Western Pennsylvania School For The Deaf (Top-Ranked Private School for 2026)

300 East Swissvale Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15218

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Tel: (412) 244-4214

www.wpsd.org

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The Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (WPSD) is a tuition free, non-profit school with high academic expectations.

Founded in 1869, WPSD provides quality educational services and a complete extracurricular program to Deaf and hard-of-hearing children from birth through Grade 12.

Serving more than 325 students on campuses in Scranton, Hershey and Pittsburgh, we offer an all-inclusive language environment with the goal of fluency in both English and American Sign Language.

With students come from more than 50 counties, WPSD is the largest comprehensive center for deaf education in Pennsylvania.

Quick Facts (2026)

Top-Ranked PA School
School Type: Special Education School
Grades: Prekindergarten-12
Enrollment: 254 students
Acceptance rate: 25%
Average class size: 7 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Western Pennsylvania School For The Deaf ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for:

School Overview

School Type

Special Education School

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Association of Private Special Education Centers
National Association for the Education of Young Children
Other school association(s)

Religious Affiliation

Other

Grades Offered

Grades Prekindergarten-12

Offers Post-Graduate Year

Yes

Learning Difference Programs

Yes

Year Founded

1869

Colors

Blue, Yellow

Summer School Offered

Yes

Student Body

Total Students

254 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

31%

State avg.: 27%

Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

70 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

4:1

National avg.: 11:1

Average Class Size

7 students

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Acceptance Rate

25%

National avg.: 82%

Admissions Director

Deborah Fell

Sports

Total Sports Offered

5 sports

Sports

BasketballCheering

SoccerSoftball

Volleyball

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

8 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Club or Organization:

Chess ClubEcology

FitnessGirl's Athletic Association

Photography

Arts and Music Programs:

Ceramics & PotteryDrama

Recreational Athletic Programs:

Bowling

School Notes

School Motto: WPSD: A Pictorial History of the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf
School Mascot: Lions

The WPSD vision is for students to achieve at the same level as other children in society; to reach their highest potential in academics and citizenship; and to achieve independence, positive self-esteem and high personal aspirations.
WPSD offers an all inclusive communication/language environment. Communication needs are met on an individual basis with emphasis on fluency in both English and American Sign Language.
Over 25% of our student population has Cochlear Implants.
The curriculum incorporates state and national standards.
Mainstream opportunities are offered through a variety of local programs including the student's home school district, a local private elementary school and a public vocational training center.
WPSD offers a complete after school program including a fully equipped fitness center, a variety of clubs and a comprehensive athletic program.
Our staff includes speech language pathologists, audiologists, a school psychologist, a communication teacher, an occupational/physical therapist, guidance counselors and an art therapist.WPSD provides support services as needed.
The Residential Program, open to students from preschool through 12th grade, is an integral part of WPSD. The residential staff provides care and guidance in a warm yet structured environment that includes clubs, social activities and athletic programs.
American Sign Language classes are offered on-campus and at a variety of off-campus locations. Classes are also offered to the corporate community.
The Choices for Children parent-infant program provides early intervention services through home visits and on-campus activities to deaf and hard-of-hearing infants, toddlers and their families through agencies across Pennsylvania.

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate of Western Pennsylvania School For The Deaf?

The acceptance rate of Western Pennsylvania School For The Deaf is 25%, which is lower than the national average of 81%. Western Pennsylvania School For The Deaf's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Pennsylvania with low acceptance rates.

What sports does Western Pennsylvania School For The Deaf offer?

Western Pennsylvania School For The Deaf offers 5 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cheering, Soccer, Softball and Volleyball.

What is Western Pennsylvania School For The Deaf's ranking?

Western Pennsylvania School For The Deaf ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body and Oldest founding date.

When is the application deadline for Western Pennsylvania School For The Deaf?

The application deadline for Western Pennsylvania School For The Deaf is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).