Model Secondary School For The Deaf

MSSD uses a rigorous academic program grounded in bilingual education, emphasizing self-advocacy and community to support college and career readiness. Instruction is designed for visual learning and accessible communication, with small class sizes that enable individualized support and collaboration between students and teachers.

MSSD’s admissions process is entirely online: families create an account and complete the application, then submit a Student Records Request Form so the current school can send records; applications are only reviewed once all required documents/records are received, and local educational agency (LEA) representatives may also apply with family support. (mssd.gallaudet.edu) Key dates noted on the site include rolling deadlines of June 1 for fall-semester (August) consideration and November 1 for spring-semester (January) consideration, plus a listed Spring 2026 application window of October 1–December 5, 2025 with biweekly decision releases and late applications considered only if space is available. (mssd.gallaudet.edu) Eligibility/requirements include being deaf or hard of hearing with educational needs suited to MSSD’s specialized environment, legally residing with a parent/guardian in the U.S. or its territories, completing (or being on track to complete) 8th grade, and being under age 21 at the time of enrollment (and not already graduated from a secondary program). (mssd.gallaudet.edu) Required materials include the electronic application and release form, a birth certificate copy, proof of residency, and educational records such as an audiogram, discipline reports, IEP/504, assessments/evaluations, and transcripts; a physical exam, immunization record, and other medical forms are due prior to enrollment, and residential students must have health insurance. (mssd.gallaudet.edu) If a student is accepted but there is no immediate opening, enrollment may be delayed until classroom/dorm capacity allows (the website does not describe a formal waitlist process or any priority categories for admission). (mssd.gallaudet.edu)