Instruction takes place in self-contained classrooms with some rotation for individualized math in elementary school. Comprehensive Special Features and Services Students in ASD's Lower School have access to a broad range of special opportunities and services. The Lower School program is supported by professional staff with specialized training in the areas of school counseling, social work, school psychology, learning disabilities, speech and language pathology, audiology, physical therapy and occupational therapy. Over 70 percent of the ASD faculty and professional staff have earned masters degrees or above. The academic program in ASD's Lower School is supplemented by an outstanding after-school enrichment program which includes the school's Monday through Thursday Residential Life Services.
Day students are eligible and encouraged to participate in the after-school program.
Like all programs at the American School for the Deaf, the Lower School is guided by the Total Communication Philosophy. All modes of communication speech, speechreading, aural, oral, and sign language communication systems are encouraged, ensuring that communication is comfortable and effective for each student. The combination of ASD's experience and vast network of contacts places ASD in a unique position to effectively serve the deaf community. A strong commitment to quality and excellence is demonstrated throughout every Lower School program.