Founded in 1820, The Pennsylvania School for the Deaf is the third oldest school of its kind in the United States.
Since 1984, PSD has been located in the historic Germantown section of Philadelphia and presently serves over 220 students aged birth to 21 in preschool through high school classes.
Also operating on the school's campus is a resource and service center for deaf and hard of hearing adults called the Center for Community and Professional Services.
The Center provides deafness related services to both hearing and deaf people of all ages.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Top-Ranked PA School
- School Type: Special Education School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 188 students
- Average class size: 8 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Pennsylvania School For The Deaf ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School History
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
Year Founded
1820
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
188 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
79%
State avg.: 27%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
36 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
5:1
National avg.:
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
75%
Average Class Size
8 students
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Admissions Director
Gail Bober
Sports
Total Sports Offered
5 sports
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What sports does Pennsylvania School For The Deaf offer?
Pennsylvania School For The Deaf offers 5 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cheering, Soccer, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is Pennsylvania School For The Deaf's ranking?
Pennsylvania School For The Deaf ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for: Highest percentage of students of color and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Pennsylvania School For The Deaf?
The application deadline for Pennsylvania School For The Deaf is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Pennsylvania School For The Deaf located?
Pennsylvania School For The Deaf is located in the Northwest Philadelphia neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA. There are 17 other private schools located in Northwest Philadelphia.
Nearby 草榴社区 Schools
The nearest high school and elementary school to Pennsylvania School For The Deaf is Anthony Wayne Academy (0.2 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Germantown Friends School (0.2 miles away)
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
Anthony Wayne Academy
Alternative School
5538 B Wayne Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19144
(267) 297-7782
Philadelphia, PA 19144
(267) 297-7782
0.2 miles
Gr: 6-12 | 124 students
Germantown Friends School ![Germantown Friends School Photo]( "Germantown Friends School Photo")
(Friends)
31 W Coulter Street
Philadelphia, PA 19144
(215) 951-2300
Philadelphia, PA 19144
(215) 951-2300
0.2 miles
Gr: NS-12 | 1,157 students Sports: 14 | Extracurrculars: 74 Tuition listed
20 W. Armat Street
Philadelphia, PA 19144
(215) 438-7000
Philadelphia, PA 19144
(215) 438-7000
0.2 miles
Gr: NS-8 | 308 students Avg. class size: 16 students Sports: 5 | Extracurrculars: 9 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Small World Discovery Center
Daycare / Preschool
5933 Mccallum St
Philadelphia, PA 19144
(215) 843-6949
Philadelphia, PA 19144
(215) 843-6949
0.4 miles
Gr: K | 6 students
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