47 AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE AND ENGLISH LOWER SCHOOL (THE)

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.