our model.
A rigorous standards-based dual-language educational program is the foundation of the school. The curriculum supports language acquisition of both American Sign Language (ASL) and English as appropriate to each student’s abilities.
When all students, hearing and deaf, have a common language by which to communicate, the world of opportunity expands. ASL gives all students the opportunity to interact and communicate with a larger group of peers and promotes an environment of inclusion and school-wide access to language.
Most importantly, the ASL Academy offers a real world environment where deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing children, parents, staff, and community members must communicate and work together to reach their goals. We embrace project-based learning where students are able to apply what they’ve learned to hands-on, real world projects.
get to know us.
The ASL Academy was created by big-hearted educators and parents of deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing children who wanted a better educational option that allowed their families to remain together and thrive. After years of working within the existing systems and struggling with the idea of being separated—both geographically and linguistically—from their kids, the ASL Academy founders determined that opening a charter school was the only option because it provided for significant and immediate change in deaf education.
We believe that American Sign Language has a deep power to unify people and improve their quality of life. Together we build bridges through dual language learning, education, and culture so our students, families, school, and the surrounding community can unite and flourish together.
The ASL Academy currently serves 100 students in grades K-12.
- 95% of students have a link to the deaf community, either by being deaf or hard of hearing themselves or by having a deaf sibling, parent, cousin, or other family members.
- 1 to 1 ratio of deaf to hearing students
- 65% of students operate through special education programming
- 7 past students are a workforce transition program for 18–22 years old.
Experience this innovative learning environment by scheduling a tour with us.
We look forward to speaking with you soon to learn about your family’s specific needs and share our educational philosophy around deaf education.
why asla?
- Tuition-free public charter school
- Respectful of the family unit
- Dual-language ASL-English program that serves deaf and hearing students
- Eight-to-one adult-student ratio
- Speech, occupational, and physical therapy provided per IEP needs
- Emphasis on social-emotional well-being for all students
- High academic expectations for all students
- Free after-school program
- Free ASL classes for families
- Free transportation to and from school for all students
- Inclusive athletics and clubs
- Heavy investment in community connections for students and families
- School events that embrace family engagement
- Use of latest technology in every classroom
- Teachers and administrators knowledgeable in deaf and dual-language education
- Expansion of the critical mass of signers by including hearing children—including CODAs and siblings
- School-wide access to language
- Free and reduced lunch program when applicable
individualized.
The ASL Academy recognizes that all students develop and learn differently. Because there is no "typical student," the ASL Academy's program is dynamic and individualized. The curriculum and instructional methods are constantly evolving and adjusting to meet the individual needs by leveraging each student’s specific abilities.
We take pride in being able to serve students with a wide range of abilities; deaf, hard of hearing, hearing, special needs, and gifted.
