Academics

Middle School

Our Middle School is designed to inspire our students' interests and foster their abilities as they pursue independence and plan for their future. Aligned with Connecticut's Core Standards, ASD's Middle School integrates all academic content areas with individualized instruction to create a customized learning environment ideal for every student. Students are encouraged to take risks and learn through trial and error. ASD teachers and staff support students in developing strategies to overcome obstacles and achieve success.

The Middle School Concept

ASD's Middle School teachers work together to develop instructional themes across the curriculum. Teachers encourage students to make connections across subject areas, and this integrated approach helps students deepen their understanding of the material.

Extensive Resources and Support Services

The Middle School program is supported by professional staff with specialized training in the areas of school counseling, social work, school psychology, speech and language pathology, audiology, physical and occupational therapy, job placement and sign language. Over 90% of ASD faculty and professional staff have earned master’s degrees or above.

Academic, Vocational and Extracurricular Opportunities

Students have access to a broad range of outstanding educational opportunities and support services. Depending upon students' individual needs and interests, their course of academic studies will be enhanced by:

English reading/writing programs
Science laboratory
Graphics labs
Evening Academic Support Center
Battle of the Books
Math Bowl Competition
FIRST Lego Robotics League
SeaPerch Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) Competition

Who is this for?

Deaf and hard of hearing children interested in a barrier-free, communication-accessible environment to learn and thrive.

Ages

12-14

Grades

6-8

Language & Communication

Bilingual (American Sign Language and English)

Learn More about our Language and Communication Policy

Average Class Size

8 Students

Boarding Option?

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.
Audiology and Speech Language Pathology services available.
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.
Expert staff in school counseling, psychology, social work, speech and language therapy, audiology, physical and occupational therapy.
Pre-vocational program (available for Middle and High School students)