We empower students

Our dedicated, fully bilingual teachers and staff serve as language models and mentors who understand how to meet each student’s unique needs.

Instruction is differentiated, technology-driven, and tailored to the goals outlined in each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and postsecondary transition plans.

Our students graduate empowered and ready to thrive in college, careers, and their communities.

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At MSSD, students engage in a challenging and inclusive academic program aligned with national Common Core State Standards. Our classrooms are designed for optimal visual learning, with small class sizes that foster collaboration, deep engagement, and meaningful teacher-student interaction.

All instruction is conducted in American Sign Language (ASL), supporting a bilingual learning environment that embraces the diverse communication backgrounds of our students. New signers receive targeted support through our Emerging Signers Services to help them gain confidence and fluency in ASL.

Our dedicated teachers and staff serve as language models and mentors, understanding and meeting each student’s unique needs. Instruction is differentiated and technology-driven, centered on the goals outlined in each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and aligned with their postsecondary transition plans. We empower students to graduate prepared to thrive in college, careers, and their communities.

Academic Programs Outcomes

At Model Secondary School for the Deaf, our students will:

Mastery of Core Academic Knowledge

Gain essential knowledge in ASL, English Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Physical Education, Health, Deaf Studies, Technology, and the Arts.

Bilingual Fluency

Develop strong communication competencies in both American Sign Language and English, enabling effective interaction with Deaf, ASL-using, and hearing communities.

Critical and Collaborative Thinking

Become reflective thinkers, problem-solvers, and decision-makers who collaborate with others across diverse social, academic, and cultural settings.

Emotional Intelligence and Leadership

Demonstrate self-awareness, respect, and positive behavior, building emotional intelligence and leadership in all aspects of life.

Lifelong Planning and Self-Advocacy

Create and refine a personal life plan through self-discovery and real-world experiences. They will understand their rights, identify available resources, and develop strong self-advocacy skills.

Excellence in Deaf Education

Advanced Courses

MSSD empowers students to reach their full academic potential through a range of advanced learning opportunities, including:

Advanced Placement (AP) courses
Honors-level classes
College dual credit programs

These courses challenge students with in-depth exploration, critical thinking, and college-level assignments in preparation for postsecondary success.

Eagle Academy

Students enrolled in Eagle Academy take a double-period block in either English or math, giving them extended, focused time to address individual learning needs. Instruction is delivered through a multi-pronged approach that incorporates:

Personalized, targeted instruction
Ongoing skill assessments
Use of both ASL and English tools to support language development
A variety of mathematics assessment strategies

Academic Bowl

The Academic Bowl program at MSSD offers students an exciting opportunity to expand their academic knowledge, sharpen their thinking skills, and compete with other top deaf students from across the country.

VEX

VEX Robotics is an international robotics program that offers hands-on learning through designing, building, and programming robots. The VEX Robotics Competition (VRC) is the competition platform used for middle school and high school students.

National Honor Society

Membership in the National Honor Society (NHS) is one of the highest recognitions a high school student can receive. At MSSD, our chapter works to uphold the Society’s core values and bring them to life through meaningful action.

Cultural Exchange Program

A cultural exchange program is an opportunity for our students to learn about cultures, both domestically and internationally. It encourages students to broaden their global awareness and perspectives, develop cross-cultural communication skills, and build meaningful connections with people from diverse backgrounds. Through firsthand experiences, students gain a deeper appreciation for different traditions, values, and ways of life. Participating in a cultural exchange program also helps students grow personally by stepping outside of their comfort zones and engaging with new environments.

Graduation Requirements

Model Secondary School for the Deaf (MSSD) offers multiple pathways to graduation tailored to students’ academic progress and postsecondary goals. Students may graduate with a Merit Diploma, Standard Diploma, or a Certificate of Completion.

All graduating students must complete the following school-wide requirements:

40 hours of community service
Senior year internship experience
Academic portfolio

Merit Diploma

For students pursuing academic distinction. Eligibility Requirements:

Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA

Reading level of 10th grade or higher (based on standardized assessments)

Course Credit Requirements:

English – 4 credits
Mathematics – 4 credits (including Algebra II or Geometry)
Science – 4 credits
Social Studies – 4 credits
Physical Education & Health – 1.0 credit total

- 0.5 PE + 0.5 Health
Electives – 3.0 credits total

- 0.5 Deaf Studies
- 0.5 Technology
- 0.5 Arts
- 1.5 Student-selected electives

Standard Diploma

For students meeting essential academic benchmarks. Eligibility Requirements:

Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA

Reading level of 5th grade or higher (based on standardized assessments)

Course Credit Requirements:

English – 4 credits
Mathematics – 3 credits (including Algebra I)
Science – 3 credits
Social Studies – 3 credits
Physical Education & Health – 1.0 credit total
- 0.5 PE + 0.5 Health
Electives – 3.0 credits total
- 0.5 Deaf Studies
- 0.5 Technology
- 0.5 Arts
- 1.5 Student-selected electives

Certificate of Completion

For students who have met academic requirements but continue to receive transition support services.

Key Notes:

This certificate is not a diploma.
Students earning a certificate may participate in graduation activities.
Students maintain the right to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) and may continue working toward a diploma.

Requirements:

Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
Completion of required high school coursework:
- English – 4 years
- Mathematics – 3 years
- Health – 1 semester
- Additional academic courses as defined by the IEP team

Transition Planning:

Students earning a certificate will have a postsecondary transition plan outlined in their IEPs, including connections with adult services for employment, vocational training, or continuing education.

Students who do not have testing accommodations in their IEPs should register for Arranged Testing test dates. Students who have testing accommodations in their IEPs, such as extended testing time, should register for Special Testing test dates.