Hello!  My name is Mrs. Aimee Bell, and I am the proud Principal of St. Mary's Secondary Department.  I began working at SMSD in 2008 as a Teacher of the Deaf, and became an Associate Principal in 2015.  St. Mary's truly is a special place.  I encourage you to look around our website and reach out directly to me with any questions you might have about our programs and events.  We offer something for everyone; we have a NYS Regents-level curriculum, we have a strong focus on work experiences and transitions for students' post-secondary life, and we also offer a robust program for students with additional special needs (SNAP: Special Needs Achievement Program).  If you are considering sending your child, or know of a loved one who would benefit from our inclusive and language-rich programs, please contact me today! 

"Deaf people can do anything, except hear."

- I. King Jordan, first deaf president of Gallaudet University

Programs and Curriculum

The Secondary Program at St. Mary's offers a wide-range of programs and courses.  Student schedules are tailored to their individual skills and interests as much as possible.  Program and curriculum offerings include:

• American Sign Language (ASL) and Language Enrichment Curriculum 
• Arts Program 
• Computers and Technology Program
• Deaf Studies Curriculum 
• Drama Program 
• High School Curriculum 
• Middle School Curriculum
• Music Program 
• Physical Education Program 
• Special Needs Achievement Program (SNAP)
• Transition Program 
• Work Experience Program 

Depending on individual needs and goals, students at St. Mary's have access to New York State Regents classes and exams that lead to a NYS Regents Diploma or Local Diploma, New York State Alternate Assessments (NYSAA) that lead to a Skills Achievement Commencement Credential (SACC), as well as courses that fulfill requirements for the Career Development & Occupational Studies (CDOS) commencement credential.  Some of our students who take the NYSAA are enrolled in our Special Needs Achievement Program (SNAP), which focuses on everyday language use, consumer skills, and independent living skills.  All students who graduate from St. Mary's are prepared to follow their individual pathways, whether it be attending college, entering the workforce, or moving into assisted or independent living homes.  This diverse population makes St. Mary's the warm, rich, welcoming, and inclusive community that it is.