Log In

Engaged. Involved.
 At home!

Fast friendships, leadership opportunities, and personal growth await all students who consider becoming an MSSD Eagle.

Whether it’s athletics, arts, or clubs, 100% of MSSD students are  involved in something they love. We know you’ll find your fit here. 

Student Life at MSSD is designed to provide a well-rounded high school experience that supports students’ academic, personal, and social development. Our goal is to extend learning beyond the classroom by creating meaningful opportunities for involvement, leadership, community building, and creative expression.

Students are encouraged to actively participate in a variety of experiences that foster:

  • Collaboration and teamwork
  • Independent thinking and problem-solving
  • Leadership and responsibility
  • Personal growth and self-discovery

Whether it’s joining a student organization, participating in a performance, engaging in evening programs, or taking on a leadership role—there’s something for everyone at MSSD.

Residence Life at MSSD

Living on campus is a key part of the MSSD experience. Our students reside in a clean, modern dormitory that opened in January 2017. The three-story, 68,500-square-foot facility supports both learning and community living, providing a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment.

Dorm Highlights

> 160 student beds on the upper two levels

> 10 staff apartments on the ground floor

> Separate wings for blue and red, each with:

  • Study rooms
  • TV lounges
  • Outdoor terraces with panoramic views of Washington, D.C.
Community Spaces

The ground floor serves as the social hub of campus, featuring:

  • A welcoming living room
  • Kitchen and gaming areas
  • Direct access to the new campus green and Eagle Zone gym
DeafSpace-Inspired Design

The dorm incorporates DeafSpace principles to maximize visibility, communication access, and ease of movement, including:

  • All-gender restrooms on the first floor
  • Accessible elevators
  • Open sightlines and intuitive navigation
Supportive Staff

Each floor is supervised by trained residential educators who ensure student safety, well-being, and growth in:

  • Social-emotional development
  • Communication skills
  • Personal responsibility
  • Academic readiness

Student Organizations

Student Body Government (SBG)

SBG gives students a voice and leadership experience by:

  • Overseeing class organizations (Freshman–Senior)
  • Planning and coordinating school-wide activities
  • Collaborating with administration and Student Life on student concerns
Junior National Association of the Deaf (Jr. NAD)

The youth chapter of the NAD focuses on:

  • Leadership development
  • Self-advocacy
  • Community service and civic engagement
  • Hosting leadership seminars for class and organization officers
Peer Advisors (PA)

Peer Advisors are positive role models and leaders who:

  • Provide support for students in the residence halls
  • Help plan and lead educational, social, and recreational floor activities
  • Offer guidance on academic and personal matters
Student Representative Council (SRC)

A student-led forum that:

  • Includes representatives from each class and organization
  • Gathers student feedback, concerns, and ideas
  • Facilitates dialogue between students and school leadership via SBG
 

Student Activities

At MSSD, student life extends far beyond the four walls of a standard classroom.  Our activities support well-rounded development through a variety of after-school, evening, and weekend opportunities.

Student Life & Leadership at MSSD

At MSSD, student organizations promote development across five core areas: Social, Physical, Intellectual, Communicative, and Emotional (SPICE). Students are encouraged to explore their interests, take on leadership roles, and collaborate with peers in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Evening Workshops & Past Activities Include:

  • International Awareness Week
  • Pumpkin Carving Contest
  • UNO Tournament
  • Yoga & Mindfulness Nights
  • Jeopardy Game Night
  • Multicultural Celebrations

Student Employee​

Hands-on opportunities for students to gain work experience and develop valuable skills through paid positions:

  • Peer Tutors – Support fellow students in academics
  • Blue Crew – Assist athletic programs and game-day logistics
  • Red Crew – Document and archive Student Life events
  • Eagle Zone Staff – Manage snack bar and host activities in Eagle Zone
  • Student Activities Assistant – Help plan and coordinate Student Life and weekend events

Evening Programs

MSSD’s Evening Programs provide students with a safe, fun, and social environment to unwind and connect with peers after the school day.

Students enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including:

  • Monthly themed events
  • Game show nights
  • Open pool and gym time
  • Friday and Saturday movie nights

A favorite gathering place is the Eagle Zone—a spacious and vibrant facility open during the evenings. Students can:

  • Relax and socialize with friends
  • Operate and manage the Snack Bar
  • Play billiards, foosball, and ping pong

These programs promote healthy social interaction, leadership skills, and positive use of free time, contributing to the overall student experience at MSSD.

Tutoring Center

The MSSD Tutoring Center, part of the Student Life program, offers academic support to help students succeed both in and out of the classroom. Services include both adult and peer tutoring tailored to students’ individual needs—whether it’s completing assignments or strengthening academic skills.

  • Open Sunday–Thursday
  • Hours: 7:00–9:00 p.m. (subject to change)

*Commuter students are welcome!

Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this resource to enhance their academic progress and confidence in learning

Performing Arts

The Performing Arts Program at MSSD provides students with a rich opportunity to express their creativity and collaborate on stage and behind the scenes. Each year, the program produces:

  • A fall play
  • A winter dance concert
  • A spring play — often student-directed

Students take on a variety of roles based on their interests and talents, including:

  • Acting
  • Directing and assistant directing
  • Set and costume design
  • ASL script translation
  • Choreography
  • Lighting and tech
  • Theater box office operations

These hands-on experiences develop critical thinking, planning, self-expression, and teamwork—skills that benefit students well beyond the stage. MSSD alumni have gone on to perform in professional theater, film, and even on national stages like the Super Bowl.

Theatre Location
 Model Secondary School for the Deaf
 Theatre Malz, 800 Florida Avenue NE
 Washington, DC 20002

Come see what our students bring to life—catch our next show!

  • EMAIL: mssd.studentlife@gallaudet.edu
  • VP/VRS 202-250-2167
  • FAX: 202-651-5403
  • BOYS TEXT 202-905-6749
  • GIRLS TEXT 202-905-6001