47 AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE AND ENGLISH LOWER SCHOOL (THE)

47 AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE AND ENGLISH LOWER SCHOOL (THE) is a Title I public elementary school that is part of the NEW YORK CITY GEOGRAPHIC DISTRICT # 2 school district, located in NEW YORK, NY with about 195 students offering grade levels from Pre-Kindergarten to 8th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 41 teachers, 47 AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE AND ENGLISH LOWER SCHOOL (THE) has a student/teacher ratio of about 4:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

The American Sign Language and English Lower School (P.S. 347) is a unique, specialized public school located in the Gramercy Park neighborhood of Manhattan. It is one of the few schools in the United States that utilizes a bilingual approach, integrating both American Sign Language (ASL) and spoken English into its daily curriculum. The school serves a diverse student body, including both Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing students and hearing students, fostering an inclusive environment where all children are encouraged to become fluent in two languages.

The educational philosophy of P.S. 347 emphasizes the importance of visual learning and the cultural heritage of the Deaf community. By providing an environment where ASL is treated as a primary language of instruction alongside English, the school promotes high academic standards, social-emotional development, and strong communication skills. Its mission is to ensure that students graduate with the ability to navigate both the Deaf and hearing worlds with confidence, making it a distinctive and highly regarded institution within the New York City Department of Education.

For more information, contact 47 AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE AND ENGLISH LOWER SCHOOL (THE) at (914) 326-6609 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.