Academics

All teachers meet SC Department of Education standards. They are certified in their grades and subject areas with many of the teachers holding additional certifications in deaf education. Teachers have intermediate to advanced plus sign language skills or are supported by a sign language interpreter.

Teachers are supported by classroom assistants, literacy coaches, certified speech language pathologists, sign language interpreters, and an audiologist. Many of our staff members are deaf or hard of hearing themselves and serve as excellent role models for the students.

Teachers develop unit and lesson plans, based on state standards, with the specific needs of students who are deaf or hard of hearing in mind. They use state adopted textbooks as well as material specifically for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.

Classes are taught using American Sign Language, and audiology and speech language are provided based on the student's individual needs. FM systems are available to students with hearing aids and cochlear implants. 

Additional support is provided to students based on their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

Academic success is measured by achieving state standards and goals of individualized education plans developed with parents and a wide variety of educational professionals. Regular standardized testing and school data are also used to gauge success and determine adaptations needed. 

Students show off their academic skills and earn well-deserved recognition through regional competitions sponsored by national and international organizations such as the: 

• Gallaudet University Academic Bowl
• Optimist Club Oratorical Contest
• Math Counts Competition