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APPLY EARLY
It is important to us that your child benefits from the full educational programming that TSD has to offer. Although we accept applications year-round, we highly encourage applicants to apply by April 1st so that August admission is not delayed. Any applications received after April 1st could result in a delay in your child’s fall start date.
ARD season begins in January and this time of year is very busy in regard to scheduling. Please be aware that although we make all attempts to expedite the process, the availability of required committee members, receiving necessary paperwork, and limited scheduling time can cause delays.
Transferring Credits
High School students wishing to apply during the spring semester are advised to stay enrolled at their current school and enroll in the fall because changing schools mid spring could result in a loss of credit.
Application Process
Unlike public schools, Texas School for the Deaf has an eligibility criterion for admission. Minimum requirements for potential TSD enrollment are as follows:
Has a residence in Texas
Is less than 22 years old
Has an updated immunization record or appropriate waiver
Has a documented hearing loss and has interest in utilizing sign as their instructional and communication mode
Has a legal guardian or emergency contact willing to take responsibility in an emergency (hospitalization, contagious illness, etc.)
*Because TSD only serves students who are deaf and hard of hearing, students must have documentation of a hearing loss identified by a physician and have had a complete special education evaluation by a school district or agency.
In order to ensure that TSD is the best place for your child, a thorough review of your child must be done and all documents must be received before the process can begin.
Once a completed application has been received, the TSD Referral Committee will determine whether the student meets admission criteria, does not meet our admission criteria, or whether additional information is needed.
Applicants eligible for TSD’s day program are not automatically enrolled into the residential program. Enrollment into TSD’s residential program is a separate and distinct consideration even for a student currently enrolled in TSD’s day program.
Enrollment
If the student is determined to be eligible for admission, a date and time for the initial ARD Committee meeting will be scheduled.
The purpose of this ARD will be to develop the student’s individualized education program (IEP) including related services and the student’s schedule. TSD will provide comparable services and will follow the goals, objectives, and service minutes to the best of its ability until a programming ARD can be held by the corresponding department.
Denials
If the Referral Committee makes a determination that an applicant is not qualified for admission the parent(s), guardian(s), or adult student will be sent a letter indicating the decision and the reason(s) the student does not meet eligibility criteria for admission to TSD. If the referral to TSD was made by the and the Local Education Agency they will be notified as well. There is an appeal process outlined in the letter sent to parents/guardians.
According to Texas Education Code 30.051(a); TSD is not intended to serve:
*Students whose needs are appropriately addressed in a home or hospital setting or a residential treatment facility.
*Students whose primary, ongoing needs are related to a severe or profound emotional, behavioral, or cognitive deficit.
Part-Time & Dual Enrollment
TSD does not admit students on part-time basis or dual enrollment of students (i.e., enrollment in a home-school/private school).
Admission Decision Appeals
The parent or guardian of a student applicant who has been denied admission may appeal that decision to the Superintendent. The parent or guardian of the applicant may compose a short letter detailing the reason(s) for the appeal. The appeal letter must be received no later than two weeks from the date of the admission decision notification. The appeal letter must be sent to [email protected]. Applicants submitting appeals will be notified of the decision within three weeks of receipt of the appeal (in most cases) via the personal email address from which the appeal was filed. Appeal letters must be submitted by the parent or applicant—not by anyone acting on their behalf. Appeal letters written by anyone other than the applicant’s parent/guardian will not be considered. Decisions rendered by the Superintendent are final, non-negotiable, and not appealable to the TSD Governing Board.
