Did you know that the deaf usually start school at the age of 2? That's because the learning curve is so steep for them that they need a head start. And the learning curve never gets easier. I'm not sure how it is all across the country but there are a couple of ways a deaf child can learn.
The first way is to get into a school that offers education through teachers who know sign language, but the deaf students are surrounded by students that can hear. This is one way the children (at least elementry level) learn. Another way is to go to deaf school, there are a lot out there. There they are fully emerced into deaf culture, they are surrounded by peers with the same attributes.
When the deaf students leave elementry school and go onto middle and then high it gets alittle more difficult. The district has to hire interpreters to go around and interpret the lessons for the student. This is difficult on some students because they sometimes feel like they can't fit in or communicate with others. But it is amazing to watch when hearing students accept deaf students and talk to them using hand gestures and mouthing words.
Some of the times in deaf schools children from all across the state come and stay at the school. They have 'dorms' and generally go home during the weekend. This can be hard on a child. But through this way the deaf can become a tighter nit group where their friendships and culture can last a life time.
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Deaf people are extremely nice to have a conversation with, signing that is. Deaf people are normal people too, they just can't talk/hear. I just people would get that through their minds. Lovely post. =]