Founded in 1869, the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf was the first day school for the deaf in the United States. The school received funds from a variety of foundations and friends, and a charter was obtained. Then a Board of Trustees was organized. The school continued to receive sporadic public funds until 1927, at which time a reimbursement plan for instruction was proposed and accepted by the Department of Education.

Many changes occurred in the field of deaf education during the 1950’s, including the widespread use of preschool education and parent information. In the 1960’s WPSD was awarded state accreditation for its high school program. In the 1980’s several innovative projects were started, and with a new focus on the Total Communication approach, Sign Language classes were taught in the evenings.

Major changes occurred in the 1990’s with the arrival of technology on campus – state of the art technology became the focus of various projects. WPSD built a state of the art Learning Center, the auditorium was refurbished and a new television studio was built. A Math, Science and Technology Center was completed and remains one of the finest in the area.

Today Internet access, smart board technology and document cameras are an everyday part of the educational environment. The recently renovated Children’s Center contains all of the latest technology and classroom upgrades are in progress throughout the campus.

WPSD continues this tradition of excellence into the future.