Model Secondary School for the Deaf (MSSD)

The Model Secondary School for the Deaf (MSSD) was established in 1969 by the U.S. Congress and is part of a 150-year history of educating deaf and hard of hearing students on the campus of Gallaudet University. MSSD provides a tuition-free comprehensive day and residential four-year high school program for deaf and hard of hearing students from the United States and its territories. Today, the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center operates MSSD as a demonstration high school in service to the nation.

As a demonstration school, MSSD attracts collaborations from educators and researchers from across the country interested in exploring bilingual teaching practices. Through its affiliation with Gallaudet University, a renowned institution of research and teacher education, University students and researchers learn with and mentor MSSD students. These advantages ensure dynamic practice and current theory in addition to a one-of-a-kind education for each student.

MSSD holds dual accreditation from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf.

• Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

• Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf

MSSD offers an incredible diversity of opportunities and has something for everyone—comprehensive support services, vibrant student organizations, a wide variety of sports, an outstanding performing arts program, and after-school activities such as student video productions, regional and national Academic Bowl competitions, a robotics team, and  foreign travel.

The school’s location in the nation’s capital places MSSD students front and center to world-class educational and cultural resources. MSSD invites prospective students and their families to attend one of several annual Open Houses. Visit the MSSD Facebook page for more information, the latest news, and events.