About Us

A Legacy of Excellence in the Bronx

Deeply rooted in the Throgg’s Neck section of the Bronx since 1869, Saint Joseph’s School for the Deaf (SJSD) has stood as a beacon of hope and education for generations. Founded by the Society of the Daughters of the Heart of Mary, our history is one of growth and tireless devotion. SJSD expanded from a small local building to multiple branches from Brooklyn to Throgs Neck to meet the needs of Deaf children. Since 1913, our landmark red-brick building has served as more than just a school; it is a community pillar where students once mastered the arts of printing and dressmaking, and where the "Saint Joseph of the Oaks" newsletter connected us to the world. For over 150 years, we have been proud to call the Bronx our home.

Superintendent Mark D. Patrick

  

Meeting the Moment: A Changing Landscape

 

 

The world of Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) education is evolving, and SJSD is evolving with it. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, SJSD has recognized the challenges of shifting enrollment and the changing ways in which hospitals and local school districts support DHH students. We understand that parents today face a complex landscape of choices. Under the leadership of  Mark Patrick, Superintendent, a 20+-year veteran in the field of Deaf Education, we are facing these challenges head-on. Rather than staying static, we are embracing this pivotal moment to ensure SJSD remains the premier choice for families seeking a specialized, expert-led education for their children.

Two Pathways, One Unified Community

Today, SJSD is a thriving educational hub serving a vibrant Parent-Infant Program, an expanding Preschool, and a robust Elementary and Middle School. As our eighth graders prepare for the future, transitioning to regional Deaf high schools or returning to their home districts, they do so with a foundation built on our bold new philosophy: "Two Pathways in One Community."

  • The Dual Language Pathway: Focused on a bilingual-bimodal approach, integrating American Sign Language (ASL) and spoken English.
  • The Auditory-Only (AO) Pathway: Designed for children on a listening and spoken language track, utilizing the latest listening technologies and cochlear implants, with 90% of core instruction delivered in an oral format.

While our academic instruction is specialized, our heart remains unified. Every student, regardless of their communication path, comes together for lunch, recess, and social activities. We are building a future where every DHH child belongs, every family is supported, and our 150+-year-old mission is reimagined for the 21st century.