ASD Study Connecticut Webpage
The American School for the Deaf (ASD) is dedicated to the success of all deaf and hard of hearing children. At ASD, students enjoy a rigorous academic program and vibrant residential life on a sprawling New England campus nestled in a thriving suburban community. Located just 2 hours from major metropolitan areas, Boston and New York, our students have access to a broad range of opportunities both on-campus and in the surrounding communities.
ASD is the birthplace of American Sign Language (ASL) and deaf education in America. For more than 200 years, we have prepared our 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 student’s potential. At ASD, we celebrate opportunities and potential, and help our students overcome challenges and break down barriers.
ASD offers both residential and day programs for students between the ages of 3-21. We are accredited by the Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf (CEASD) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). In addition to our K-12 academic program, ASD also provides services to infants and toddlers through our Early Childhood Intervention Program.
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 available at ASD. In addition to our rigorous academic program, led by certified educators and specialists in the field of deaf education, we offer students the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of extracurricular activities that allow them to explore and engage with the local community.
ASD’s academic program emphasizes proficiency in:
- English literacy and general academics
- A curriculum aligned with the Common Core State Standards
- Transition services and extracurricular activities
Current academic instructional programs include:
- Elementary Program – Grades Pre-K to 5
- Middle School Program – Grades 6 to 8
- High School Program – Grades 9 to 12
- Physical and Adaptive Physical Education Programs
- PACES (Positive Attitudes Concerning Education and Socialization) Program – an academic and residential treatment program for students with behavioral and emotional challenges
- PACES Autism Expansion Program– a comprehensive, strength-based approach to educate and support the social development of deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing non-verbal children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Utilizing a visual bilingual model (American Sign Language and English), ASD is best equipped to support all autistic students in acquiring language and communication skills.
International Program
ASD’s international program is designed to meet the needs of students from other countries who choose to be educated in the United States. As the premier leader in deaf education, ASD offers international students (ages 12-21) a comprehensive educational program with mainstream opportunities both on and off campus. We focus on helping our international students strengthen their:
- English language development and application
- Mathematical studies
- American Sign Language skills
Our acclaimed international program includes:
- Intensive study of the English language in partnership with Central Connecticut State University (CCSU)
- Concentrated program leading to a high school diploma or equivalency certificate
- Comprehensive Transitional Services
- On-campus housing
- Fully-staffed Student Health Center
- International liaison
- A 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
Cutting Edge Technology
ASD embraces the use of technology, and the school is equipped with the latest state-of-the-art systems to ensure students have total access to language and communication. Students use Chrome Book laptops to complete coursework, both at home and during the school day. In addition, all classrooms are equipped with:
- Phonak Roger advanced amplification system, designed to automatically sync each student’s individual hearing aid or cochlear implant with the microphone/transmitter of each classroom teacher
- SMART Interactive Whiteboards and SMART Software to support visual instruction
- Enhanced Security/Facility Commander System, offering optimal security for student and staff safety
- Layered Solutions – Mass Notification Emergency Communication system via desktop computers, mobile devices, IP clocks and strobes along with video and audio displays
Visual Communications Center
ASD’s Rockwell Visual Communication Center (VCC) is the first of its kind. The technology housed within the space provides our students with a front-row seat to the world around them. The Center was specially designed to maximize accessibility and open our students to new experiences that were previously thought impossible. The inclusion of enhanced amplification equipment will permit our students to experience the reverberation of sound, making musical performances not only a reality, but a profound event. The creation of a 16-foot media wall will allow for the facilitation of virtual classrooms, connecting our students with their peers from around the globe.
Language and Communication Policy
ASD offers 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.
Position Statement
The American School for the Deaf is a comprehensive learning community that welcomes all deaf and hard of hearing children and their families. We develop the whole child – intellectually, emotionally, physically, socially. Here, students and their families are surrounded by supportive peers, guided by dedicated educators and specialists, and empowered by the latest technology. Utilizing the proven American Sign Language/English Bilingual approach, we foster a language-rich environment that maximizes each student’s unique potential.
ASD Fast Facts
Year Incorporated: 1817
Total Enrollment: 140
Total # of Residential/Boarding Students: 63
Student/Teacher Ratio: 8:1
Average Class Size: 7
% of Faculty with Advanced Degrees: 100%
# Sports Teams: 15 – including soccer, volleyball, basketball, track, softball, and disc golf!
For more information, please visit www.asd-1817.org