Preschool to 8th Grade

At Northwest School for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children (NWSDHH), we don’t believe that deafness is an obstacle to academic excellence. We help children from preschool to 8^th grade develop the communication skills they need to thrive socially and academically – in the classroom, at home, on the playground and beyond.

NWSDHH offers a highly interactive, evidence-based approach to classroom instruction. Working closely with our families and students, attending our school provides the foundation for our students to reach their full potential. 

Preschool

Our preschool teachers at NWSDHH are dedicated to providing meaningful, language-rich experiences that engage our students in active learning. We honor and respect each other’s differences and abilities, regularly drawing on the strengths of each child during large and small group activities. We strive to make sure learning always happens in relationship with others.

Developmentally appropriate practice guides our instruction of a complete preschool curriculum. Throughout the day, we rely heavily on routine, exploration, and play to assist in addressing each child’s individual speech, language, and auditory goals.  Daily listening checks are completed upon your child’s arrival. Many of the students in preschool also use FM systems.

Preschoolers and their families are supported through daily communication notebooks and/or email, as well as regular home visits by the teachers. During home visits, we provide information and support for families and other caregivers that have extended contact with your child.

Kindergarten to 8^th Grade

Our rigorous curriculum is aligned with the Common Core State Standards with a focus on building the English grammar and reading skills critical to learning any subject. To teach these essential communication skills, we use research-based instructional methods and highly effective teaching strategies.

Small class size and highly personalized learning define the classroom experience at NWSDHH. Each class has approximately six students paired with one Teacher of the Deaf and one teaching assistant. Our students also receive 15 minutes of individualized tutoring per day in speech, listening, vocabulary and English language skills.

Success in the Mainstream 

Preparing students to confidently participate in general education settings is a primary goal at NWSDHH.  As students approach grade-level proficiency and confidence, they participate in one or more general education classes at nearby schools to begin preparing for their eventual transition into their home school.

Systematic, individually tailored instruction on the specific self-advocacy, communication and social skills that lead to success in the mainstream is part of each child’s program. Students can attend a variety of general education situations ranging from public and private options to part time placement in their home school.

Collaborating with our students, their families, and general education teachers, we ensure our students are ready to continue their educational journey as independent, confident and engaged learners.

Students Succeed

We keep in touch with NWSDHH alumni throughout their lives. The life-long impact of our school is highlighted in the successes of our graduates. Learn more about our graduates and their successes.