In 1970, Warren Schwab had a vision for a school that would revolutionize deaf education in Massachusetts. Schwab set out to create an educational environment grounded in respect and enjoyment, where language and communication were paramount. The result was the first school in Massachusetts to use signs and spoken English instead of relying solely on the oral teaching method.

Today—after more than 35 years as a true pioneer in deaf education—TLC embodies his vision. - Senator John F. Kerry, May 2007

Established in 1970 by Warren Schwab and a small team of professionals, The Learning Center was the first school for the Deaf in Massachusetts to depart from the "oral method" of education and to advocate the use of signs in addition to spoken English. During the 1970s the school created a student-centered curriculum with "open classroom" formats.  The Learning Center continues to be at the forefront of deaf education as it addresses issues of language and culture at the school where American Sign Language and written English are the primary languages of instruction.

While our school has grown, the informal creative atmosphere of the early years continues, as does TLC’s commitment to full communication access, student-centered learning, academic challenges, and rich, meaningful learning experiences.