Parents across Virginia entrust the safety, care, and education of their children who are sensory impaired to the Commonwealth’s only pre/K-12 school, the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind (VSDB) in Staunton, Virginia. Established in 1839, VSDB is celebrating its 185th anniversary this year as the oldest school in the nation to serve both the Deaf and the Blind. VSDB serves a complex student population that includes children who are hard of hearing/deaf, vision impaired/blind, deafblind, and deaf or blind with other disabilities. As an Executive Branch Agency of the Commonwealth, there is never a cost to a family for any child to attend VSDB.

As established by the Code of Virginia (§ 22.1-346.2.), the VSDB Board of Visitors provides oversight of the school and residential programs. The Board is composed of fifteen members including two Senators and two Delegates. The Board meets quarterly to review and approve the operations of the school, the residential program, and the overall agency operations. The Superintendent maintains direct management of the agency and is accountable to the Board of Visitors as well as to the Secretary of Education.

Currently, VSDB serves approximately 66 students from across Virginia, with enrollment increasing steadily. It is estimated that by the end of the 2024-2025 school year, VSDB should have approximately 80 students enrolled. Unlike public schools in Virginia, VSDB provides overnight in-residence accommodations and is responsible for the students 24 hours a day, 5 days a week during the school year. Students may enroll as a day student or residential. About ? of the student enrollment are residential students. Day students typically live within an hour of VSDB. However, day students may choose to enroll as residential students at any time during their tenure at VSDB.

VSDB's reputation for stellar and unique programs and services is well known, creating interest from across the United States and other countries. VSDB is a leader in many areas related to the education and service of children who are sensory impaired. During the 2023-24 school year, VSDB saw an increase in enrollment, especially at the preschool and kindergarten level. Although VSDB has offered ongoing preschool school services for the Deaf in the past, it is exciting to have established its first preschool program for the Blind in the history of VSDB during the 2023-2024 school year. VSDB is proud to have the opportunity to provide families across the Commonwealth with these critical, unique, and specialized services.

A key focus at VSDB is the development of the whole child, beyond the academics. From preschool to age 21, VSDB prepares students for life through the provision of innovative programs and services that are prescriptive to the needs of each student. VSDB students achieve the skills necessary for independent living, academic success, productive workforce careers, and social and emotional well-being. VSDB not only educates its students, but also works with each family to educate them on the needs of their child as well as services and available resources to support a successful future after graduation.

VSDB impacts the life of every student and family that comes through its doors. It provides the necessary programs and resources to allow students the opportunity to reach their potential and to become productive citizens within the community. VSDB provides hope and a vision for families who cannot begin to see the potential or to imagine a future for their child. For students and their families, VSDB is a life-changing experience.