The New Jersey School for the Deaf
"For a Lifetime of Learning" 
High School Program

More About Our High School Programs College Preparatory Program Vocational Training Program Work Study Program Developmental Education Program

High School is the bridge that takes a young adolescent into the beginning of their adult life. MKSD's comprehensive high school program offers the students an educational experience, though a Day or Residential Program, that fosters independence, and ultimately prepares them to be responsible and productive citizens.  The 720 days or more that a student spends in the MKSD High School program are filled with opportunities for students to make choices and acquire the skills necessary to achieve their goals. 

Read more about our Campus Life Program.

Visit the Art Show

Vocational exploration, traditional academic classes, computer technology, self-advocacy training, Deaf Culture and Deaf Studies, driver education, distance learning in the ITV room, and the visual, fine, and practical arts are all pieces of our students'  experiences.  Interscholastic sports, enrichment and extracurricular activities, field trips, and clubs are all a vital part of our high school program. 

Specialized programming is available for students with multiple disabilities. All classes are taught by appropriately certified instructors who have special training in working with Deaf students with multiple disabilities. The High School program includes a transition component that prepares the students for independent living.

Visit the high school home page for sports schedules.

Day students can participate in MKSD's recreational activities through the provision of a late bus, or residential placement for the length of the activity.  Providing students the opportunity to participate in recreational activities is the responsibility of the sending school district and should be included in the development of the IEP.

Starting in September 2001, all incoming freshman will receive their own laptop computer.  These computers are the result of a multi-year grant program sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Education (DOE), School-to-Work Initiative Program.  Dr. Tom Henry from the DOE worked closely with MKSD personnel to plan the program which includes laptop computers for all the High School teachers and eventually for all students.

MKSD students have the choice of a  College Preparatory Program, or a Vocational Training Program.  All students are encouraged to participate in the Work Study Program, however, it is a requirement for the students who choose the Vocational Training Program.  The Developmental Education Program is offered to students that exhibit idiosyncratic learning styles, require intensive individualized instruction, and are expected to need a closely supervised work environment after graduation. 

Read more about our college preparatory program.

Specially trained counselors assist our students and families to make educational and career plans. Related services include Speech and Language therapy, audiology services, and adaptive physical education. Substance abuse prevention is an integral part of the Health and Physical Education Curriculum. Consultation with MKSD's Behavior Management Specialist is available to students and parents if necessary.

All classes and  training programs comply with the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content  Standards (NJCCCS), and are staffed by appropriately certified personnel. The NJCCCS are presented in ways appropriate for individual achievement levels determined through the development of the IEP. Students receive a state endorsed diploma by meeting the graduation requirements determined by the State of New Jersey or the IEP.

All 11th grade students participate in the state required assessments of student achievement through the HSPT or the New Jersey Department of Education's Alternative Assessment.  All students are assessed through the Stanford Achievement Test (SAT) or other appropriate instruments.  The SAT compares our students with both the Deaf and Hearing populations throughout the country.

Students who plan to attend Gallaudet University or the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) are required to take the American College Test (ACT) for admission.  MKSD provides additional reading and math activities during study hall period to assist our students prepare for the test.

Individualized scheduling allows students to take appropriate courses regardless of their assigned grade placement.  Students have the right to stay in school through age 21, therefore, a wide variety of options are available for what may be more than four years in the high school.