Western Pennsylvania School For The Deaf

300 East Swissvale Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15218-0152
Tel: (412)371-7000
Grades: PK - 12 | 193 students
View this school's website in a new browser
Request Information / Application Request Info / Application
Add this school to your list of favorites Add to My Saved Schools
View housing listings in this area View housing listings in 15218
Add School Reviews Review school 
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 over 300 students on campuses in Scranton, PA 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 135 school districts and 53 counties, WPSD is the largest comprehensive center for deaf education in Pennsylvania.

School Overview:
Western Pennsylvania School For The Deaf
School Type Special Education School
School Membership(s) Council for Exceptional Children
National Association of Private Special Education Centers
National Association for the Education of Young Children
Other school association(s)
Religious Affiliation Nonsectarian
Grades Offered Grades Prekindergarten - 12
Offers Post-Graduate Year Yes
Learning Difference Programs Yes
Student Body
Total Students 193 students
Student Body Type Co-ed
% Students of Color 21% (PA School Avg.: 19%)
Students by Grade
 
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers 43 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio 5:1 (National school avg.: 13:1)
Classroom dress code Casual
Finances and Admission
Admission Deadline None / Rolling
Admissions Director Deborah Fell

School Notes:

  • 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.

Related School Videos:

104

Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf
1 year ago.

1154

Santa handing out christmas gifts
15 days ago

505

TEDxYouth@Pittsburgh - Carrie Johnston and Amanda Keller - American Sign Language
10 months ago

720

WPSD Alumni VB & BB games
1 year ago.

Related School News:

View all past news stories

Nearby Schools:

Western Pennsylvania School For The Deaf
Gr. PK-12 | 0 mi. away
Universal Academy Of Pittsburgh
Gr. K-7 | 0.3 mi. away
Temple Childrens Center
Gr. K | 0.4 mi. away
St James School
Gr. K-9 | 0.7 mi. away
Pittsburgh Urban Christian School
Gr. K-8 | 0.8 mi. away
Plea School
Gr. K | 0.8 mi. away

View all schools in: Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Zip 15218

School Reviews:

Submit School Recommendation:

1. Recommend school?:
Add School Reviews - Recommended Yes
2. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
  • Academic or athletic awards
3. Email address:      I am a:
(we will not reveal your email)

Area Statistics:

Pittsburgh apartments for rent »

Recent Articles:

About Girls' Schools: In Their Words
About Girls' Schools: In Their Words
Published April 15, 2013
Here are a dozen or so girls' schools' public thoughts about themselves and their missions.

Make Summer a Special Time! Make Summer a Special Time!
If you have children in private school, then you are most likely looking at three months, perhaps even longer, which you must fill with activities of one kind or another during the long summer break.

Are You Liable? Are You Liable?
Is your DEL key about to get gaveled? It doesn't matter whether you teach in a public or private school setting. You expose yourself to legal risks every single day on the job.

  • More articles: Getting into Private School, Pre-elementary, High School Issues, Jobs in Private Schools, Opinion

    • REQUEST FREE
    ADMISSIONS INFORMATION:

    I am a: Parent   Student  
    Email:
    Parent or guardian name:
    First name:
    Middle name:
    Last name:
    Student date of birth:
    Country of citizenship:
    Student is:
    Male   Female  
    Currently grade:    Seeking entry grade:
    Target start date:
    Name of current school:
    School type:
    Public   Private   Parochial  
    Applying for financial aid?:
    Yes   No   Don't Know  

    Please describe academic, athletic, and extracurricular interests of the student.

    Address:
    City:
    Country:
    State:
    Zip:

    (enter "N/A" if not applicable)
    Phone:

    Allow other schools to send me information. Share your information with all schools on our site and let them send you brochures.

    Save this data and create your user profile. Create your own user account so you don't have to re-type your user data each time you request information.You'll also be able to track your information requests, get reminded of application dates, and more!

    Most Popular Articles:

    Note: Data has been gathered from the Dept. of Education, schools, and commercial data sources.