Whether it is Interscholastic sports, cheerleading, clubs, field trips, swimming, bowling, shopping, scouts, games, captioned television, movies, arts and crafts projects, board games or story telling, the MKSD Residential students participate fully in a linguistically rich environment utilizing direct communication.

MKSD is the only Residential Program for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students in the state of New Jersey. The Lower School, Middle School,  High School, and Special Needs residence programs are staffed by appropriately certified Deaf and Hearing personnel.  Each program is strategically placed on campus and delivers age and level appropriate activities for the students.

An important component of the residential program is the Educational Resource Center (ERC) that is open every afternoon and evening.. A Certified Teacher of the Deaf  provides remedial help with tutoring and homework. The ERC is equipped with a state-of- the-art computer lab. The residential staff closely coordinates long term projects, homework, and study time with the academic staff.  

Intramural sports are also available and  conducted through local recreation leagues and include basketball, soccer, and coed softball. Our students swim at College of New Jersey on a weekly basis.

The consideration of a Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing student's communication needs is an important part in the development of the IEP.  The reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1997, embraces the philosophy of direct communication for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students with their peers and the professionals that provide their educational instruction. 

Providing students the opportunity to participate in recreational activities is the responsibility of the sending school district and should be a part of the development of the IEP. Day students can participate in the MKSD Residential Program  recreational activities by the provision of a late bus, or residential placement for the length of the activity.  

The residential program is in operation Monday through Thursday.  Monday and Friday bus transportation is arranged by the sending school district.