Western Pennsylvania School For The Deaf
Tel:
(412) 371-7000
- 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 more than 325 students on campuses in Scranton, Hershey 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 50 counties, WPSD is the largest comprehensive center for deaf education in Pennsylvania.
Quick Stats (2020-21)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Students: 233 students
- Average class size: 7 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Top Placements
Western Pennsylvania School For The Deaf places among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for:
- Category Attribute
- Student Body Largest student body
- School History Oldest founding date
School Overview
| School Type | Special Education School |
| School Membership(s)School Assoc. | 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 |
| Year Founded | 1869 |
| Summer School Offered | Yes |
Student Body
| Total Students | 233 students |
| Student Body Type | Co-ed |
| % Students of Color | 28% State avg.: 23% |
| Students by Grade |
|
Academics and Faculty
| Total Classroom Teachers | 60 teachers |
| Student : Teacher Ratio | 4:1 National avg.: 13:1 |
| Average Class Size | 7 students |
| Classroom Dress Code | Casual |
Finances and Admission
| Admission Deadline | None / Rolling |
| Admissions Director | Deborah Fell |
Sports
| Total Sports Offered | 5 sports |
| Sports | Basketball, Cheering, Soccer, Softball, VolleyballBasketball, Cheering, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball |
Extracurriculars
| Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric. | 8 extracurriculars |
| ExtracurricularsExtra-curric. | Club or Organization: Chess Club, Ecology, Fitness, Girl's Athletic Association, Photography Arts and Music Programs: Ceramics & Pottery, Drama Recreational Athletic Programs: Bowling |
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.
Nearby Private Schools
- The nearest high school to Western Pennsylvania School For The Deaf is Plea School (0.8 miles away)
- The nearest elementary school and preschool is Universal Academy Of Pittsburgh (0.3 miles away)
Show me:
- School Location Miles Grades Students
- PittsburghUniversal Academy Of Pittsburgh(Islamic)Grades: PK-8 | 103 students
0.3 miles
2103 Hampton St
Pittsburgh, PA 15218
(412) 241-2124 0.3 PK-8
103 - Pittsburgh Grades: PK-8 | 146 students
0.7 miles
721 Rebecca Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15221
(412) 242-3515 0.7 PK-8
146 - PittsburghPittsburgh Urban Christian School(Christian)Grades: K-8 | 132 students
0.8 miles
809 Center Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15221
(412) 244-1779 0.8 K-8
132 - PittsburghPlea SchoolSpecial Education SchoolGrades: PK-12 | 31 students
0.8 miles
733 South Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15221
(412) 243-3464 0.8 PK-12
31 - Pittsburgh Grades: NS-5 | 267 students
1.1 miles
400 S Braddock
Pittsburgh, PA 15221
(412) 473-4400 1.1 NS-5
267
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