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Areas of Study

Resources for deaf and hard of hearing children, their families, and the professionals that work with them.

The Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center is a federally funded institution offering exemplary academic programs to the diverse population of deaf and hard of hearing students across the nation by providing early intervention services, sign language classes, and uniquely designed resources for deaf and hard of hearing communities.
The Clerc Center at Gallaudet University is your one-stop for deaf education resources. It provides information, training, and technical assistance for families with deaf or hard of hearing children and the professionals that work with them. Learn More
Located on Gallaudet’s campus, KDES is an accredited day school for deaf and hard of hearing students from birth through 8th grade. KDES is the Clerc Center’s demonstration elementary and middle school. Tuition is free, and students are from the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. Learn More

Located on Gallaudet’s campus, MSSD is an accredited four-year school with day and residential deaf and hard of hearing students. In addition, MSSD is the Clerc Center’s demonstration high school.

Tuition is free, and students come from all over the United States and its territories.

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Through summer camps and competitions during the school year, high school and middle school students develop skills, analyze, and challenge themselves while forming relationships with their peers. Learn More

The Clerc Center and KDES also provide early intervention programs and resources, including the Early Childhood Education Center’s Parent-Infant Program and sign language classes for families.

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Kendall Demonstration Elementary School (KDES) and the Model Secondary School for the Deaf (MSSD)

The Clerc Center is responsible for the operation of both KDES and MSSD. Together, these schools provide K-12 education to their students and produce tools and resources to serve our communities through collaborations throughout the country.

Through its affiliation with Gallaudet University, a renowned institution of research and education, University students and researchers participate in classes and mentor MSSD students. Their relationship to Gallaudet ensures dynamic practice, current theory, and customized education for students.

Nationwide Partnerships

Gallaudet’s Regional Centers support our undergraduate and graduate programs by providing resources from the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center for outside training programs, workshops, conferences, youth programs, technical assistance, and consultation to our communities.

Gallaudet University Regional Centers

East: Northern Essex Community College, Haverhill, MA

Midwest: Austin Community College, Austin, TX

West: Ohlone College, Fremont, CA

South: Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind, Talladega, AL

United States map

Info to Go

Between The Clerc Center and Gallaudet University, there is a wealth of knowledge available to families and professionals interested in learning more about the signing community.

Info to Go gives you the best resources and information for deaf and hard of hearing youth.

PK-12: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Resources

Gallaudet Youth Programs

Gallaudet offers exciting and empowering programs for deaf and hard of hearing youth. Our programs and competitions are open to students from any middle or high school and will support your child in developing their identity, knowledge, skills, leadership, and self-confidence.

Our Youth Programs provide an environment for students to learn and improve their American Sign Language (ASL) skills. Our camps, programs, and competitions provide the perfect space to make connections with peers, be immersed in an ASL environment, and enter into a journey of self-discovery along the way.