Lexington School For The Deaf — Programs & Legacy

The Lexington School for the Deaf has been a cornerstone of Deaf education in New York City for over 150 years. Located in Jackson Heights, Queens, this private school serves children from birth through high school, offering a bilingual approach that blends American Sign Language with spoken English. Whether you are a parent exploring educational options or an educator researching best practices, understanding what Lexington offers can help you make informed decisions about Deaf education.

History and Mission

Founded in 1864 by philanthropist Isaac Rosenfeld and a group of civic leaders, the Lexington School for the Deaf originally opened its doors in Manhattan before relocating to its current campus in Queens. At the time, educational opportunities for Deaf children in New York were extremely limited, and Lexington was established to fill a critical gap.

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the school played an active role in national debates about Deaf education. While many institutions rigidly adhered to either oral-only or manual-only methods, Lexington gradually developed a more flexible approach. Today, the school’s mission centers on preparing Deaf and hard-of-hearing students for success in both the Deaf community and the broader hearing world.

The school operates under the umbrella of the Lexington Center for the Deaf, which also includes the Lexington Hearing and Speech Center and vocational services. This integrated model means that students and families can access audiological evaluations, speech therapy, counseling, and career support all within one organization. The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) has recognized Lexington’s contributions to advancing Deaf rights and education over the decades.

Lexington’s campus in Jackson Heights features modern classrooms, science labs, a gymnasium, and dedicated therapy spaces. The school serves approximately 300 students each year, drawing families from across the New York metropolitan area.

Academic Programs and Curriculum

Lexington offers a full Pre-K through 12th grade academic program aligned with New York State learning standards. Class sizes are intentionally small, typically ranging from six to ten students, which allows teachers to provide individualized instruction. Every classroom teacher is certified in Deaf education and fluent in ASL.

The elementary program focuses on building strong literacy and numeracy foundations. Teachers use visual learning strategies extensively — including graphic organizers, manipulatives, and multimedia presentations — to make abstract concepts concrete. Students learn vocabulary through contextual use, and many teachers incorporate signs like learn, read, and write as part of daily classroom routines.

At the middle school level, students begin exploring STEM subjects in greater depth. Lexington has invested in updated science laboratories and computer facilities, and students participate in hands-on projects that encourage critical thinking. The school also offers art, physical education, and social studies electives.

The high school program prepares students for post-secondary education and employment. Lexington offers Regents-level courses in English, mathematics, science, and social studies. Students can earn a New York State Regents diploma, and the school provides SAT preparation and college counseling. Many Lexington graduates go on to attend Gallaudet University, the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID), and mainstream colleges and universities across the country.

Early Intervention and Preschool

One of Lexington’s greatest strengths is its early intervention program, which serves infants and toddlers from birth to age three. Research consistently shows that early language exposure — whether signed or spoken — is critical for cognitive development. Lexington’s early intervention specialists work with families in their homes and at the school to ensure that Deaf and hard-of-hearing babies receive rich language input from the start.

The program includes parent coaching, which teaches hearing parents basic ASL signs and strategies for communicating visually with their child. Families learn signs for everyday concepts like eat, more, and help — foundational vocabulary that supports early bonding and reduces frustration for both parent and child.

The preschool program, serving children ages three to five, builds on this early foundation. Preschoolers participate in structured play, pre-literacy activities, and socialization experiences in a language-rich environment. Teachers use a bilingual approach, exposing children to both ASL and English through storybook reading, songs, and interactive activities.

Lexington’s early childhood team also coordinates closely with audiologists and speech-language pathologists on campus. If a child uses hearing aids or cochlear implants, therapists work with the classroom teacher to ensure that assistive technology is functioning properly and that auditory goals are integrated into daily routines.

Communication Philosophy

Lexington’s communication philosophy has evolved significantly over the decades. In its early years, the school leaned toward oral education methods, emphasizing speech and lipreading. By the late 20th century, the school began embracing a more inclusive approach that recognized the linguistic validity of ASL.

Today, Lexington describes its approach as bilingual, using both ASL and English. The specific balance varies depending on each student’s needs, hearing profile, and family preferences. Some students communicate primarily in ASL, while others use spoken English supported by signs, and still others use a combination of speech, sign, and assistive technology.

This flexibility is one of Lexington’s hallmarks. Rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all communication method, the school creates individualized communication plans for each student. Speech-language pathologists, teachers, and audiologists collaborate to determine the best approach, and plans are revisited regularly as students grow and their needs change.

The school also employs Deaf role models and staff members who provide students with exposure to fluent ASL and Deaf cultural identity. This is especially important for the roughly 90 percent of Deaf children who are born to hearing parents and may not encounter Deaf adults in their daily lives outside of school.

Community Impact and Support Services

Beyond its K-12 school, the Lexington Center for the Deaf offers a range of community services that extend its mission. The Lexington Hearing and Speech Center provides audiological evaluations, hearing aid fittings, and speech therapy to community members of all ages. These services are available to both Deaf and hearing individuals.

Lexington’s vocational services program helps Deaf and hard-of-hearing adults develop job skills and find employment. The program offers career counseling, resume workshops, interview coaching, and job placement assistance. Staff members work directly with employers to educate them about accommodations and the capabilities of Deaf employees, helping to break down barriers in the workplace.

The school also runs a mental health clinic staffed by counselors and social workers who are fluent in ASL. Access to culturally competent mental health care is a significant challenge for the Deaf community, and Lexington’s clinic addresses this gap by providing therapy, group counseling, and crisis intervention in ASL. Understanding signs related to emotions and well-being — such as feel — is an important part of this work.

Lexington regularly hosts community events, including Deaf awareness workshops, family support groups, and continuing education seminars for professionals. The school’s alumni network is active, with graduates often returning to mentor current students or participate in career days.

For families considering Lexington, the admissions process typically begins with a campus tour and an evaluation of the child’s hearing, communication, and educational needs. The school accepts students from New York City and surrounding counties, and tuition is often covered by the student’s home school district through the Committee on Special Education (CSE) placement process.

Related Articles

• School For The Deaf
• How To Learn Sign Language
• Mental Health Signs In ASL
• How To Start Learning Sign Language