Sam SmithChoosing the right school or program for a deaf or hard-of-hearing student is one of the most important decisions a family can make. The United States offers a wide range of options—historic residential schools, specialized day schools, oral/LSL programs, bilingual ASL/English environments, and strong mainstream programs supported by dedicated service providers. Because every child’s communication style, learning needs, and social preferences are unique, the “best” program is ultimately the one that aligns most closely with that individual profile.
The following list highlights 50 of the most respected, established, and influential schools and programs serving deaf and hard-of-hearing students across the country. These institutions are recognized for their academic quality, cultural inclusion, accessibility services, innovation, and long-standing contributions to the Deaf community and deaf education. This resource is designed to help families, educators, and professionals better understand the diverse educational environments available today.
Top 50 Deaf Schools In The US
1. Gallaudet University
Gallaudet University
This institution is the world’s only bilingual liberal arts university created specifically for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. With a strong emphasis on American Sign Language and English fluency, it provides a deeply immersive cultural environment. Its campus includes the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center, which operates both a model high school and elementary program. Students benefit from accessible instruction, abundant support services, research opportunities, and a vibrant Deaf community that fosters identity, leadership, and academic achievement.
2. California School for the Deaf, Fremont
California School for the Deaf, Fremont
This school is known for its strong bilingual ASL/English curriculum, competitive athletics, and deep-rooted Deaf cultural life. Serving Northern California, it provides a full residential experience that promotes independence and community. Students access advanced academic tracks, vocational opportunities, and robust extracurriculars supported by state-of-the-art technology. The school emphasizes Deaf-led leadership, visual learning strategies, and family involvement, creating an environment where students thrive socially and academically while building confidence and strong language foundations.
3. California School for the Deaf, Riverside
California School for the Deaf, Riverside
This Southern California institution offers a comprehensive K–12 residential program grounded in bilingual ASL/English education. Known for its inclusive campus culture and high academic expectations, the school supports students through specialized instruction, mental health services, and strong family partnerships. Its numerous clubs, sports, and leadership opportunities help students develop independence and a strong Deaf identity. Modern facilities and visually accessible classrooms make it one of the most respected Deaf education environments in the region.
4. Texas School for the Deaf
Texas School for the Deaf
The largest deaf residential school in the United States, this institution offers extensive academic programs, career training, athletics, and performing arts grounded in bilingual education. Students benefit from a wide range of specialized services, including speech, counseling, transition programs, and family support. The school’s large campus fosters independence and community engagement. Its strong partnerships with local organizations and universities allow students to explore advanced pathways while building a confident cultural and linguistic identity.
5. Indiana School for the Deaf
Indiana School for the Deaf
A historic bilingual ASL/English school, this institution is known for rigorous academics, early childhood programs, and strong family education services. The school offers robust athletics, visual arts, and vocational opportunities, fostering well-rounded development. Its visually accessible classrooms, skilled staff, and Deaf-led leadership support strong language acquisition and identity formation. Students benefit from a close-knit community that encourages self-advocacy and prepares them for advanced education, employment, and successful engagement within both Deaf and hearing communities.
6. Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind
Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind
This large state-funded school serves both deaf and blind students with a wide array of academic programs, therapies, arts, and technology supports. Its bilingual ASL/English and spoken-language pathways allow individualized learning. Students benefit from residential life opportunities, vocational training, and extensive extracurriculars. The campus includes modern accessibility features, sensory learning supports, and specialized staff. Its long history and comprehensive statewide outreach make it one of the most influential institutions in sensory disability education.
7. Maryland School for the Deaf
Maryland School for the Deaf
Operating two campuses, this school is recognized for academic excellence, strong bilingual programming, and a supportive family-centered approach. Students learn through visually rich instruction, STEM programs, arts, athletics, and leadership opportunities. Highly qualified staff integrate language development with rigorous coursework. The school emphasizes early intervention, cultural identity, and community engagement. Its partnerships with universities and agencies help students transition smoothly into college or careers, making it one of the nation’s most respected Deaf schools.
8. The Learning Center for the Deaf
The Learning Center for the Deaf
This private bilingual school serves students from early childhood through high school with ASL/English instruction, mental health resources, and specialized support for complex needs. The campus includes the Walden School, a nationally known therapeutic residential program for deaf youth. Students engage in academics, arts, athletics, and transition services designed to foster independence. Its strong community partnerships, family ASL education, and Deaf-led leadership make it a hub for innovation and cultural enrichment in Deaf education.
9. Rochester School for the Deaf
Rochester School for the Deaf
Located in one of the largest Deaf communities in the country, this school benefits from proximity to NTID/RIT and extensive community resources. It offers a bilingual ASL/English environment, strong academics, early childhood programs, and vocational preparation. Students thrive in visually optimized classrooms and experience diverse extracurriculars, leadership opportunities, and career pathways. The school’s long history, family involvement, and connection to a vibrant local Deaf population create a rich, supportive educational ecosystem.
10. Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf
Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf
A respected bilingual ASL/English institution, this school provides rigorous academics, arts, athletics, and early intervention programs. Its visually accessible environment, skilled staff, and individualized education plans support the whole child—language, social development, and emotional well-being. Students benefit from residential options, community service opportunities, and robust transition programs preparing them for post-secondary success. Long-standing community ties and modern technology integration make it one of the strongest Deaf education centers in the region.
| # | School / Program | Location | Type / Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gallaudet University | Washington, D.C. | Residential / Higher Education, Bi-Bi, Model Schools |
| 2 | California School for the Deaf, Fremont (CSDF) | Fremont, CA | Residential / Bi-Bi |
| 3 | California School for the Deaf, Riverside (CSDR) | Riverside, CA | Residential / Bi-Bi |
| 4 | Texas School for the Deaf (TSD) | Austin, TX | Residential / Bi-Bi |
| 5 | Indiana School for the Deaf (ISD) | Indianapolis, IN | Residential / Bi-Bi |
| 6 | Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB) | St. Augustine, FL | Residential / Bi-Bi |
| 7 | Maryland School for the Deaf (MSD) | Frederick & Columbia, MD | Residential / Bi-Bi |
| 8 | The Learning Center for the Deaf (TLC) | Framingham, MA | Residential & Day / Bi-Bi & Special Needs |
| 9 | Rochester School for the Deaf (RSD) | Rochester, NY | Residential / Bi-Bi |
| 10 | Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (WPSD) | Pittsburgh, PA | Residential / Bi-Bi |
| 11 | Atlanta Area School for the Deaf (AASD) | Clarkston, GA | Residential / Bi-Bi |
| 12 | Kansas School for the Deaf (KSD) | Olathe, KS | Residential / Bi-Bi |
| 13 | Missouri School for the Deaf (MSD) | Fulton, MO | Residential / Bi-Bi |
| 14 | Washington School for the Deaf (WSD) | Vancouver, WA | Residential / Bi-Bi |
| 15 | Ohio School for the Deaf (OSD) | Columbus, OH | Residential / Bi-Bi |
| 16 | The Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech | Multiple (MA, NY, PA, FL) | Day / Listening & Spoken Language (LSL) |
| 17 | St. Joseph’s School for the Deaf | Bronx, NY | Day / Bi-Bi & Oral |
| 18 | Cincinnati Speech and Hearing Center (HCD) | Cincinnati, OH | Day / Oral |
| 19 | Memphis Oral School for the Deaf (MOSD) | Memphis, TN | Day / LSL |
| 20 | Tucker-Maxon Oral School | Portland, OR | Day / LSL |
| 21 | Central Institute for the Deaf (CID) | St. Louis, MO | Day / Oral & Research |
| 22 | Cleary School for the Deaf | Nesconset, NY | Day / Total Communication |
| 23 | Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf | Mill Neck, NY | Day / Bi-Bi |
| 24 | Jean Massieu Academy | UT, TX | Charter / Bi-Bi |
| 25 | Charter Oak State College | CT | Higher Ed / Deaf Studies |
| 26 | Bloomington Public Schools (District 271) | Bloomington, MN | Mainstream / Integrated DHH Program |
| 27 | Jefferson County Public Schools | Louisville, KY | Mainstream / DHH Program |
| 28 | Northwest School for Hearing-Impaired Children (NWS) | Seattle, WA | Day / Oral |
| 29 | BOCES Programs (Various, NY) | NY | Mainstream / Regional DHH Programs |
| 30 | Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) | Los Angeles, CA | Mainstream / Specialized Centers |
| 31 | Chicago Public Schools | Chicago, IL | Mainstream / Cluster & Specialized Programs |
| 32 | Boston Public Schools | Boston, MA | Mainstream / DHH Program |
| 33 | Denver Public Schools | Denver, CO | Mainstream / DHH Program |
| 34 | Austin Independent School District | Austin, TX | Mainstream / DHH Program |
| 35 | Fairfax County Public Schools | Fairfax, VA | Mainstream / DHH Program |
| 36 | National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) at RIT | Rochester, NY | Higher Ed / Technical & STEM |
| 37 | Gallaudet University | Washington, D.C. | Higher Ed / Bi-Bi |
| 38 | Southwest Collegiate Institute for the Deaf (SWCID) at Howard College | Big Spring, TX | Higher Ed / Community College |
| 39 | Seattle Central College – Deaf Studies | Seattle, WA | Higher Ed / Transition to University |
| 40 | Ohlone College for the Deaf | Fremont, CA | Higher Ed / ASL & DHH Programs |
| 41 | Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) | Talladega, AL | Residential & Day / Comprehensive DHH & Blind Programs |
| 42 | Arkansas School for the Deaf | Little Rock, AR | Residential / Bi-Bi |
| 43 | Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind (CSDB) | Colorado Springs, CO | Residential / Bi-Bi & Blind |
| 44 | Connecticut Institute for the Deaf | Hartford, CT | Residential / Bi-Bi |
| 45 | Delaware School for the Deaf | Newark, DE | Residential / Bi-Bi |
| 46 | Hawaii School for the Deaf and the Blind | Honolulu, HI | Residential / Bi-Bi & Blind |
| 47 | Idaho School for the Deaf and the Blind | Gooding, ID | Residential / Bi-Bi & Blind |
| 48 | Iowa School for the Deaf | Council Bluffs, IA | Residential / Bi-Bi |
| 49 | Kentucky School for the Deaf | Danville, KY | Residential / Bi-Bi |
| 50 | Louisiana School for the Deaf | Baton Rouge, LA | Residential / Bi-Bi |
Closing
Selecting the right educational path for a deaf or hard-of-hearing student requires thoughtful consideration of communication philosophy, support services, school culture, and long-term outcomes. While each program on this list has earned a strong reputation, the ideal choice depends on what best supports the student’s language development, identity, and overall well-being.
Families are encouraged to visit campuses, speak with staff and alumni, observe classrooms, and explore each school’s approach to language and inclusion. Whether a student thrives in a bilingual ASL/English environment, an oral/LSL setting, a total communication program, or a supportive mainstream school, the ultimate goal remains the same: to empower every deaf and hard-of-hearing learner with the tools, confidence, and community they need to succeed.