In September, 1959, Epiphany School opened in downtown Lake City. They consisted of grades one through four. The School was staffed by the Sisters of Mercy from Wexford, Ireland. In March 1960, the School relocated to its present site. In September of that year, three of the original nuns from Wexford moved with Fr. Malone to Deland, Florida and served there through the 1980’s. Two new nuns arrived from Ireland to serve in Lake City. The Irish sisters served Epiphany into the late 70’s.  The social hall served as the lunchroom from 1971 on and in 1974, the Glander building was erected to accommodate art and music classes. After the Sisters of Mercy left, the Sisters of St. Joseph from St. Augustine were called to staff Epiphany Catholic School and served there until 1995. Sister Marie Rene Azar was the last sister to administer the school prior to being reassigned in the diocese.

In July, 1995, Mr. J. Mark Akerman was the first lay principal. A kindergarten class was added in 1996, as the Glander building underwent a renovation to accommodate such. This was followed by seventh and eighth grade in 1999 and 2000 respectively. The summer of 2000 brought the addition of a new media center, administrative offices, clinic and student bathrooms.  In 2001, the Carmelite Sisters joined the Epiphany Catholic Church and School community. Rita Klenk became principal in the summer of 2000 and continued through 2003. Mrs. Klenk returned to the classroom full time in 2003 and Carol Ghionzoli joined the staff as principal. In the Fall of 2009, Rita Klenk became principal again and continued to teach classes. Today, the Epiphany Catholic School community is comprised of students in grades K-8, with transportation allowing for students in both Branford and Live Oak to attend our school. High school students are also afforded the opportunity to take a bus from Lake City to Gainesville to attend St. Francis Catholic Academy for grades 9-12. This year marks 60 years in the Lake City community.

10 Reasons to Choose Epiphany Catholic School

Excellence

Pride

Integrity

Prayer

Happiness

Academics

Nurture

Youth

Epiphany Catholic School as a nurturing, continuous learning community, instills Catholic social teachings, gospel values, and virtues that help form disciples of Christ, with the Eucharist at the center of our faith.