Academic Programs · Birth Through Grade 12

From the first sign to the graduation stage.

A continuum of bilingual ASL/English education designed for every developmental stage. Explore the programs that make Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf one of the most respected Deaf education institutions in the country.

Birth Through Age 3

Parent Infant Program

The earliest moments of a Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing child's life are the most critical for language development. The Parent Infant Program begins working with families from infancy — building language access, communication confidence, and family connection from day one.

Our PIP team includes Deaf and hearing professionals who work alongside families in their homes, in our classrooms, and in community settings. We support every family's chosen communication approach while ensuring full visual language access for every child.

What families experience:

  • Home and clinic-based sessions

    Weekly developmental support delivered where families need it most.

  • Family ASL instruction

    Parents and siblings learn to sign alongside their child.

  • Audiological and developmental assessments

    Coordinated with our partner clinicians.

  • Pathway to PreSchool

    Seamless transition into our PreSchool program when the time is right.

Ages 3 – 5 · Integrated Preschool

PreSchool Program

Combining language, literacy, and play to create a unique educational journey for every child. Our Integrated PreSchool Program is one of our largest — and a place where school readiness begins in the most joyful, language-rich way possible.

NYS-certified teachers and teacher assistants work closely with each child to provide individualized attention and support. With small classroom sizes and a high adult-to-student ratio, every child receives the focused attention that early Deaf education demands.

  • State-of-the-art facilities

    Beautiful library, art room, gymnasium, and outdoor playground.

  • NYS Preschool Standards-aligned curriculum

    Building school readiness skills that transfer seamlessly to kindergarten.

  • Bimodal Bilingual approach

    American Sign Language and English from the first day.

  • Full-day program

    Comprehensive daily structure with rest, learning, and social time built in.

A Mill Neck Manor School PreSchool classroom — bright, organized, ready for learners
Grades K – 5

Elementary Department

The Elementary Department is committed to improving the academic achievement of students through grade 5. Our classrooms are designed for Deaf education best practices — with sight lines, lighting, and intentional layouts that support visual language and learning.

Reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, art, and physical education — every subject is delivered in a fully accessible, language-rich classroom by certified Teachers of the Deaf working alongside skilled paraprofessionals.

What sets our Elementary Department apart:

  • Bimodal bilingual instruction

    Every teacher is fluent in both ASL and English.

  • 1:4 staff-to-student ratio

    Personalized instruction at every grade level.

  • NYS Common Core alignment

    Rigorous academics meeting and exceeding state standards.

  • Embedded support services

    Speech, OT/PT, audiology, and counseling integrated into the school day.

Grades 6 – 12 · NYS Accredited

Secondary Department

Our Secondary Department is a New York State accredited middle and high school program. We provide high-quality, efficient education that prepares students for Regents diplomas, post-secondary education, and successful careers.

The Secondary curriculum includes all required subjects — English, mathematics, sciences, social studies, foreign language (including ASL), arts, and physical education — taught entirely in a bilingual ASL/English environment. Students participate in regular state assessments, Regents exams, and college preparation programs.

  • Regents diploma track

    Full pathway to a New York State Regents diploma.

  • College & career counseling

    Dedicated guidance for post-secondary planning and transition.

  • BOCES partnerships

    Career & Technical Education through Nassau BOCES — including Fashion Design, Culinary Arts, and more.

  • Academic Bowl & Student Government

    Leadership and academic competition opportunities.

A Mill Neck high school graduation moment
Student Spotlight

Meet Heaven.

We are proud to celebrate Heaven for being named Student of the Quarter at Nassau BOCES. As a first-year student in the Fashion Design Program at the Joseph M. Barry Career & Technical Education Center, Heaven has distinguished herself through her academic dedication, technical talent, and collaborative spirit.

A focused and driven learner, she brings that same commitment to excellence to Mill Neck as a junior — earning first honors, serving as President of Student Body Government, and competing on the Academic Bowl team. This recognition reflects her hard work, leadership, and bright future ahead.

"Congratulations Heaven! We can't wait to see what you accomplish next."

— Michelle O'Brien, MNMSD Principal

Grades 9 – 12

CDOS & Vocational Program

Students in grades 9-12 participate in either our Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) Program or our Skills Achievement Credential pathway — both designed to prepare students for meaningful employment, post-secondary training, or independent living after graduation.

Through hands-on coursework, work-based learning, and partnerships with Nassau BOCES Career & Technical Education programs, students explore real-world skills in their areas of interest — from culinary arts to fashion design, automotive technology to graphic design.

  • CDOS Commencement Credential

    Awarded to students who meet career and occupational standards.

  • Skills Achievement Commencement Credential

    For students whose IEP indicates alternative assessment.

  • Work-based learning

    Real worksite experiences in the community.

  • Transition planning

    Coordinated with ACCES-VR and Mill Neck Services Employment.

Student Enrichment

Beyond academics.

Equitable access to enrichment opportunities is built into every Mill Neck student's day — because learning happens through experience, exploration, and joy.

All Grades

STEAM Program

Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math — hands-on, project-based learning that builds curiosity and problem-solving skills across every grade level.

For Families

Shared Reading Project

A highly acclaimed, research-based program that teaches hearing parents and caregivers to read books to their Deaf children using ASL — building both literacy and family connection.

All Grades

MNMSD Wolves Athletics

Building teamwork, confidence, and school spirit through competition and camaraderie — with proud participation in regional Deaf athletic associations. Go Wolves!

All Grades

Arts Program

Visual arts, performing arts, music appreciation, and creative expression — opening doors for self-discovery, identity development, and artistic confidence.

All Grades

Deaf Plus Program

Specialized support for students who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing and also have additional disabilities — meeting every learner where they are with individualized educational pathways.

Schoolwide

Cultural Programming

Deaf history, culture, identity, and community — woven through every program. Students learn the rich heritage of the Deaf community alongside their academic studies.

Ready to Learn More?

Every program. One mission.

Each program at Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf shares one unifying purpose — to ensure every Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing student has the language access, the educational rigor, and the community support to reach their fullest potential.

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