Central Institute for the Deaf (Top Ranked Private School for 2025-26)

825 S. Taylor Avenue
Saint Louis, MO 63110

Central Institute for the Deaf Photo #1 - CID audiologists evaluate hearing and fit babies with hearing aids.

Central Institute for the Deaf Photo #2 - A CID parent educator counsels a young family in the Joanne Parrish Knight Family Center.

Central Institute for the Deaf Photo #3 - Small class sizes and teachers with advanced degrees combine to create a high quality, highly individualized listening and spoken language education for every student.

Central Institute for the Deaf Photo #4 - At CID, preschoolers receive a strong foundation in speech, language, literacy and social skills. Best practices from the mainstream combined with research-based learning through play create a foundation for success of our 3- to 5-year-olds.

Central Institute for the Deaf Photo #5 - CID alumni have attended more than 120 universities and have succeeded in fields from architecture, civil service and communications to law and medicine.

CID is a school where teachers, audiologists and speech-language pathologists use listening and spoken language to teach children who are deaf and hard of hearing from birth to age 12 (audiology through age 18).

We teach children to listen, talk, read and succeed in their local schools without the use of sign language.

CID also provides educational curricula, expert consultation and continuing education opportunities for professionals.

Quick Facts (2025-26)

Top Ranked MO School
School Type: Special Education School
Grades: Prekindergarten-4
Enrollment: 42 students
Average class size: 5 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Central Institute for the Deaf ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Missouri for:

School Overview

School Type

Special Education School

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades Prekindergarten-4

Year Founded

1914

Summer School Offered

Yes

Summer Program Details

View Summer Program Details

School Calendar

View School Calendar

Last Day of School

Mon. May 25, 2026

Student Body

Total Students

42 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

36%

State avg.: 20%

Students by Grade

Central Institute for the Deaf Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

5 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

8:1

National avg.: 13:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

99%

Average Class Size

5 students

List of Courses Offered

Link to List of Courses

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Tuition Notes

CID students with hearing loss receive full tuition scholarships.

% on Financial Aid

100%

Admissions Director

Lynda Berkowitz

Application URL

Online Application

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

1 extracurricular

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Recreational Athletic Programs:

Tennis

School Notes

School Motto: Listen Talk Read Succeed

full scholarship support for students
caring, experienced, energetic teachers with advanced degrees
on-site pediatric audiologists and speech-language pathologists
on-site occupational therapist
cochlear implant expertise
specially constructed facilities for teaching deaf children, birth to age 12
Washington University affiliated program
Missouri First Steps provider for birth-3
Illinois Child and Family Connections
dynamic early literacy and literacy programs
play-based learning pre-k and kindergarten
emphasis on socail, social-emotional and pragmatic skills along with speech, listening, language, reading and academics
physical education, art, music and computer
parent support meetings
transition assistance
special activities
before and after school care available
extended school year program
graduate enrichment programs (summer)

Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- T. Alan Hurwitz - Former Director Emeritus of Gallaudet University
- Heather Whitestone - 1995 Miss America

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who are famous alumni from Central Institute for the Deaf?

Central Institute for the Deaf famous alumni include: T. Alan Hurwitz and Heather Whitestone.

Does Central Institute for the Deaf offer a summer program?

Yes, Central Institute for the Deaf offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.

What is Central Institute for the Deaf's ranking?

Central Institute for the Deaf ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Missouri for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees.

When is the application deadline for Central Institute for the Deaf?

The application deadline for Central Institute for the Deaf is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

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