Admissions
Thank you for your interest in the Pennsylvania School for Deaf! PSD is a Pre-K to 12th grade school located in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. PSD is the third oldest school for the deaf in the nation. We value and recognize our place in history and the responsibility entrusted to us to educate deaf and hard-of-hearing students in our region. Your child will not only be attending a school, they will be joining a community and joining our legacy. If your child is enrolled in PSD, they will be attending a school that is committed to providing quality education and enriching life experiences aimed at developing your child to their fullest potential.
PSD provides a robust, bilingual education (American Sign Language and English) for Deaf and hard of hearing students across Pre-Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle, and High School levels, all grounded in a rigorous academic curriculum designed to meet each child’s unique needs. Additionally, PSD offers specialized Early Intervention services for children from birth to age three, both at home and in-center, as well as a Transition Academy for high school graduates preparing for college and/or the workforce.
Criteria
Pennsylvania School for the Deaf offers a supportive and inclusive language and communication environment for Deaf and hard of hearing students, using American Sign Language (ASL) and English. We serve students whose primary language for learning is American Sign Language, as well as those who primarily use spoken English for expression and rely on auditory input for comprehension, with sign language support. *Deaf and hard of hearing encompasses a broader group of individuals including “Deaf”, “DeafBlind”, “DeafDisabled”, and “Hard of Hearing”.
To be considered for enrollment, prospective students must be referred by their local school district or early intervention agency to admissions@psd.org. Our admissions team will carefully review the child’s referral packet, which includes their Individual Education Plan (IEP), Evaluation Report, and audiogram, to assess whether PSD is the appropriate program for their educational needs. While every effort is made to provide programs for students referred to PSD, there may be some situations where PSD may not be an appropriate program.