Maryland School for the Deaf

The Maryland School for the Deaf is a school that provides free public education to Deaf and hard-of-hearing Maryland residents from birth to age 21.

History
The School was established at Frederick, Maryland in 1868 (Chapter 247, Acts of 1867; Chapter 409, Acts of 1868). A second campus of the Maryland School for the Deaf was authorized in 1968 and opened at Columbia in September 1973 (Chapter 462, Acts of 1968).

Philosophy
At the Frederick and Columbia campuses, the School offers both academic and life-based education leading to a Maryland high school diploma or a Maryland School for the Deaf diploma. In English and American Sign Language (ASL), the School teaches communications skills, including speech and speech reading, finger spelling, and auditory training; and the use of individual hearing aids. It also offers a broad athletic and physical education program, as well as social and recreational activities.

Frederick
Established in 1868, the Frederick Campus of the Maryland School for the Deaf enrolls deaf and hard-of-hearing students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 (Chapter 247, Acts of 1867; Chapter 409, Acts of 1868). For young children (from birth to age five) and their families, the Campus also provides language skill development.

At the Frederick campus, about thirty percent of enrolled students live on campus weeknights during the school year (late August through mid-June). Residential halls are staffed by student life counselors who supervise students and coordinate after school programming, such as intramural games, field trips, swimming, and hiking. Checkers, a 1950s style diner located on the Frederick campus, is student staffed and gives middle and high school students a place to meet friends, and watch movies.

The Maryland State High School Diploma or the Maryland School for the Deaf Diploma is awarded to each graduating senior, and many graduates pursue higher education degrees. Vocational or technical training, and vocational rehabilitation services are available to help other graduates secure employment.

Columbia Campus
Opened in September 1973, the Columbia Campus of the Maryland School for the Deaf enrolls deaf students ages four through sixteen in programs from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade (Chapter 462, Acts of 1968). In addition, an early intervention program works with infants and young children and their families in language development and communications skills. Most students at the Columbia Campus commute daily but some participate in a weeknight residential program.