Agencies | Governor

Department for the Deaf:

VSDB focuses on educational aspects for deaf students that may not be offered in public schools.  Like public schools, VSDB follows state standards in courses that are content based, but VSDB also offers:

  • Direct instruction in American Sign Language (ASL) and English, using the bilingual approach

  • Teachers who are highly qualified to teach Deaf and hard of hearing students with and without additional disabilities

  • Curricula tailored to meet all students’ needs

  • Specialists in ASL, audiology, autism, speech-language, occupational therapy, physical therapy, recreational therapy

  • Access to technology such as Smart Boards, iPads, videophones, laptops, and visual-audio safety alarms

  • Extracurricular activities including athletics, academic competitions and clubs such as photography, cooking or student body government

  • Career programs that are tailored to student interests and abilities

  • Community based instruction

  • A bright future for students due, in part, to the emphasis on building self-awareness and self-esteem

High School offers courses such as

  • English, Math, Science, History, Social Sciences, Health/Physical Education

  • Driver’s Education, Fine Arts, American Sign Language, Economics & Personal Finances, other electives

  • Family Life Education, Life Skills classes and work-based learning courses

  • Vocational classes at the local vocational school

  • Horticultural program

Middle School extends opportunities

  • To instruct skills that were learned in elementary school

  • To strengthen academic skills that prepare students to become lifelong learners

  • To develop their social-emotional skills and self-advocacy skills for transitioning into high school

Elementary School provides

  • Instruction that is developmentally appropriate

  • Bilingual instruction focused on ASL and English

  • Multiple opportunities for creativity, sharing and fine/gross motor skills development


Best of all, Deaf and hard of hearing students receive a well-rounded academic program that builds on the gifts, strengths, and interests of each student at VSDB.