In December of 2010, two graduates of and a former trustee from the University of San Diego (USD) began discussing potential solutions to socio-economic issues plaguing inner cities.  This group, composed of a CPA, an attorney, and a philanthropist, were inspired by the over 80% college entrance rate of an all-scholarship private school for inner-city children that two of the three founded back in 2001.  In addition to conducting extensive research of high performing urban schools across the country, they sought the expert local opinion of a college dean, a retired school district superintendent and a career inner-city teacher about what they thought were aspects of successful urban schools.

All agreed that establishing a new virtues-based educational model, a charter school whose design was a composite of the best practices of nationally acclaimed inner-city schools, and preparing students marginalized by socio-economic, geographic and familial circumstance to be successful and resilient, were the best strategies to counter the overwhelming street pressures facing today’s urban children.  An initial steering committee became a formal board, and they incorporated on March 10, 2011.  Subsequent to securing a few planning gifts, this group opened Epiphany Prep Charter School in southeast San Diego for grades K-7 on September 4, 2013.  It added a grade 8 in 2014.

Epiphany Prep has experienced significantly higher than average academic growth as compared to other inner-city schools, despite the standard operational challenges of a school in its first two years and the special needs and demographic variables of its urban student population.  For example, 80% of students assessed upon enrolling in its inaugural year were two or more grade levels below in Math and Reading achievement.  These challenges and variables were overcome through strong board advisory and administrative leadership as well as best instructional practices employed by staff.  Epiphany Prep’s founding group is now committed to replicating this unique and successful model.

Mission…

The mission of Epiphany Prep Charter School is to deliver entrepreneurial and innovative education opportunities that transform the learning potential of marginalized students by strengthening the whole child: intellect, character, and spirit.

Proven Success…

With a model that sends more than 80% of urban children on to college, Epiphany Prep is a K-8 public charter school committed to transforming inner-city education to prepare students for college, career and life.

Best Practices…

Epiphany Prep recognizes the skills students need as 21st century learners, such as digital literacy, technological skills, and collaboration and communication strategies.  But it takes more to transform learners into true leaders.  Our philosophy is unique because of the way in which we deliver proven educational best practices through our 4 pillars, which are the research-based design and operating principles inspiring our decisions about learning and teaching.

Transformational Pillar… Inspire, Motivate and Change

• Philosophy of “All Students Will Achieve” their full potential, regardless of their circumstances
• High expectations including an 8-hour school day and longer year, learning social skills and wearing uniforms
• Teachers meet for 90 minutes daily outside of the classroom to discuss student needs and best teaching practices.

Innovative Pillar… Immerse in a 21st Century College and Career Culture

• Relentless focus on building a strong college and career culture
• Students spend 2.5 – 3 hours daily utilizing accelerated learning software (Blended Learning)
• Dual language Spanish immersion

Entrepreneurial Pillar… Develop Critical Thinkers, Problem-Solvers and Visionaries

• Rigorous instruction, goal setting and critical thinking strategies
• Expanded class times for Humanities (English, Social Studies) and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
• Preparing students for careers of the future by integrating STEM outcomes into our Humanities curriculum

Whole Child Pillar… Nurture the Intellect, Character and Spirit of Students

• Virtues/values-based curriculum infused with classical literature
• Proactive counseling and Service Learning (volunteerism)
• Community and family partnerships which includes parent/guardian educational opportunities