OUR SCHOOL
Perkins is proud to offer a full continuum of educational services for students ages 3-22 who are blind, visually impaired or deafblind.
Whether you are ready to apply today or exploring options for the future, the Perkins Admissions team is here to assist you.
Since our founding in 1829, we have been preparing children and young adults with the education, confidence and skills they need to reach their full potential. Today, we have the capacity to enroll up to 200 students in our day and residential programs at our 38-acre campus in Watertown, just 20 minutes from Boston.
Our dedicated Admissions team is here to guide districts and families through each step of the process. Have questions about how we can help your student?
Amy Ferreira Director of Admissions and Enrollment“Our culture is built upon a foundation of positive relationships with students and their families. We integrate the expanded core curriculum across all teaching and learning opportunities and emphasize instruction in self-determination and self-advocacy as well as critical social skills. Our programs place a premium on transitioning students for success after leaving Perkins, facilitating a path toward meaningful engagement in their communities, employment or college. We look forward to working with you and your student.”
Perkins School for the Blind offers equitable educational and engaging learning opportunities for every student. Our experts individualize programs for students of all abilities and provide customized instruction in academics, independent living, assistive technology, vocational training, and more.
We offer an environment where students are able to develop strong social skills, forge meaningful connections with peers, take part in school traditions, and participate fully in all areas of the Perkins school community.
The Admissions team works closely with districts and families to determine the best program for your student at the time of enrollment.
We understand the careful consideration it takes to find the right educational setting for your child. We’re here to make getting started as simple as possible and we’ll guide you from the very beginning.
In addition to on-campus programs for day and residential students, Perkins offers a variety of services. We invite you to learn more about:
Perkins has six state-approved tuition rates aligned to the amount of support students need.
Yes, Perkins accepts out-of-state students through residential placement.
As the parent of a son or daughter with special needs, you have the right to an independent educational evaluation for your child, as allowed under the federal special education law Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). You can read detailed descriptions of your parental rights in “A Parent’s Guide to Special Education,” a free online publication produced by the Massachusetts Department of Education and The Federation for Children with Special Needs. If you reside outside of Massachusetts, the Center for Parent Information and Resources has a helpful guide. In addition, our staff will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your parental safeguards.
All students must go through an admission process to determine eligibility and acceptance into a Perkins Educational Program. Some general eligibility criteria include the presence of a documented vision impairment, the presence of a documented hearing impairment for the Deafblind program, and eligibility for an IEP. Contact our Admissions department today to learn more.
No, Perkins has rolling admissions, so you are free to apply at any time.
Yes. At Perkins, your child will be surrounded by
peers who share and understand their disability.
Many of our students create strong friendships
that endure long after they leave Perkins.
Parents are encouraged to submit an online application here: https://www.perkins.org/school/admissions/apply/. School districts can send their referrals to [email protected], or fax to 617-972-7715.
Perkins meets students where they are. Depending on your child’s unique needs, they will fall onto a track. Keep in mind, Perkins continuously monitors progress and assesses students to ensure they are challenged appropriately.
Your child’s educational team will be determined by your child’s learning profile. We have specialists in orientation and mobility, speech and language pathology, physical and occupational therapy, individual and group counseling and assistive technology. They are the best in their fields and all share a common goal: to educate and prepare our students for independence today and later in life.
In general, residential placement is available starting at age 12, at times the Deafblind program is able to offer placement at a younger age. It is not required that students live on campus, however Perkins does offer residential programming. Residential living offers students opportunities to work on social interaction and independent living skills. Our residential cottages are fully accessible and staffed 24/7.
Read about the grand opening of the Watertown Riverfront Park and Braille Trail » Perkins President and CEO Dave Power joined state and local officials on July 21 to break ground on Watertown’s new Riverfront Park Braille Trail – a pioneering project that will make the tranquil beauty of the Charles River…
We’re here to answer your questions. Contact us to arrange a time to talk with an Admissions team member.
Each year Perkins host events and conferences to help support our parent and community. We also have compiled a list of resources to share with you.
