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 the first and 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 75 students from across Virginia—a 34 percent increase in three years—with enrollment increasing steadily. It is estimated that by the end of the school year, VSDB should have approximately 82 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 2024-25 school year, VSDB saw an increase in enrollment, especially at the preschool and kindergarten level. 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.

The Secretary of Education has approved the planning phase for two capital budget requests: renovation of Price Hall’s Independent Living Apartments and installation of a campus-wide mass communication system. These improvements are part of VSDB’s commitment to ensuring a safe, modern, and independent living environment for students and to strengthen campus-wide emergency preparedness.

This year’s annual theme, “Preparing Students for Life: Together We Empower," reflects VSDB’s mission to prepare students for postsecondary education or training, employment, and independent living. The theme underscores VSDB’s commitment to helping students build fulfilling lives through community partnership and collaboration. It was formally launched during the Opening Day Ceremony.