Central Institute for the Deaf (Top-Ranked 草榴社区 School for 2026)

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Central Institute for the Deaf

825 S. Taylor Avenue
Saint Louis, MO 63110

Tel: (314) 977-0132

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Central Institute for the Deaf Photo #1 - CID audiologists evaluate hearing and fit babies with hearing aids.

Central Institute for the Deaf Photo #2 - A CID parent educator counsels a young family in the Joanne Parrish Knight Family Center.

Central Institute for the Deaf Photo #3 - Small class sizes and teachers with advanced degrees combine to create a high quality, highly individualized listening and spoken language education for every student.

Central Institute for the Deaf Photo #4 - At CID, preschoolers receive a strong foundation in speech, language, literacy and social skills. Best practices from the mainstream combined with research-based learning through play create a foundation for success of our 3- to 5-year-olds.

Central Institute for the Deaf Photo #5 - CID alumni have attended more than 120 universities and have succeeded in fields from architecture, civil service and communications to law and medicine.

CID is a school where teachers, audiologists and speech-language pathologists use listening and spoken language to teach children who are deaf and hard of hearing from birth to age 12 (audiology through age 18).

We teach children to listen, talk, read and succeed in their local schools without the use of sign language.

Generous support from the St. Louis community makes it possible for children with hearing loss to attend our school tuition-free.

CID also provides educational curricula, expert consultation and continuing education opportunities for professionals.

Quick Facts (2026)

Top-Ranked MO School
School Type: Special Education School
Grades: Nursery/Preschool-5
Enrollment: 194 students
Average class size: 5 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Central Institute for the Deaf ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Missouri for:

School Overview

School Type

Special Education School

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

Other school association(s)

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades Nursery/Preschool-5

Year Founded

1914

Colors

blue and orange, pink

Summer School Offered

Yes

Summer Program Details

School Calendar

First Day of School

Mon. Aug 17, 2026

Last Day of School

Fri. May 21, 2027

Student Body

Total Students

194 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

36%

State avg.: 20%

Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

5 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

39:1

National avg.:

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

99%

Average Class Size

5 students

List of Courses Offered

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Tuition Notes

CID students with hearing loss receive full tuition scholarships.

% on Financial Aid

100%

Admissions Director

Lynda Berkowitz

Application URL

Endowment Size

$50 million

School Notes

School Motto: Listen Talk Read Succeed

all d/hh students attend tuition-free
caring, experienced, energetic teachers with advanced degrees
pediatric audiologists and speech-language pathologists
behavior specialist
occupational therapy
cochlear implant expertise
specially constructed facilities for teaching deaf children
Washington University affiliated program
Missouri First Steps provider for birth-3
Illinois Child and Family Connections birth-3
dynamic early literacy and literacy programs
play-based learning pre-k and kindergarten
emphasis on social-emotional and pragmatic skills along with speech, listening, language, reading and academics
physical education, art, music and computer
dedicated family support services
parent support meetings
transition assistance
special activities
before and after school care
extended school year program
graduate enrichment programs (summer)
teen connections camp week (June)

Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- T. Alan Hurwitz - Former Director Emeritus of Gallaudet University
- Heather Whitestone - 1995 Miss America
- Jeffrey Zuckerman - Acclaimed Literary Translator
- Paul Taylor - Telecommunications for the Deaf Pioneer
- I. Lee Brody - Telecommunications for the Deaf Pioneer
- Alex Wilhite - Contemporary Artist

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who are famous alumni from Central Institute for the Deaf?

Central Institute for the Deaf famous alumni include: T. Alan Hurwitz, Heather Whitestone, Jeffrey Zuckerman, Paul Taylor, I. Lee Brody and Alex Wilhite.

Does Central Institute for the Deaf offer a summer program?

Yes, Central Institute for the Deaf offers a summer program. Visit their for more information.

What is Central Institute for the Deaf's ranking?

Central Institute for the Deaf ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Missouri for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees.

When is the application deadline for Central Institute for the Deaf?

The application deadline for Central Institute for the Deaf is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

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Quick Facts (2026)

Top-Ranked MO School
School Type: Special Education School
Grades: Nursery/Preschool-5
Enrollment: 194 students
Average class size: 5 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Saint Louis, MO is $17,189 for elementary schools and $21,240 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Saint Louis, MO is 81% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).