Georgia School for the Deaf provides comprehensive education and services to deaf and hard-of-hearing students between the ages of three and eighteen. Located in Cave Spring, Georgia, United States, the school offers day and residential programs which meet the academic, social and physical needs of students in a total communication environment. It was established in 1846.HistoryGeorgia School for the Deaf is in the scenic Vann's Valley. It is Georgia's only residential school serving deaf and hard-of-hearing students. GSD was established in 1846 on the grounds of the Hearn Academy by one of its teachers, O. P. Fannin. A log cabin, a $5000 legislative grant, and four students began a more than 160-year-long tradition of service to children across the state. GSD was the eleventh residential school for the deaf established in the United States.CampusGSD has an extensive campus of over 300acre in the small community of Cave Spring. The relationship between Cave Spring and GSD is one-of-a-kind because many residents and business owners are able to communicate with sign language. GSD is currently based on the Perry Farm, just outside of Cave Spring, but was formerly based in Downtown Cave Spring in what is now the Cave Spring City Hall.Mission statementThe Georgia School for the Deaf provides some of our state's most deserving students with a unique learning environment deliberately designed to enable them to become literate, productive and successful graduates ready to take their rightful place as important contributing members of American society and their community.Vision"GSD will be recognized as one of the nation's premiere public residential schools for the deaf and hard of hearing students."Residential studentsGSD's residential program lets students be accepted into the deaf/hard-of-hearing culture, create long-lasting friendships, develop appropriate social skills, and be involved in sports and after-school activities.
