Desert Voices is a non-profit school with the mission of teaching deaf and hard of hearing children how to speak and how to understand when others speak to them.
By teaching them spoken language, our students are prepared to enter a mainstream setting with speech, language, academic and social skills equal to those of their hearing peers.
Ultimately, we seek to help them become independent, successful individuals who can communicate with the world at large through the use of spoken language.
Quick Stats (2023-24)
- School Type: Special Education School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-Kindergarten
- Enrollment: 32 students
- Average class size: 4 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School News
- Incredible Hulk Actor Inspires Valley Students with Hearing Loss - 01/31/2023As a fellow Cochlear Implant recipient himself, actor and fitness enthusiast Lou Ferrigno visited Desert Voices to share his inspring story of growing up with hearing loss and overcoming the ...moreadversity he faced. hide
School Overview
School Type
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-Kindergarten
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Deaf/Hard of Hearing
Year Founded
1997
Student Body
Total Students
32 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
20%
State avg.: 40%
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
6 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
5:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
4 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Tuition Notes
Financial aid available through Desert Voices provided scholarships.
Admissions Director
Dani Merrill
School Notes
- Our Story: Imagine you are a new parent. Your baby, one of the 97% of newborns screened in Arizona for hearing loss, has been diagnosed deaf or hard of hearing. You have found Desert Voices in Phoenix where even infants and their family can begin to gain the skills needed to use spoken language.
- Mission Statement: Desert Voices' missionis to teach each child, who are deaf or hard of hearing, the oral language skills needed to talk and understand when spoken to. Our goal is to prepare the children and their family to mainstream into their school of choice with hearing children their age.
- Organization History: Desert Voices was founded in 1996 by parents of children with hearing loss who believed spoken language instruction provided their children with the greatest educational and social opportunities. Desert Voices opened their doors using a structured, language focused teaching curriculum with one teacher for every two to three students. Today Desert Voices serves families with infants to children age 5 or 6. Our professionals collaborate with pediatricians, audiologists, school districts, and state referral agencies in order to identify these children and facilitate their enrollment in an appropriate program.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the application deadline for Desert Voices Oral Learning Center?
The application deadline for Desert Voices Oral Learning Center is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Calendar
View the Desert Voices Oral Learning Center yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Fall Break
October 09, 2023 (Monday)
No School - Thanksgiving Break
November 22, 2023 (Wednesday)
No School - Spring Break
March 11, 2024 (Monday)
Dismissal -Last Day of School
May 23, 2024 (Thursday)
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