Lexington School for the Deaf: Where ASL Shapes Bright Futures
A Choice for the Future
Picking the right school for your deaf or hard of hearing child is one of the biggest decisions a family can make. It's about looking at different options, getting clear information, and imagining a future where your child doesn't just learn but does really well. When looking at all these choices, one school stands out because it strongly believes in a specific, tested way of teaching.
What Makes Lexington Different
The main strength of the Lexington School for the Deaf is its Bilingual-Bicultural (Bi-Bi) approach. Here, being able to use language isn't something added on later or just a helpful tool; it's the main foundation of learning. American Sign Language (ASL) is the main language teachers use, creating a complete language experience from the moment a student walks in.
What We Will Look At
This article is a complete guide for parents and teachers, giving you a deep look into the school's special approach. We will look at:
- The basic ideas behind the school's Bi-Bi approach.
- How this ASL-centered education works every day.
- How the school subjects are organized and the path to learning English reading and writing.
- All the support services available to every student.
Lexington's Language Community
To understand the Lexington School for the Deaf, you need to know that it's more than just a school; it's a language and cultural community. The teaching method is built on ideas that have been improved for many years, all focused on deep respect for deaf culture and the power of a completely accessible language.
The Main Idea of the Method
At the center of our teaching philosophy is the Bilingual-Bicultural (Bi-Bi) approach. This isn't just about teaching two languages. It's about equally valuing two cultures: deaf and hearing. The main goal is to help students become fully bilingual people, able to use and read both ASL and English (mostly in written form). This double ability helps them think critically, express themselves fully, and move confidently through both the deaf and hearing worlds with a strong sense of who they are.
Why ASL Comes First
There's an important difference between naturally learning a language and studying a language. For a deaf child, ASL is a language that can be fully learned through sight and naturally, giving 100% access to information, social interaction, and brain development from day one. In our classrooms, there are no delays, no meanings lost, and no communication barriers between teacher and student or student and peer. Teaching in ASL means that a child's mind is never waiting for information. This is very different from regular schools where education might be given through an interpreter. While this is meant to help, interpreted education is secondhand by nature, and the mental work of processing translated information can create gaps in understanding and social connection.
Building a Positive Deaf Identity
A positive identity is the foundation of a child's self-confidence and future success. In a place where being deaf is normal, not unusual, students do well. They see deaf adults in leadership positions—as teachers, administrators, and mentors. This daily contact with successful deaf role models is very powerful, showing students what's possible and giving them pride in who they are. Started in 1864, the Lexington School for the Deaf has been a cornerstone of the deaf community for over 160 years, creating a legacy of expertise and cultural preservation. This history shapes our present, creating a community where students develop the social and emotional skills needed to succeed.
A Day in the Life
To really understand the impact of our teaching method, it's best to see it working. Let's walk through a typical day at the Lexington School for the Deaf, turning our philosophy into the real experiences of our students.
Lower School Mornings
Step into a lower school classroom and you won't hear a sound, but you will feel the energy. It's a visual buzz. A teacher sits at the front of a circle of young, interested faces, signing a classic children's story. Her hands move, her facial expressions show the suspense of the wolf and the joy of the hero, and her body language makes the characters come to life. The children's eyes are wide, their minds fully interested. When they have a question, they don't raise a hand and wait; they sign back, starting a direct, active conversation. Here, early math ideas are not just numbers on a board; they are objects to be counted, grouped, and handled. Reading readiness is not just about letters; it's about connecting signed ideas to visual symbols and stories, building a rich idea library in ASL that will later connect to written English.
High School Science Lab
Now, move to a high school science lab where students are exploring complex subjects. A chemistry class is learning about molecular bonds. The teacher uses a combination of specialized scientific signs, 3D models, and interactive displays on a smartboard. The idea of an electron shell isn't just an abstract term; it's a visual, moving idea explained with clarity and precision in ASL. Students work in groups on a hands-on experiment, their conversations smooth and efficient. They debate theories, record observations, and draw conclusions without any communication breakdown. This is where academic excellence is shown. Subjects like physics, biology, and advanced mathematics are taught with the same depth and complexity as in any high-performing school, but with a method that is 100% visually accessible.
Social Growth
Perhaps the most important moments happen outside the formal classroom. At lunch, the cafeteria is alive with conversation. Students gather at tables, sharing stories from their weekend, debating a sports game, and telling jokes. There are no communication barriers, no one left out of a conversation they can't follow. On the playground or in after-school clubs, deep and lasting friendships are formed on a foundation of shared language and experience. This easy social interaction is vital. It's where students build confidence, learn to handle social situations, and form a strong sense of belonging. The social-emotional growth that happens in these moments is a main benefit of the environment at the Lexington School for the Deaf.
The Two-Language Curriculum
A common and important question from parents is about English reading and writing skills. How does an ASL-centered school create strong English readers and writers? The answer is in a careful, research-backed strategy that uses a student's skill in ASL as the bridge to excellence in English.
The Bridge to English
Our approach is built on a basic language principle: a strong foundation in a first language (L1) greatly speeds up the ability to learn a second language (L2). For our students, ASL is L1. We use their strong understanding and skill in ASL to directly teach English, focusing on its written form. Students learn that the ideas they already master in ASL have a matching representation in written English. This "bridge" method is much more effective than trying to teach language and content at the same time in a language that is not fully accessible.
Language Development Goals
We have separate but complementary goals for ASL and English development. This dual-pathway approach ensures students become truly bilingual and able to read and write in both languages, prepared for any future path they choose.
| ASL Development | English Reading and Writing Development |
|---|---|
| Goal: Reach full, natural skill for brain development, critical thinking, and social-emotional well-being. | Goal: Achieve high levels of reading understanding and written expression for academic and professional success. |
| Method: Total immersion in all academic and social settings, direct instruction, rich storytelling, and constant peer-to-peer interaction. | Method: Direct instruction using proven reading programs, visual phonics, guided reading, journaling, and extensive use of captioned media. |
| Outcome: The ability to think, learn, and express complex, abstract ideas. A strong sense of identity and community. | Outcome: Grade-level or higher skill in reading and writing. Full readiness for college and career paths. |
Adapting Core School Subjects
Our entire curriculum follows state and national standards, but our teaching methods are adapted to be fully accessible for visual and hands-on learners.
- Mathematics: We move beyond just memorizing to focus on deep understanding of concepts. Teachers use objects you can touch, visual problem-solving strategies, and clear, signed explanations to break down complex mathematical ideas.
- Social Studies & History: History comes to life through visual storytelling. We use signed lectures, original historical documents, detailed timelines, maps, and a rich library of captioned and signed video content.
- Science: The focus is on hands-on inquiry. Students do lab experiments, build models, and use visual simulations to understand scientific principles, building a love for discovery.
Special Programs
A well-rounded education goes beyond core school subjects. Lexington is proud of its special programs that allow students to explore their interests. Our well-known theater program puts on full productions in ASL, celebrating a unique and powerful art form. Our athletics program has competitive teams, building teamwork and good sportsmanship. And our technology and digital media classes give students the 21st-century skills they need to succeed.
A Range of Student Support
We know that every child's journey is unique. The Lexington School for the Deaf has a complete range of programs and services to meet the different needs of our students and their families, from infancy through graduation.
Ready to Learn Program
Our commitment begins early. The Ready to Learn Parent-Infant Program provides critical early help services for families with infants and toddlers who are deaf or hard of hearing. We work with parents to give them the tools and resources they need to support early language learning (in ASL and/or spoken language, based on the family's choice) and to build a strong foundation for their child's future.
Center for Deaf-Multi-handicapped
We are dedicated to serving every child. The Center for Deaf-Multi-handicapped is a special program designed to support deaf and hard of hearing students who have additional disabilities. With more staff per student and a team of highly trained specialists, we provide an individualized education that addresses all of a child's needs in a supportive, accessible environment.
Integrated Support Services
A team of dedicated professionals works together with teachers and families to ensure every student has the support they need to succeed. This integrated team includes:
- Audiologists who manage hearing technology and provide hearing services.
- Speech-Language Pathologists who work with students on spoken English, listening skills, or language development, based on the goals set in their Individualized Education Program (IEP).
- Social Workers and Counselors who provide emotional support, social skills training, and mental health services.
- Family Engagement Staff who partner with parents to ensure they are active participants in their child's education.
An Education for Success
Choosing an educational path is about more than school subjects; it's about choosing a community where your child will be seen, understood, and valued. The Bilingual-Bicultural model at the Lexington School for the Deaf is not simply a method of teaching; it is a commitment to helping the whole child grow. It is an investment in their brain development, their social-emotional well-being, and their future. By providing an environment rich in language, culture, and identity, we help our students not just to learn, but to succeed.
