About Us

For more than 160 years, the Minnesota State Academies have provided educational services to Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, and Blind/Visually Impaired students from birth through age 22.

The Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf and the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind are statewide public schools with residential options that serve students with a wide range of educational needs from every region of Minnesota.

The Minnesota State Academies offer a challenging and rewarding educational experience for students from birth through age 22.

Each student’s program is guided by an Individualized Education Program (IEP), developed collaboratively and implemented across both school and residential settings. Our educational model integrates academic instruction, communication access, and individualized supports to ensure every student receives meaningful, equitable learning opportunities.

MSA also provides specialized, intensive services tailored to meet the unique communication, academic, and developmental needs of each student.

At the Minnesota State Academies, every student receives individualized accommodations, supports, and programming designed to help them achieve their goals and prepare for life beyond graduation.

In addition to specialized instruction, we provide a comprehensive range of related services as determined by each student’s IEP. These services may include speech-language therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, orientation and mobility services, DeafBlind intervener support, and other specialized supports tailored to individual needs.

Our integrated approach ensures that academic, communication, social-emotional, and functional development are addressed holistically across both school and residential environments.

The residential program offers a nurturing, home-like environment that fosters connection, independence, and community among students. Living on campus provides meaningful opportunities for students to build friendships, develop social skills, and engage with peers in a supportive setting.

Students participate in a wide variety of clubs, activities, athletics, and co-curricular programs that enrich their educational experience beyond the school day.

Each dormitory includes Living Skills training spaces where students practice essential life skills, helping them prepare for greater independence and a successful transition into adulthood.

The residential program plays an essential role in developing confidence, responsibility, and lifelong skills in a safe and structured environment.

On the MSAD campus, our Early Childhood Education (ECE) program serves children from birth through age five.

Our program begins with family-centered home visits for infants and toddlers (birth to age two), followed by classroom-based instruction beginning at 12 months of age. This continuum of services ensures early language access, developmental support, and strong family partnerships from the very start.

All ECE classrooms utilize a curriculum aligned with the Teaching Strategies GOLD® assessment framework to monitor growth and ensure children are prepared for elementary school. Classroom activities, materials, and learning environments are intentionally designed to support development across all domains, including language and communication, social-emotional growth, cognition, motor skills, and early literacy.

Through play-based, developmentally appropriate instruction, we nurture curiosity, independence, and a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

We believe family involvement is essential to providing a high-quality education for every student. Strong partnerships between families and educators are at the heart of student success.

We actively encourage families to participate in their child’s educational journey and in the ongoing growth of our school community. Throughout the year, we offer meaningful opportunities for engagement, including Literacy Nights, Family Learning Weekend, and Parent ASL classes.

By working together, we create a supportive environment that strengthens communication, builds trust, and promotes lifelong learning.