Our Mission
Our most important and vital program is to provide an academic education to young Deaf children in San Miguel de Allende. EEESMA School for the Deaf offers preschool to high school levels and beyond in a bilingual model of Mexican Sign Language and written Spanish. Scientific evidence proves that a child introduced to language (or sign language) at a young age, two years or younger, has a much better chance to succeed academically, making learning to read and write in primary school far more attainable.
Our mission at EEESMA is to ensure that all San Miguel de Allende
children who are Deaf become literate, independent, and productive citizens
who set and achieve life goals.
We invite you to learn more about the school by watching this great little video.
https://youtu.be/-CjLBhzrQKU
Our mission at EEESMA is to ensure that all San Miguel de Allende
children who are Deaf become literate, independent, and productive citizens
who set and achieve life goals.
We invite you to learn more about the school by watching this great little video.
https://youtu.be/-CjLBhzrQKU
**PRESS RELEASE**
EEESMA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF AMONG THE 50 FINALISTS OF THE $1 MILLION GLOBAL SCHOOLS PRIZE 2026 San Miguel de Allende School of Special Education (EEESMA), was selected as finalist for the 2026 Global Schools Prize, an initiative of the Varkey Foundation that recognizes the world’s most innovative and impactful schools that are reimagining education for the future. EEESMA was selected in the Inclusive Education category, from among nearly 3,000 nominations and applications from 113 countries worldwide. Founded by renowned education pioneer and philanthropist Sunny Varkey, the $1 million Global Schools Prize is the largest award of its kind. The announcement of the 50 finalists recognizes outstanding schools worldwide that demonstrate exceptional commitment and ambition for their students, regardless of their circumstances, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential. The 50 shortlisted schools receive a Global Schools Prize badge, symbolizing world-class impact and achievement in areas ranging from AI-powered transformation to teacher development. These schools also become part of the Global Schools Network, gaining access to partnerships, professional development, and global collaboration opportunities with other leading institutions. EEESMA is a nonprofit-operated school serving 31 deaf students from age 4 through young adulthood. Founded in 2012 without government funding, it has developed a language-centered bilingual model that immerses students in Mexican Sign Language (LSM) and written Spanish, transforming children who arrive with language deprivation into confident communicators and leaders. Seven students have graduated from high school through Prepa en Línea (Online High School), six graduates have returned as teaching assistants, and one alumna earned a university degree online and now teaches at the school. Through partnerships with IPPLIAP, the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (RIT), Kent State University, and the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, EEESMA offers evidence-based education for Deaf people. Its flagship innovation, the open-source app Señas y Sonrisas (Signs and Smiles), developed in collaboration with the non-profit organization Signs & Smiles, helps families learn Mexican Sign Language (LSM) at home and can be replicated globally. The school also co-created a regional LSM manual with DIF (National System for Integral Family Development) and develops vocational workshops, inclusive partnerships with local schools, and family sign language programs. EEESMA has received multiple municipal, state, and federal awards and stands as an example of innovation, resilience, and equity. Sunny Varkey, founder of the Varkey Foundation, the Global Schools Prize, and GEMS Education, noted: “Congratulations to Escuela de Educación Especial de San Miguel de Allende. Your approach to teaching and learning clearly demonstrates how schools can perform" |
Check latest newsletter - Sep 2025 https://conta.cc/47OukqX
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"A good education is the greatest gift you can give yourself or anyone else."
Mahtab Narsimhan
OUR STORY & STAFFIt all started when a group of seven dedicated local residents and professionals had a special interest in helping deaf students in the community
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PROGRAMSWe provide vocational training, sign language classes, and offer, by donation, handcrafts made by the students in the Jewelry, Carpentry and Sewing Workshops.
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GET INVOLVEDLearn about our scholarships, sponsorships, community outreach and other ways that you can support educating our students
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