After the initial tour, the parent/guardian will be asked to schedule a second visit with the student for a pre-admission evaluation to provide an analysis of baseline skills, as well as to identify priorities for special education & related services.  This evaluation is usually completed either at 10:00 AM or 3:00 PM Monday-Friday for preschool students, by appointment. Students in grades K-12 are evaluated at various times by appointment during regular school hours (7:45 AM-2:45 PM), Monday-Friday.

Admission Policy

All applications and evaluations are reviewed by the Admissions Team at St. Rita School for the Deaf. The Admissions Team consists of the evaluating teacher(s), Speech/Language Therapist, Principals, and Associate Executive Director. The Admissions Team reviews the results of the student’s pre-admission evaluation, current IEP and IEP progress reports, psychological and medical reports, and school-based evaluations (current multi-factored evaluation or ETR). Any additional reports from outpatient therapy providers are also reviewed.

In making the decision for placement at St. Rita School for the Deaf, the Admissions Team will be responsible for giving input so the principals can determine appropriate placement that will include the student’s teacher and grade level.  

1A) A confirmed diagnosis of a sensorineural hearing loss or a permanent conductive hearing loss

                                                            OR 

                                                            OR 

3) A minimum level of independence within the classroom setting such that the student is able to learn and attend within a small group setting in which the student/adult ratio is 4:1 or higher 

4) The ability to sustain visual attention with a signing adult during group classroom instruction

5) An intent to and interest in communicating with others in an educational setting.

Recommendations for admission are then made by the team to the Associate Executive Director based on whether or not St. Rita School for the Deaf can meet the student’s educational and communication needs. If all spaces within the accepted applicant’s grade level are filled, the student will be placed on a waiting list for the following school year. Parents/Guardians will be notified in writing of the admission decision within two weeks of completion of the assessment process by the Associate Executive Director and if/when a space in their child’s grade becomes available.

St. Rita School for the Deaf Non-Discrimination Policy

St. Rita School for the Deaf does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, disability, age, or ancestry in the admission of students to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school, or in its administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.  

Contact Information

For more information on the programs offered at St. Rita School for the Deaf, or to schedule a tour, contact Natalie Marsh at 513-771-7600.

Enrollment as of 10/31/2022: 88