About WPSD
The Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (WPSD) is a non-profit, tuition free 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. The Pittsburgh campus is located on 21 beautiful acres seven miles from downtown. WPSD’s programs also include the statewide Choices for Children Program, The Scranton School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children, serving children in Northeast PA and the WPSD Outreach Services Department. With offices in Scranton, Camp Hill, PA and Pittsburgh, WPSD is the largest comprehensive center for deaf education in Pennsylvania.
- WPSD offers an all inclusive communication/language environment.
- Individual student needs determine the communication with emphasis on the development of both English and American Sign Language.
- The curriculum incorporates state and national standards. WPSD is the only Pennsylvania school fully accredited by The Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf.
- WPSD offers mainstream opportunities including a local private elementary school, a public vocational training center and the student’s home school district.
- WPSD offers a complete after school program including a variety of clubs, a fully equipped fitness center and a comprehensive athletic program.
- 25% of our population has Cochlear Implants.
- Our staff includes speech language pathologists, audiologists, a school psychologist, a communication teacher, an occupational/physical therapist, guidance counselors and an art therapist.
- The Residential Program, open to students from preschool through 12th grade is an integral part the school. The residential staff provides care and guidance in a warm, yet structured family-like, environment.
- American Sign Language classes for adults are offered on-campus and at a variety of off-campus locations. Classes are also offered to the corporate community.
- The WPSD Choices for Children program provides early intervention services through home visits and on-campus activities to deaf and hard-of-hearing infants, toddlers and their families across Pennsylvania.