Model Secondary School for the Deaf

“A national model for excellence in deaf education”

At a Glance

Model Secondary School for the Deaf (MSSD) is a private high school located on the campus of Gallaudet University in Northeast DC's Ward 5. Serving Deaf and hard of hearing students in grades 9-12, MSSD provides a specialized bilingual educational environment where American Sign Language and English are both languages of instruction. The school draws residential and day students from across the United States, creating a unique community focused on Deaf education and identity development.

As a demonstration school affiliated with Gallaudet University, MSSD serves as a laboratory for innovative practices in Deaf education while providing comprehensive secondary education to its students. The high school setting allows students to benefit from the university campus environment, including access to resources and a vibrant Deaf community that extends beyond the typical high school experience.

What Parents Should Know

MSSD operates as a tuition-free private school funded through the U.S. Department of Education, making it financially accessible to eligible families. Because it serves students nationally, families should understand that this is not a neighborhood school and has specific eligibility requirements related to hearing status and academic readiness. The application process differs significantly from typical DC private schools or the My School DC lottery system used by public and charter schools.

The school's location at 800 Florida Avenue NE places it directly on Gallaudet University's campus, which means students are immersed in a university environment from grades 9-12. This setting can provide unique opportunities for academic enrichment and exposure to post-secondary education, but families should consider what this campus environment means for their high schooler's daily experience. Students have the option to attend as residential or day students, which is an important consideration for DC-area families who may prefer either arrangement.

As a school serving exclusively Deaf and hard of hearing students, MSSD's educational approach centers on bilingual instruction using both American Sign Language and English. Families should be prepared for an environment where Deaf culture and identity are central to the school experience, and where communication access is built into every aspect of the educational program. The grade 9-12 configuration means students enter as freshmen and remain through graduation, with no middle school transition to manage mid-stream.

The school's national student body means DC families will find their students learning alongside peers from many states, which creates diversity of geographic experience but may differ from the primarily local student populations found in DC's neighborhood public schools or many area private schools.

Programs and Approach

As a private school, MSSD requires families to complete an application process directly with the school rather than through the My School DC lottery system. Prospective families should contact the school well in advance to understand eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and the evaluation process for admission. The school looks for students who can benefit from its specialized bilingual educational model and who meet specific criteria related to hearing loss.

The academic program emphasizes college preparation and serves as a model for best practices in Deaf education nationally. Because MSSD functions as a demonstration school, its teaching methods and curricula are designed to be innovative and research-informed. Students participate in a comprehensive high school program that includes academics, arts, athletics, and leadership opportunities, all delivered in an accessible bilingual environment.

The residential option distinguishes MSSD from most DC high schools and allows students from across the country to attend. Families choosing the day student option benefit from the specialized program while maintaining their home routine.

Visiting and Contact

Model Secondary School for the Deaf is located at 800 Florida Avenue NE on the Gallaudet University campus in Northeast Washington. Families interested in learning more about admissions, visiting campus, or understanding whether MSSD is the right fit for their student should visit https://mssd.gallaudet.edu or call (202) 250-2152 for current information about tours and the application process.