Kendall Demonstration Elementary School (KDES) and the Model Secondary School for the Deaf (MSSD) serve deaf and hard of hearing students from infancy through high school.
We are the federally mandated demonstration schools of the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center, at Gallaudet University.
KDES/MSSD, a community with diversity at its core, challenges each student to achieve personal excellence in academics, communication, thinking skills, emotional intelligence and life planning in order to become a self-directed, contributing member of society.
Using American Sign Language and English, students are active partners in their individualized education program.
We explore effective approaches to teaching and learning that we share with families and professionals throughout the country.
We believe that the development of the whole child is essential and that each child has unique interests, needs, and abilities.
We believe that all children who are deaf or hard of hearing can learn, achieve, and be responsible for their education.
We believe that a student's positive sense of self is critical for school achievement and success throughout life.
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Special Education School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 101 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Year Founded
1969
School Calendar
First Day of School
Sat. Aug 30, 2025
School Mascot
Eagle
Student Body
Total Students
101 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
38%
State avg.: 46%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
30 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
3:1
National avg.: 13:1
School Colors
White, Blue, Red
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Application URL
School Notes
- Kendall Demonstration Elementary School (KDES) and the Model Secondary School for the Deaf (MSSD) serve deaf and hard of hearing students from infancy through high school. We are the federally mandated demonstration schools of the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center, at Gallaudet University. KDES/MSSD, a community with diversity at its core, challenges each student to achieve personal excellence in academics, communication, thinking skills, emotional intelligence and life planning in order to become a self-directed, contributing member of society. Using American Sign Language and English, students are active partners in their individualized education program. We explore effective approaches to teaching and learning that we share with families and professionals throughout the country. We believe that the development of the whole child is essential and that each child has unique interests, needs, and abilities. We believe that all children who are deaf or hard of hearing can learn, achieve, and be responsible for their education. We believe that a student's positive sense of self is critical for school achievement and success throughout life.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the application deadline for Model Secondary School For The Deaf?
The application deadline for Model Secondary School For The Deaf is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Nearby Private Schools
The nearest high school to Model Secondary School For The Deaf is Gonzaga College High School (0.8 miles away)
The nearest elementary school and preschool is Kendall Demonstration Elementary School (0.1 miles away)
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Grades: PK-8 | 112 students 0.1 miles 800 Florida Ave Ne
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 651-5206
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 651-5206
0.1
PK-8
112
Grades: PK-8 | 241 students 0.2 miles 1217 West Virginia Avenue Ne
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 397-1614
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 397-1614
0.2
PK-8
241
Grades: 9-12 | 962 students 0.8 miles 19 I Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 336-7100
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 336-7100
0.8
9-12
962
New Beginnings Vocational Program Llc
Special Education School
Grades: 9-12 | 30 students 1 miles 2060 W Virginia Ave Ne
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 636-1190
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 636-1190
1
9-12
30
District Montessori
Montessori School
Grades: PK-K | 51 students 1.2 miles 301 A St Se
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 294-4799
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 294-4799
1.2
PK-K
51
School Reviews
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