Students are referred to the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf by a variety of sources including audiologists, parents, physicians, school districts and Intermediate Units.

Many families and school districts make their initial contact to WPSD by telephone. Parents are encouraged to schedule an appointment for a visit to the school that provides parents with the opportunity to visit classrooms, talk with staff and tour campus.

If parents decide to pursue a placement at the school, the Coordinator of Children’s Service will facilitate the process. Student records are requested and when received, an admissions evaluation is scheduled. The evaluation typically consists of psycho-educational, audiological and, in some cases, speech and language testing. The school district is notified of the parents’ interest in WPSD.

Results of the admissions evaluation are reviewed by an Admissions Committee. Acceptance decisions are based on the availability of an appropriate educational program, and must be supported and approved by the child’s local school district and the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Of primary importance to the academic success of any child is the strength of the family and school partnership. For this reason, WPSD offers support to parents beginning with the initial contact and continuing through every step of the child’s educational experience with WPSD.