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Academics
Areas of Study

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Kendall Demonstration Elementary School (KDES)

Empowering the Next Generation

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A Legacy of Excellence

Kendall Demonstration Elementary School is dedicated to educating, empowering, and serving the diverse population of deaf and hard of hearing students in Maryland, D.C., and the Virginia area. 

The Kendall Demonstration Elementary School (KDES)–named after philanthropist Amos Kendall–was founded in 1857 by the U.S. Congress. Through our 160+ year history, our mission has remained the same: To provide an academically rich education to deaf and hard of hearing students.

Located on the beautiful ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ campus in Washington, D.C., KDES is an accredited, tuition-free day school for deaf and hard of hearing students with academic programs ranging from birth through 8th grade. Our school’s leaders are dedicated to serving and creating an inclusive community at KDES while sharing resources and collaborating globally to ensure your child receives the best education available.

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Early Childhood Education (ECE)

The ECE program is for deaf and hard of hearing children from birth to pre-kindergarten age.

Our child-centered, play-based classrooms immerse each child into an ASL/English environment to develop their minds and skills through various sensory-based experiences. 

Family Benefits
with ECE:

Select support services

Family Benefits with ECE:

Select support services

Staff member home visits (Birth-to-3 program

Connection and networking with other parents and caregivers

Kindergarten-Grade 8

For our kindergarten through eighth grade program, students enter an environment of rigorous academics aligned with the Common Core State Standards. As a result, students learn how to become critical thinkers, team players, and confident learners. Meanwhile, off-campus field trips and activities in the lively Washington, D.C. area give students access to world-class resources.

A group of children and an adult are engaged in an arts and crafts activity at a yellow table in a classroom. The adult, a woman, is assisting a girl while other children are focused on their own projects. The room has colorful decorations and additional tables in the background.
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After School Program

The After School Program promotes recreational and educational learning to build a lifelong appreciation for sports and recreation.

Students will learn vital skills such as planning, teamwork, leadership, and organization, with ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ recreation and education majors leading the way as language and adult role models.

Family Involvement

As a parent or caregiver, you are a valued partner in your child’s education. At KDES, we invite you into the process–working with you to create opportunities for information sharing and family development as your child is a student with us. So whether you’re staying connected through our events, student performances, PTA, or family newsletter, there’s always a way to get more involved!
You can look forward to:

Fall, winter, and spring gatherings

Family dances

Movie nights in the KDES gym

Parent presentations and workshops

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A group of children, wearing colorful outfits, walk in a line with smiles on their faces. An adult, facing away from the camera, is leading the group. The background features blue walls and a carpeted floor.

Support Services

The success of your child is our number one priority. We offer an array of educational support services.

Academic planning/IEP

ASL skills development

Audiological services, including support for students with cochlear implants

Occupational and physical therapy (OT/PT)

Psychoeducational services

Social work and counseling

Speech and language services