Rochester School for the Deaf Marks 150 Years
The state-funded school provides bilingual education for students up to 21 years old in Rochester.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Special Education
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The Rochester School for the Deaf recently marked its 150th anniversary with campus celebrations for students and alumni. The institution provides tuition-free, state-funded bilingual education for children and young adults from pre-Kindergarten through age 21.
Why it matters
As a long-standing state-funded resource, the school serves as a cornerstone for local families seeking specialized instruction in American Sign Language and English. It continues a legacy of accessible education that began on St. Paul Street in the late 19th century.
Founded in 1876 as the Western New York Institution for Deaf Mutes, the school now serves students up to 21 years old. The campus remains located on St. Paul Street in Rochester.
The players
Rochester School for the Deaf
A state-funded educational institution in Rochester providing specialized bilingual instruction.
Patti Canne
An alumna of the school who graduated in 1981.
John Green
An alumnus of the school who graduated in 1984.
The details
The school utilizes a bilingual and bicultural approach, teaching students through American Sign Language and English. Historically, the institution gained recognition for using the Rochester Method and the Lyon manual phonetic alphabet to support language development.
Timeline
October 1876: The school first opened.
1920: The school adopted its current name.
October 2026: The school celebrated its 150th anniversary.
The Home Front
The school represents a historical milestone in the evolution of New York State-funded special education access. Its longevity mirrors the broader trend of institutional commitment to specialized, tuition-free schooling for students with specific learning needs.
Families interested in enrollment can research the school's current pre-Kindergarten through age 21 programming for their children. Prospective students should review the state-funded eligibility requirements for specialized bilingual education.
The takeaway
The 150-year milestone highlights the lasting impact of accessible, bilingual education in the Rochester community. Families can contact the administration to tour the St. Paul Street campus and learn about current curriculum offerings for students aged 21 and under.
Further reading
Learn more about local resources for families at Special Education.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Esther Winter.
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