Academics

International Program

The American School for the Deaf: A Global Gateway to Deaf Education 

The American School for the Deaf is the first permanent school for the deaf in the United States and the birthplace of American Sign Language. ASD’s roots are international, and we believe that cross-country collaboration is the key to educational success for all deaf and hard of hearing students. For more than 200 years, we have prepared Deaf and Hard of Hearing students not only for high school diplomas, but for their whole lives. We focus on developing the whole child - intellectually, emotionally, physically, and socially - with an unwavering commitment to maximizing each students potential. At ASD, we celebrate opportunities and potential, and help students overcome challenges and break down barriers.

A Pioneering Tradition

Before 1817, deaf children in America did not have access to an education. That changed when a few dedicated community leaders came together to establish what is now the American School for the Deaf. To help establish the school, Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet traveled to Europe in search of methods for teaching deaf students. During his journey, he met Laurent Clerc, a teacher at the French Institute for the Deaf in Paris. Clerc came to America - bringing with him French Sign Language - and helped to found the American School for the Deaf. Clerc became ASD’s first teacher, and American Sign Language was born.
    • International student presenting at Gallaudet monument unveiling

Empowering international students to become educated, self-directed lifelong learners.

The premier leader in deaf education, ASD offers international students a comprehensive educational program with mainstream opportunities both on- and off-campus.

We focus on helping our international students to strengthen their:
  • English language development and application;
  • Mathematical studies; and,
  • American Sign Language skills.
Challenging academic courses for college-bound students, comprehensive transitional services training for job-oriented students, and functional academics for students with special needs reflect the wide range of educational opportunities availiable through ASD's Middle and High School programs.

In addition to our rigorous academic program, led by certified educators and specialists in the fields of deafness and special education, we offer students the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities and explore and engage with the local community.

A state-of-the-art environment where students thrive.

We offer a communicatively accessible campus that utilizes an American Sign Language/English Bilingual Approach to provide students with a dual language foundation in both American Sign Language and written and spoken English. This approach integrates American Sign Language, speech, auditory training, reading, writing, and the use of assistive learning devices. Our small class sizes allow us to meet the needs of each individual student using specially designed instruction for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Award-winning programs for middle and high school students.

At ASD, we offer:
  • Middle School education for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students
  • High School education for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students
  • PACES (Positive Attitudes Concerning Education and Socialization), a special education program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children with educational or behavioral challenges. Teachers for the PACES Program are trained in Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) and have received Physical/Psychological Management Training (PMT).

Our cutting-edge technology includes:

  • Enhanced Security/Facility Commander System, offering optimal security for student and staff safety;
  • MessageNet Systems Emergency Management and Communication Systems (EMADS), to meet the security alert, information, and communication needs of our Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students;
  • Phonak Amplification System, to automatically synchronize a student's DM ear-level worn receiver with the transmitter/microphone of the individual classroom teacher; and,
  • SMART Interactive Whiteboards and SMART Software to support visual instruction.

The United Nations Commitment to Education

ASD shares in the philosophy of the United Nations, as stated in their Vision 2030 decree, that all children, of all abilities, have the right to an education. International students graduating from ASD receive a high school diploma (or equivalency certificate), and a majority go on to study at American colleges and universities, including Gallaudet University – the first postsecondary school for deaf and hard of hearing students in the world.
 

Looking to Enroll your Child?

Who is this for?

International students who are deaf or hard of hearing

Ages
10-21

Grades
5-12+

Language & Communication
American Sign Language & English

Average Class Size
8 students

Available
Residential and non-residential
 
Program Highlights
  • Intensive study of English language in partnership with Central Connecticut State University
  • Concentrated program leading to a high school diploma or equivalency certificate
  • Comprehensive transitional services
  • On-campus housing
  • Fully staffed Student Health Center
  • International liaison
  • Living environment that embraces students’ cultures
  • Weekend supervision including cultural experiences and trips
  • Exposure to and tutoring in American Sign Language
  • Speech and audiology services
Students enjoy a full-day of classes followed by tutoring in the afternoons and evenings, providing an opportunity for additional support and interaction with their tutors and peers.
 
Enrollment & More Information


Jenilee Terry, Admissions Officer
" Paces has given Chantel a new beginning. From the time that she attended ASD's PACES Program, her growth and development have been absolutely amazing. Through the love and care of ASD staff, chantel has experienced the joys of communicating and expressing herself to those around her. Thank you,"

-Rita, ASD Parent
" After my daughter started here at ASD, she learned to be more confident, friendly, and even a leader. ASD has been our second family. We feel very proud to belong to this big and beautiful family that is ASD."

- Idaris, ASD Parent

ASD is Accredited By:

    • CEASD Logo

    • NEAS&C Logo

    • Council on Accreditation Logo

The American School for the Deaf serves deaf and hard of hearing individuals from birth through adulthood with a variety of programs and services.