Kendall Demonstration Elementary School (KDES) originated in 1857 as the Columbia Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb and the Blind. Today, KDES is a day school serving deaf and hard of hearing students from birth through grade 8. Tuition is free and students come from the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. area.
KDES holds dual accreditation from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf.
The Clerc Center, a federally funded national deaf education center, ensures that the diverse population of deaf and hard of hearing students (birth through age 21) in the nation are educated and empowered and have the linguistic competence to maximize their potential as productive and contributing members of society.
Learn about our school vision and mission. Discover our storied history. Contact our leadership. It all can be found within this section.
Learn MoreParents and caregivers are valued partners in education at KDES. Families stay connected with teachers and staff throughout the school year with Back-to-School Night, parent events and conferences, student performances, and family newsletters. All family events are interpreted, and free child care is provided.
Learn MoreKendall Demonstration Elementary School provides students with an academically rigorous program so they will become self-directed, independent, and resourceful learners. We serve students from birth through grade 8. Read more about our program here.
Learn MoreAn array of educational support services is available to each student. If a student needs a particular service, the related service provider will be involved in developing the student's IFSP or IEP.
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