St. Francis was started by Sr. Anne Behre on September 13, 1960 in a convent in Flushing, New York with four children.
In 1963 the school moved to the Park Slope section of Brooklyn in order to accommodate more students.
In 1965 St. Francis became a private state supported 4201 School, one of eleven schools serving deaf or blind students in New York State.
In 1973 St. Francis moved to its present location on Eastern Parkway where it continues today to educate profoundly deaf children from infancy to eighth grade.
St. Francis de Sales School for the Deaf is dedicated to encouraging the maximum potential for learning in each child regardless of race, creed, color or gender.
This education embraces the whole child-psychological, physical, social and emotional.
St. Francis' instructional program is guided by Reuven Feuerstein's theory of Structured Cognitive Modifiability as the school implements the New York State Curricula in all academic areas.
This theory of development describes how children develop their cognitive skills through Mediated Learning Experiences. It assists children in becoming active learners.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- School Type: Special Education School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 83 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
83 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
77%
State avg.: 40%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
14 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
School Notes
- St. Francis was started by Sr. Anne Behre on September 13, 1960 in a convent in Flushing, New York with four children. In 1963 the school moved to the Park Slope section of Brooklyn in order to accommodate more students. In 1965 St. Francis became a private state supported 4201 School, one of eleven schools serving deaf or blind students in New York State. In 1973 St. Francis moved to its present location on Eastern Parkway where it continues today to educate profoundly deaf children from infancy to eighth grade. St. Francis de Sales School for the Deaf is dedicated to encouraging the maximum potential for learning in each child regardless of race, creed, color or gender. This education embraces the whole child-psychological, physical, social and emotional. St. Francis' instructional program is guided by Reuven Feuerstein's theory of Structured Cognitive Modifiability as the school implements the New York State Curricula in all academic areas. This theory of development describes how children develop their cognitive skills through Mediated Learning Experiences. It assists children in becoming active learners.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the application deadline for St. Francis De Sales School For The Deafin Brooklyn?
The application deadline for St. Francis De Sales School For The Deafin Brooklyn is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is St. Francis De Sales School For The Deafin Brooklyn located?
St. Francis De Sales School For The Deafin Brooklyn is located in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY. There are 17 other private schools located in Crown Heights.
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