing support and information about breastfeeding with confidence to ELC families.
• Emerson CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides speech therapy sessions for ELC children through a partnership with Epiphany.
• YouthInkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProgram founded by Christy Cashman connecting passionate young creators with professional mentors in the arts. Epiphany has partnered with YouthInk for trips to Ireland (Kilkea Castle) and launched YouthInk Boston at Epiphany's campus, serving Epiphany students, graduates, and Boston community youth.
• Food for FreecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit improving access to healthy food. Epiphany graduate Aly Tran '07 is logistics manager at Food for Free and coordinates 60 Heat-n-Eat meals weekly to Epiphany families facing food insecurity through the program's partnership with Epiphany.
• New England Conservatory of MusiccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides percussion instruction at Epiphany. Conservatory students perform at school events including the Winter Showcase with choreographed routines.
• Trust for Social Achievement (Bulgaria)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBulgarian organization invested in creating a strong start for every child. Visited Epiphany to study the ELC model for potential replication for the Roma people. Arranged for Epiphany staff to present the model at an ISSA international conference in Sofia, Bulgaria.
• Zia Gianna (cafe)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal Italian cafe that partners with Epiphany's composting program, providing coffee grounds for the school's compost system and environmental education.
• Truelove SeedsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSeed company that carries the Wilson's Vietnamese Devil Pepper seeds — a family heirloom pepper brought from Vietnam by an Epiphany community member, grown in Epiphany's garden for three seasons.
• Kids in TechminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization sponsoring STEM career carnival for 5th and 6th grade students at Epiphany with hands-on STEM projects and activities.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Year Up: Year Up is a workforce-development nonprofit serving low-income young adults (18-24) with training and corporate placement. Comparable in mission (breaking cycles of poverty via education-to-career pathways) and in Boston presence, though it focuses on post-secondary rather than K-12.

Direct peers

• KIPP Massachusetts: KIPP Massachusetts is a network of public charter schools serving low-income students in Boston and Lynn with a college-prep mission. Highly comparable to Epiphany in target population (economically disadvantaged), extended-day model, and college-completion focus.
• Cristo Rey Network: Cristo Rey operates a national network of Catholic, college-prep high schools serving low-income students through a corporate work-study model. Comparable in mission (breaking poverty cycles via education), private-school model, and target demographic to Epiphany.
• Boston Preparatory Charter Public School: Boston Prep is a 6-12 charter school in Hyde Park serving low-income students with extended school day, college-prep curriculum, and high graduation outcomes. Closely comparable to Epiphany on demographics, extended-day model, and college-readiness outcomes.
• SEED Schools Foundation: SEED Schools are public boarding schools serving low-income students with a 24-hour academic and support model. Directly comparable to Epiphany's full-service, residential-adjacent approach combining academics with wraparound services for disadvantaged youth.
• Match Charter Public School: Match is a Boston-based charter public school serving predominantly low-income students with extended day/year programming and a college completion focus. Directly comparable geography, demographic, and college-outcomes orientation.
• Roxbury Preparatory Charter School: Roxbury Prep is a 5-12 Uncommon Schools charter serving low-income Boston students with extended day and a college completion focus. Highly comparable in target population, grades served (5-8 middle school segment), and outcomes-driven model.

Regional players

• Brooke Charter Schools: Brooke Charter Schools operate K-12 public charter schools in Boston serving primarily students of color from low-income families. Comparable in Boston geography, extended-day model, and college-prep mission for disadvantaged students.

Others

• City Year Boston: City Year is a Boston-based AmeriCorps program placing young adults as tutors and mentors in low-income schools. Comparable as a youth-development ecosystem partner serving similar Dorchester/Boston populations, though operating in a different model.
• Episcopal City Mission: Episcopal City Mission is a faith-based nonprofit in Massachusetts focused on urban youth and families. Comparable as an Episcopal-affiliated, Dorchester/Boston-rooted social services and education partner in Epiphany's network.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/epiphany-school_2

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Epiphany School