Admissions

At Perkins, all we see is possibility

Our mission is simple.  Perkins School for the Blind aims to help each student achieve his or her greatest potential.  On our 38-acre campus in Watertown, Massachusetts, we offer specialized education programs for students from three to 22 years of age.  Our student population spans a broad range of individuals, some with severe cognitive and physical disabilities and others on their way to college.   

Perkins serves approximately 200 students in four on-campus educational programs:

Watch the Perkins Welcome Video

Finding the Right Path of Discovery for Each Child

A young boy walks with his teacher in front of the Howe Building.

At Perkins, some students receive their optimum education through on-campus residential programs and others as day students.  Our expert staff members work with each student on his or her own level.  They provide intensive and individually tailored programs that ensure the realization of each student’s goals and capabilities.  Instruction includes academics as well as the Expanded Core Curriculum.  Support services include speech and language, occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling, and positive behavior supports.  Adaptive physical education, swimming, art, music, recreational and social activities are integral components of student programs.

Perkins uses its expertise to create individualized education programs for every student at each phase of development.  We always hold one very important concept in mind:  Every student is unique and full of potential.  We believe that specialized education and individual attention can help all students achieve their goals. 

Understanding the Admission Process

The Admissions office at Perkins School for the Blind works closely with school districts and families who are interested in enrolling a student and guides them through the referral process.

First, the referral agent (a school district representative, parent, or other party) sends a referral packet to Perkins including admission forms, a letter seeking admission, and all available educational, clinical, and medical reports. 

Next, the Perkins admission team determines if the student could be well served in one of our programs.  If the team determines that Perkins might be an appropriate option for the student, we schedule a day for the student and family to visit the school and meet with the program staff. 

Perkins determines admission based on a review of the application materials and results of the visit.  In most cases, the student’s local school district and/or state pays the tuition for enrollment at the school.

For additional information about Perkins School for the Blind or the admission process, please contact Chris Underwood, Director of Admissions and Evaluations, at (617) 972-7285 or Admissions@Perkins.org.

Perkins School for the Blind is an accredited member of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the National Association of Independent Schools.  It is licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and by the Department of Early Education and Care.  Perkins does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, or national/ethnic origin in its admission, educational policies, scholarships, athletics, or any other school programs.