DePaul School for Hearing and Speech

💪 "I can't" wasn't really an option.

When these students saw others making their way across the monkey bars, they decided they were going to do it too. No hesitation. No fear. Just determination.

At DePaul School, we celebrate moments like these because they're about so much more than a playground. They're about confidence. Persistence. Problem-solving. And learning that sometimes the only way to reach a goal is one step (or one monkey bar) at a time.

And let's be honest... some of us are getting nervous just looking at this picture. 😅

🌈 Before TikTok. Before smartphones. Before social media. We had the giant rainbow parachute.

There was just something magical about it. Running underneath, watching the colors float overhead, trying to make the biggest mushroom possible—it was basically the highlight of elementary school.

Some things never change.

Our students recently enjoyed their own parachute adventure, complete with laughter, excitement, and the kind of joy that reminds us childhood should be full of moments like these.

What's your favorite Parachute Day memory? 👇

🌈❤️ It takes a village... and this is one pretty amazing village.

Our DePaul Preschool team spent the year helping students build the listening, language, speech, social, and academic foundations that will support them for years to come. Every lesson, every therapy session, every high-five, and every encouraging word helps prepare our students for success both in school and in life.

One of the things we're most proud of at DePaul School is that many of our students transition to their next educational setting sooner than expected because of the strong foundation built by dedicated educators like these.

Plus, let's be honest... anyone willing to rock matching tie-dye shirts is clearly committed to the team spirit. 🌈😎

Thank you to our incredible preschool staff for helping our students grow, learn, and shine every day. ❤️

🌈 Some kids walk across the stage.

Some kids make an entrance. ✨

Our preschoolers wrapped up another amazing year of learning, growing, listening, speaking, and making memories. Judging by this smile, we'd say the end-of-year celebration was a hit!

We are so proud of everything our students have accomplished this year and so grateful to the families, staff, and supporters who help make moments like these possible. ❤️

What was your child's favorite memory from this school year? Share it below! 👇

❤️💛💚 Today, we celebrate Juneteenth.

Juneteenth commemorates the day when the last enslaved African Americans learned they were free—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. It is a day of reflection, remembrance, hope, and celebration.

At DePaul School, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to be seen, heard, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. Our strength comes from the unique voices, experiences, cultures, and perspectives that make up our community.

As we honor Juneteenth, we recommit ourselves to building a world where opportunity, dignity, and belonging are available to all.

Today, we celebrate freedom, unity, and the ongoing work of creating a brighter future together. ❤️

🎓🎭 From leading the courtroom in Once Upon a Crime to preparing for high school, Ben's final year at DePaul School has certainly been one for the books.

As our graduating 8th grader, Ben has been much more than a student. He has been a leader, a role model, and a friend to younger students throughout the school. Whether he was helping others, participating in class, or delivering a dramatic performance as the prosecutor in this year's school play, Ben always gave his best effort.

Watching students like Ben grow into confident, capable young adults is one of the greatest joys of what we do.

Please join us in congratulating Ben on his graduation and wishing him the very best as he begins his high school journey! 🎉❤️

🎓❤️ They came to us as young learners. They're leaving as confident communicators.

This year, five of our elementary students are transitioning from DePaul School to their neighborhood schools—a milestone worth celebrating!

Transitioning students is one of the greatest measures of success for our program. Through hard work, determination, family support, and specialized listening and spoken language education, these students have built the skills they need to thrive in new classrooms, new communities, and new adventures.

We couldn't be prouder of all they have accomplished, and we can't wait to see what they do next. Please help us congratulate our Class of 2026 transition students! 🎉👇

👶🗣️ Is "baby talk" actually bad for language development?

Our friends at HELLO Lab break down the science behind what researchers call infant-directed speech—that sing-songy, exaggerated way many adults naturally talk to babies.

Spoiler alert: It may be more helpful than you think! ❤️

Check out this fun, evidence-based video and let us know what you think.

Thank you to HELLO Lab for creating resources that help families support language development from the very beginning.

Is 'Baby Talk' Bad? It's the first-ever episode of HELLO Lab Presents! We explore what ...

🎲 One wrong move and the whole thing comes crashing down!

Our elementary students put their focus, patience, and teamwork to the test during Field Day as they tackled a giant game of Jenga with a little help (and a lot of excitement!) from Miss Santina, one of our speech-language pathologists.

At DePaul School, learning doesn't stop when we head outside. Games like these build critical thinking, communication skills, problem-solving, and confidence—all while having a blast with friends.

Who else gets nervous watching a Jenga tower wobble? 😅👇

Congratulations to our Preschool Graduates! We can't wait to see (and HEAR!) what you all do next in Kindergarten!