What institution was noted for beginning the formal education of the deaf in New York?

The choice of the New York Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb is significant because it played a pioneering role in the establishment of formal education for deaf individuals in the United States. Founded in 1817, this institution was among the first to provide a structured education using sign language and other teaching methods tailored specifically for deaf students. It helped set a precedent for other schools in the country, influencing educational practices and accessibility for the deaf community.

The establishment of this institution also marked a shift in perception and approach towards deaf education, moving away from viewing deaf individuals as "dumb" and instead fostering an understanding of their capabilities and rights to education. It became a model for subsequent schools and contributed significantly to the development of Deaf culture and identity.

In contrast, while other schools mentioned in the options certainly contributed to deaf education in their respective areas, none had the same foundational impact in terms of formalizing a system of education specifically for the deaf within New York.