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 (2024-25)
- Top Ranked PA School
- School Type: Special Education School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 254 students
- Average class size: 7 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Western Pennsylvania School For The Deaf ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for:
School Overview
School Type
Religious Affiliation
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
254 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
31%
State avg.: 27%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
70 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
4:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
7 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Admissions Director
Deborah Fell
Sports
Total Sports Offered
5 sports
Sports
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
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.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What sports does Western Pennsylvania School For The Deaf offer?
Western Pennsylvania School For The Deaf offers 5 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cheering, Soccer, Softball and Volleyball.
What is Western Pennsylvania School For The Deaf's ranking?
Western Pennsylvania School For The Deaf ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for: Largest student body and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Western Pennsylvania School For The Deaf?
The application deadline for Western Pennsylvania School For The Deaf is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Calendar
View the Western Pennsylvania School For The Deaf yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Spring Break begins
April 18, 2025 (Friday)
Last Day of Classes
June 13, 2025 (Friday)
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
Universal Academy Of Pittsburgh
(Islamic)
Grades: PK-8 | 183 students 0.3 miles 2103 Hampton St
Pittsburgh, PA 15218
(412) 241-2124
Pittsburgh, PA 15218
(412) 241-2124
0.3
PK-8
183
Grades: PK-8 | 146 students 0.7 miles 721 Rebecca Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15221
(412) 242-3515
Pittsburgh, PA 15221
(412) 242-3515
0.7
PK-8
146
Pittsburgh Urban Christian School
(Christian)
Grades: PK-8 | 140 students 0.8 miles 809 Center Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15221
(412) 244-1779
Pittsburgh, PA 15221
(412) 244-1779
0.8
PK-8
140
Plea School
Special Education School
Grades: K-9 | 29 students 0.8 miles 733 South Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15221
(412) 243-3464
Pittsburgh, PA 15221
(412) 243-3464
0.8
K-9
29
Grades: PK-5 | 322 students 1.1 miles 400 S Braddock
Pittsburgh, PA 15221
(412) 968-3179
Pittsburgh, PA 15221
(412) 968-3179
1.1
PK-5
322
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