About RSD
About RSD
Welcome to Rochester School for the Deaf
At Rochester School for the Deaf (RSD), Deaf and hard-of-hearing children come together to learn, grow, connect, and thrive in a vibrant community where communication is accessible and every student is known and valued.
RSD is a private, tuition-free school serving children from newborn to age 21, with educational programs provided at no cost to families. Our highly trained professionals provide direct access to communication and learning in a rich bilingual environment—American Sign Language (ASL) and English. With individualized attention, strong relationships, and a safe, inclusive community, students build the skills, confidence, and connections they need for what comes next.
Vision & Mission
Vision
RSD, a leader in creating a vibrant community of lifelong learners – one student, one family, one success at a time.
Mission
Rochester School for the Deaf provides exemplary opportunities in a bilingual environment to meet students’ unique learning. Together, as a community, RSD challenges and prepares students for participation in the ever-changing world by:
- Creating an environment that empowers academic achievement, enables communication, and enriches social engagement;
- Using both proven and innovative programming along with current technologies; and,
- Nurturing students in mind, body, and spiritedness culminating in self-awareness, cultural identity and pride.
Rooted in Rochester History
Since 1876, RSD has helped children reach their greatest potential by offering a fully accessible, interactive communication environment, including educational, evaluative, and social programs. RSD continues to ensure that all resources are easily accessible to students and their families so they can focus on what’s most important—an enriching educational foundation for a lifetime of success.
Rochester is home to a thriving Deaf community – one of the largest per capita in the nation. We partner with RIT/NTID and many other community organizations to capitalize on the opportunities that foster exceptional programming and community building, supporting our students’ identity development and sense of place and belonging.
Where Students Belong, Lead, and Aspire
At RSD, learning extends well beyond the classroom. Students discover their strengths, build friendships, take on new challenges, and develop confidence through athletics, clubs, after-school programs, leadership opportunities, and traditions that connect generations of the RSD community.
It’s a place to participate fully, try something new, and grow alongside peers and adults who know and value you. At RSD, students belong, lead, and aspire.
4201 School
RSD is one of eleven Section 4201 schools created by legislation to educate New York State’s deaf, blind, and severely physically disabled students. These eleven schools form the 4201 Schools Association, which advocates for our students, schools, and the continuation of specialized services. 4201 schools are not merely an educational option for children with low-incidence disabilities; they are often the most constructive and appropriate learning setting, enabling students to discover, communicate, and interact in the least restrictive environment.
Students and Districts Served
- 31 students in our Early Childhood Center (FIRST Deaf Infant Program and Preschool)
- 107 students in Grades K-12
- 30+ school districts from central and western New York send students to RSD
- 47% are students of color
- 75% qualify for free or reduced lunches
- 29 students participate in our residential program, living on campus Monday through Friday
February 2026 data