Academics

Elementary Program

ASD's Elementary Program is a lively, language-rich and supportive environment for all deaf and hard of hearing children. Home to Pre-School through Grade 5, our Elementary School is tailored to meet the needs of each individual student. Small class sizes and strong staff support provide an ideal learning environment for our youngest students. Teachers and staff help students develop language, mathematics and communication skills - all while inspiring creativity and fostering their social/emotional awareness. We aim to nurture a lifelong love of learning in all students!

Meeting the Needs of Every Student

photo of a student and teacher on a bike

ASD's Elementary School is aligned with Connecticut's Core Standards and offers all students the individualized attention they need to succeed - both in school and in life. Students are part of a welcoming and culturally sensitive community that encourages them to develop into their best selves. Full communication accessibility creates a barrier-free environment for all students to learn and thrive.

To accommodate our students' diverse communication styles, ASD's Elementary Program features both Spoken English and American Sign Language classrooms. All classrooms on campus, including that of the Spoken English class, are equipped with state-of-the-art hearing assistive technology. The Phonak Roger system automatically syncs the teacher's wireless microphone and Smartboard technology with a receiver connected to each student's hearing aid or Cochlear Implant to reduce background noise - which allows students to receive spoken information clearly.

All ASD students have access to a variety of outstanding educational opportunities and support services, including:

Learning Resource Center - more than a library, our LRC is an extensive learning hub offering weekly ASL and read-aloud stories, monthly literacy themes, and hands-on learning activities.
Computer laboratories for writing, mathematics, Internet research and student PowerPoint presentations
Science Laboratory
1:1 Tutoring Sessions
Speech Language Therapy
Student and Family ASL classes
Audiology Services
Cutting-edge hearing assistive technology (Phonak Roger System) in every classroom and common area

Elementary Parent

Extensive Resources and Support Services

All ASD faculty are Connecticut certified teachers, and over 90% of the faculty and professional staff have earned master’s degrees or above. The Elementary School program is supported by certified professional staff with specialized training in the areas of school counseling, social work, school psychology, speech and language, audiology, physical therapy and occupational therapy.

Services available to students include:

Educational testing (both those designed for deaf students and state-mandated tests)
Integrated IEP planning and service provision
Personal and/or group counseling
Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy services
Speech, Language, and Aural Habilitation communication services (individual and group)

Learn More About Assistive Devices and Support

Residential Boarding

ASD's Residential Program is available to students aged 7 and above, and residential students have the option to live on campus as 5-day or 7-day boarders. Our residential program offers a welcoming, language-rich environment that embraces students' cultures, a fully-staffed Student Health Center, and weekend cultural experiences and trips. For more information, see our Student Life page.

Who is this for?

Ages
5-11

Grades
Preschool and K-5

Language & Communication

Bilingual (American Sign Language and English)

Learn more about our Language and Communication Policy

Average Class Size

8 students

Available

Residential and Non-Residential

Program Highlights

Curriculum aligned with the Connecticut State Department of Education and Connecticut Core Standards.
Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf (CEASD).
Barrier-free language-accessible environment.
Specialized Audiology and Speech Language Pathology services available.
Spoken English and ASL (American Sign Language) classrooms.
State-of-the-art technology in all classrooms and common areas (including cutting edge hearing assistive technology for our students with hearing aids and Cochlear Implants).
Enhanced STEM course offerings, with a focus on Robotics.
1:1 devices (i.e. Chromebooks) available for all students.
Certified teachers with specialized training working with deaf and hard of hearing children.

For more information, please contact: