Tidewater Community College

Communicate
without
boundaries

Master American Sign Language through expert instruction at Tidewater Community College. Join a vibrant community of learners in the heart of Chesapeake, Virginia.

Explore Programs Call (757) 214-6157

25+

Years of Instruction

Level Curriculum

100%

Interactive Learning

Student learning American Sign Language in a classroom setting

Next Session

Enrollment for Fall 2026 is now open. Limited seats available.

Tidewater Community College campus in Chesapeake

About Our Program

A Legacy of
inclusive education

For over a quarter century, American Sign Language at Tidewater Community College has been a cornerstone of accessible, high-quality language education in southeastern Virginia. Our program is built on the conviction that language is more than words — it is a gateway to human connection.

Located at 1428 Cedar Road in Chesapeake, our classrooms bring together students from diverse backgrounds — from curious beginners to aspiring interpreters, from hearing individuals seeking a new skill to members of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Every lesson is taught by experienced instructors who are deeply committed to cultural competence and linguistic accuracy.

Small Classes

Personalized attention in every course

Certified Faculty

Experts in ASL linguistics & culture

Flexible Schedule

Day, evening & hybrid options

Cultural Immersion

Deaf community events & workshops

Our Curriculum

Programs designed for
every level

Whether you are taking your first signs or refining advanced fluency, our structured curriculum meets you where you are and guides you forward.

Level 1 – 2

Foundations of ASL

Begin your journey with the building blocks of American Sign Language — handshapes, facial expressions, spatial grammar, and everyday vocabulary for real-world interaction.

Basic conversational signing
Deaf culture introduction
Classroom & hybrid formats

Intermediate ASL

Deepen your fluency with complex narratives, abstract concepts, and nuanced non-manual markers. Build confidence in spontaneous signing and cultural context.

Narrative & storytelling
Advanced grammar structures
Cultural competency focus

Level 5

Advanced & Interpretation

Prepare for professional interpretation work or advanced academic study. Master register shifting, consecutive interpreting, and the ethics of the interpreting profession.

Interpreter training prep
Professional ethics & standards
Real-world simulation labs

Why Learn ASL

More than a language —
a new way of seeing

Learning American Sign Language opens doors you never knew existed. It expands your cognitive abilities, deepens your empathy, and connects you to a rich cultural community that has thrived for generations.

Cognitive Benefits

Studies show that learning a visual-spatial language improves memory, spatial reasoning, and multitasking abilities.

Career Advancement

ASL skills are increasingly valued in healthcare, education, social services, law enforcement, and customer-facing professions.

Community Connection

Break down barriers and build genuine relationships within the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

ASL classroom interaction at Tidewater Community College

Our Campus

Learn in the heart of
Chesapeake

Our campus offers a welcoming, modern learning environment designed to support every student's journey.

Get in Touch

Begin your
signing journey

Have questions about our programs, scheduling, or enrollment? We would love to hear from you. Reach out by phone, email, or visit us on campus.

Visit Us

1428 Cedar Road
Chesapeake, VA 23322

Call Us

(757) 214-6157

Email Us

asl@tidewater.edu

Request Information

Fill out the form below and we will get back to you within one business day.

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Communicate
without
boundaries

A Legacy of
inclusive education