Northwest School for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children
Grades and ages
Grades PreK-8
Availability
Admitted on a first come, first served basis
Student-teacher ratio
Approximately 6 students per class
Tuition
Contact for pricing
About Northwest School for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children
Northwest School for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children (NWSDHH) is a private, non-profit school in Shoreline, Washington, dedicated to serving students from birth through eighth grade who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Founded in 1982 by special education teachers Karen Appelman and Judy Callahan, the school was established to provide an alternative to traditional deaf education methods that were failing many children. Today, NWSDHH is a state-approved Non-Public Agency (NPA) that partners with more than 20 school districts across Western Washington to ensure that specialized education is accessible to all families in need.
The school’s instructional model is grounded in Signing Exact English (S.E.E.), a visual representation of spoken English that serves as a vital bridge for students with cochlear implants and hearing aids. This approach, combined with oral/aural skill development and Total Communication, helps students develop functional listening and spoken language skills. Each student receives 15 minutes of individualized one-on-one communication instruction per day to hone their speech, listening, vocabulary, and English proficiency. The curriculum is rigorous and aligned with Washington State Common Core Standards, aiming to keep students performing at or above grade level.
A distinctive feature of the NWSDHH program is its commitment to mainstreaming. Most students attend a local mainstream school for one to three classes per day, providing them with a general education experience and the opportunity to participate fully in a hearing society. With small class sizes averaging six students, the school offers a highly personalized and nurturing environment. Beyond the K-8 program, NWSDHH offers 'Family Conversations,' a birth-to-three program that supports families immediately after a child is diagnosed with a hearing difference.
Admissions to NWSDHH are focused on children who are not yet ready to function independently in a regular classroom setting. Once a child is determined to be an appropriate fit, the school works with the local school district to contract for services. For the vast majority of students, the costs of attendance are fully covered by these district contracts and the support of a loyal donor community. Scholarships are also available in circumstances where district partnerships are not possible, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to receiving high-quality specialized education.
Student fit
Who this school serves
Grades and ages
- Private
- Preschool (Ages 2-5)
- Elementary (K-5)
- Middle School (6-8)
Learning needs supported
- Deaf
- Hard-of-Hearing
Learning and support
Curriculum and therapeutic services
Services and supports
- Individualized communication instruction (speech, listening, vocabulary)
- Cochlear implant support
- Hearing aid support
Programs
Programs at Northwest School for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children
Other programs and supports
- Individualized communication instruction (speech, listening, vocabulary)
- Cochlear implant support
- Hearing aid support
School facts
Practical details for families
Accreditation and licensing
- OSPI-approved Nonpublic Agency (Washington special education placement)
- OSPI-approved Non-Public Agency (NPA)
Tuition and funding
Tuition: Contact for pricing
- District/IEP contract placement
- Scholarships
- Donor support
Transportation
- Provided via school district contracts and partnerships
Enrollment
45 students
Visit us
Location and directions
Map
Reviews
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