Why ASLA? What’s the Difference?

ASLA represents a new era of 21st Century Deaf Education. Unlike historical models, the ASLA recognizes that advances in communication and medical technology  have changed the landscape of communication access. Additionally, the need to be connected to one another has never been greater. Through our innovative programming, we are connecting the deaf and hearing worlds and expanding the world of opportunities for all by leveraging the power of a common language - American Sign Language (ASL). All students, regardless of diagnosis or ability, are united  through ASL

Through dual language practices, ASL is embraced as a powerful tool for ALL students to reach their academic and social potential.

 What ASLA Offers:

  • Kindergarten through age 22 academic and career programming
  • Tuition-free public charter school
  • Respectful of the family unit
  • Dual-language ASL-English program that serves deaf and hearing students
  • Low staff-student ratio
  • Speech, occupational, and physical therapy provided per IEP needs
  • Emphasis on social-emotional well-being for all students
  • High academic expectations for all students
  • Free after-school program
  • Free ASL classes for families
  • Free transportation to and from school for all students
  • Inclusive athletics and clubs
  • Heavy investment in community connections for students and families
  • School events that embrace family engagement
  • Use of the latest technology in every classroom
  • Teachers and administrators knowledgeable in deaf and dual-language education
  • Expansion of the critical mass of signers by including hearing children—including CODAs and siblings
  • School-wide access to language
  • Free and reduced lunch program when applicable
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    A Model Designed For The Future

    Knowing how critical career preparation is in the deaf community, the ASLA structures and aligns its elementary, middle,  high school, and transition programming to achieve real world results.

    Beginning in elementary school, we develop strong foundations by prioritizing academics and social-emotional learning. In middle school, we offer students opportunities to explore career paths with our rich community partnerships. That work deepens in ASLA’s high school, which exclusively serves deaf, hard-of-hearing, and special-education students.  Finally, to address the disproportionately high underemployment rates in the deaf community, the ASLA transition program is dedicated to providing  robust training that prepares students for a career of their choice. Its goal is to bridge the gap between education and employment, training our adult students in the skills they need to live a purposeful life and reach their potential.

    The ASLA is broadening opportunities so every student has pride in their contributions to their community.

    The ASLA Emphasizes:

    Inclusivity

    Our dual-language approach incorporates both American Sign Language and English in an inclusive, welcoming environment. We provide hearing, hard-of-hearing, and deaf students from varying backgrounds the skills they need to communicate with each other and thrive together. About 65% of our students qualify for special education services, and about 95% have a connection to the Deaf community.

    Innovation

    At ASLA, we are reimagining what deaf education can be. We are the first and only state-certified dual-language ASL-English program in the nation, and we are ambitious in our pursuit of reform and innovation. Here’s how:

    • Teacher training residency program in partnership with the University of New Mexico
    • Administer and control a deaf-normed reading assessment created in partnership with University of Minnesota and Penn State University
    • Unique partnership with Harvard’s P.E.A.R Institute in developing a system of school-embedded social-emotional programming for all students.

    Individualized Learning

    The ASLA embraces , that all students learn and develop differently. Our program is dynamic and individualized. We tailor our curriculum and instructional materials to meet each student’s needs and harness their unique abilities. We take pride in serving students with a wide range of abilities: deaf, hard of hearing, hearing, special needs, and gifted.

    Connection

    Every day, we work hard to deepen connections for our students — connections to language, to their families and communities, to exciting ideas and a rich learning environment, and to a bold and bright future. We know that connection is critical, so we involve parents and the broader community in every step of the school experience. ASLA offers free ASL instruction for all family members, to encourage connection beyond the school walls.

    Support

    We expand the realm of possibility for all students by surrounding them with a talented team of educators, specialists, and therapists who understand each student’s’ unique needs. The ASLA provides critical wraparound support, with a variety of therapists that can communicate with ASL.

    Achievement

    We hold high academic standards based on each child’s individual potential. Through an assets based approach, we strive to provide each child with meaningful opportunities to contribute to their community, within the school and beyond.

    We are proud to see ALL our graduates excel in the next steps of their educational and career journey.  Built solidly upon the foundation set at ASLA,  every student moves forward  with a proud sense of their identity, confidence in their skills, and the ability to  positively affect the world.