Academics

High School

ASD's High School (grades 9 - 12) is designed to prepare students for success in life, setting them on individual pathways customized to their own personal goals and aspirations. In collaboration with teachers, staff and ASD's transition team, students are encouraged to create post-graduation plans and determine the necessary steps to achieve their goals.

For those who would benefit from additional time at ASD, students up to the age of 21 can choose to participate in a "Bridge" year where they will continue developing critical skills through valuable internship and work-study experiences.

ASD's High School offers a wide variety of programmatic options to help students not only fulfill the requirements of their home school districts and Individualized Education Plans, but also achieve their personal goals and realize their dreams.

The Right Program for Every Student

The focus areas for ASD's High School program include:

Academic curriculum and college-preparation
Vocational-technical education and preparation for post-secondary program enrollment
Preparation and training for direct entry into the workforce

State-of-the-art equipment, an innovative, effective curriculum and experienced, caring instructors prepare our students for everything tomorrow will bring. Approximately half of ASD graduates go on to college/postsecondary programs; others pursue technical training or enter the workforce in the year following graduation.

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 courses of academic studies will be enhanced by:

English reading/writing programs
Science laboratories
Graphics labs
Government Studies (culminates in Close Up week in Washington, DC)
Academic Bowl
Tiger Support
Peace Jam
French Exchange Program
Robotics
Culinary Arts

Sports & Recreation

ASD provides the opportunity for students to participate in a variety of athletic experiences (both junior varsity and varsity level), including basketball, soccer, track, wrestling and volleyball.

Leadership

Students also have many leadership training opportunities with outside organizations, including the Junior Connecticut Association of the Deaf, the Connecticut Youth Leadership Forum, and the National Association of the Deaf Youth Leadership Camp.

Extensive Resources and Support Services

The High 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.

Transition Planning

Transition services help to prepare students for adult life. At ASD, it is our aim to help students achieve their personal and professional goals through Career & Life Skills classes, which include career exploration classes, transition and academic assessments, work opportunities, and other experiences that match their interests, abilities, skills and needs. The transition process will guide students from self-awareness to career awareness to career exploration and ultimately, to career decision making.

Learn more about the Monte Scholarship

Who is this for?

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

Ages

15-21

Grades

9-12

Language & Communication

Bilingual (American Sign Language and English)

Learn More about our Language and Communication Policy

Average Class Size

8 Students

Boarding Option?

Yes (international students also welcome) (link to international program page)

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).
Bridge Year transition program available for students interested in vocational training and/or community-based internship opportunities.