A:

“Acceptance” means that the student’s application has been reviewed and the student meets the KDES admissions criteria. It does not mean that the student may begin attending classes. “Enrollment” means that the child has already been accepted; the enrollment date on which the student may begin attending KDES is also provided.

A:

For reasons such as classroom size and capacity, there may not be an available space for the student at the time of acceptance. Students are enrolled when there is an available space for them. We are unable to predict when a space will become available. We will inform you immediately when one becomes available.

A:

Students eligible to attend have a hearing status that results in a need for an educational environment sensitive to diverse educational, cognitive, and social needs that necessitates a continuum of specialized educational and support resources, including non-restrictive access to a visual environment throughout the day.

A:

KDES applicants must legally reside with a parent or legal guardian in the National Capital region.

A:

Applicants considered for admission to KDES must be between the ages of birth and 15 years. An applicant will not be considered if she or he has attained the age of 14 years 6 months by December 31 of the school year for which he or she is applying.

A:

An applicant with secondary disabilities will be considered if the student’s primary educational needs are related to deafness.

A:

1. In order to consider a student for admission, KDES needs the following documents:
   • Completed application form
   • Completed release of information form
   • Birth certificate (copy)
   • Proof of residency (copy of utility bill)

   In the application form is a release form that authorizes your child’s school to send records to KDES. Records requested include but are not limited to:

   • Audiogram/audiological evaluation
   • Current IFSP/IEP
   • Multi-disciplinary evaluation performed within the past three years (also called comprehensive, or psychoeducational evaluations at some schools)
   • Re-evaluation/Triennial Review
   • Report card

*Completed physical exam, immunization record, and other medical record forms are due prior to enrollment.

A:

KDES accepts applications for the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program and enrolls ECE students on a rolling basis if there is available space in the age-appropriate class.

KDES accepts applications for students in kindergarten through grade 8 (K-8) until April 1 and enrolls K-8 students no later than May 1 of the current school year if there is space available in the student’s grade level. K-8 applications received after April 1 will be considered for fall enrollment of the next school year. (Please note: There may be times during which the application portal is temporarily closed.)

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, dates and enrollments for students in K-8 are subject to change. Please see our KDES admissions page for current application and enrollment timelines.

A:

There is no charge for tuition.

A:

Bus transportation is provided within a 15-mile radius of the U.S. Capitol at no cost (see map). Students residing outside of the 15-mile radius may still receive transportation services at pick-up and drop-off points within the 15-mile radius. 

A:

D.C. Law 3-20 (revised November 1996) mandates that all students must have certification of immunizations.

A:

Our application process is entirely online! To apply, please begin by completing the application form, identified as Step 1, at https://kdes.gallaudet.edu/apply/.

Then complete Step 2: Submit Student Records at the same link.

A:

Review of a complete application file may result in one of the following:

• The application is accepted. Enrollment will depend on space available.
• The application is denied.
• The parent/legal guardian may be directed to their LEA so the LEA may make the referral in order to be available to partner with KDES to provide the accommodations, supports, and services the student needs.

A:

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, KDES hosted periodic school tours during which families of prospective students could tour the building. However, for the foreseeable future, no visitors will be allowed into the building. We will share information about virtual visits when those are available.

A:

Learning at KDES happens in physical, on-campus classes. KDES students must be located on campus in order to attend classes. KDES does not provide an online-only education.

The application and registration processes, however, may be done online.

A:

KDES does not offer before-school care. The earliest a student may arrive at KDES is 8:15 a.m.

A:

KDES does not provide after-school care. However, for students ages 4 and above, KDES does offer a range of activities through the After School Program (ASP) as well as athletics. Please see our After School page for more information.