Academics
What makes FSDB different from other programs is full access to language acquisition, development, and mastery.
schools
Educational programs at FSDB range from early intervention programming to elementary, middle and high schools, physical education, and continuing education programs. Visit a school page or learn more what makes FSDB different from other schools.
TUITION-FREE
State Public School
Instruction
FSDB instructional materials are geared to accommodate each student’s learning needs, abilities, and styles. Students who are deaf/hard of hearing benefit from American Sign Language and English instruction, and students who are blind/visually impaired benefit from braille instruction.
Dual certified teachers, specialized services, small class sizes, and state-of-the-art technologies create a strong foundation for student achievement. Advanced technologies also ensure that parents are an integral part of their child’s education through distance learning, video streaming, and videophone conferencing.
Curricula
Curriculum instruction at FSDB is based on the Florida Department of Education Course Descriptions, Next Generation Sunshine State Standards for Science and Social Studies, Math Florida Standards, Language Arts Florida Standards, as well as the Next Generation Generation Sunshine State Access Points and the Florida State Standards Access Points (as appropriate).
21st Century Classrooms
FSDB has small class sizes and advanced technologies that allow teachers to provide individualized and group instruction for increased student success.
27
Campus & Off-Campus
CTE Programs
career & technical education
CTE programs prepare students for success in college and career success by integrating academics with career development themes. 27 different courses are offered on campus and through partnerships with post-secondary schools and businesses.
First Coast Technical College (FCTC)
FSDB collaborates with First Coast Technical College (FCTC) to provide our students with a head start toward a career. Interested students work toward certifications and skill mastery within the various technical programs during the school day. Students have the opportunity to choose from programs in: Horticulture, Culinary Arts, Auto Repair, Cosmetology, and Child Care. Students are given hands on opportunities to learn and practice skills in these areas and take corresponding certifications as applicable to each program.
Our partnership with FCTC allows our students the opportunity to Do More, Be More, and Achieve More.
Take a Virtual Tour of FCTC
Braille Production Center
The FSDB Braille Production Center provides transcription of print materials into accessible braille formats for students. These include but are not limited to: literary braille in Unified English Braille (UEB) code, math braille in Nemeth code, tactile graphics, music braille, and print/braille for non-braille readers.
LEARNING OPPORTUNITY CENTER
The FSDB Learning Opportunity Center (LOC) provides a rich array of options for FSDB Middle and High School students who choose to take advantage of online learning opportunities to further their academic and career goals. Students can take academic courses, Honors courses, Advanced Placement courses, Dual Enrollment college courses, or elective courses through the Florida Virtual School (FLVS) or St. Johns River State College (SJRSC).
Libraries & Media centers
FSDB is proud to have two Libraries & Media Centers on campus for our students, teachers, staff members, and the school community.
Transcript requests
Alumni who require copies of their academic transcript can do so using the FSDB Request for Student Records Form.
Physical Education
All Elementary and Middle School students enrolled at FSDB participate in Physical Education (PE) classes daily.
27
Career & Technical
Education Programs
5
Elementary, Middle,
and High Schools
64%
of Classroom/Instructional Staff have Advanced Degrees
8
Performing Arts
Programs
interpreter Services
Sign Language and English interpreting and language facilitation services at FSDB ensure that students, parents, and staff members have equal opportunities to be seen, heard, and understood. The program administers the Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) for those whose positions involve direct interaction with deaf and hard of hearing students.
English Language Learner Program
FSDB students classified as English Language Learners (ELLs) have access to ELL services to meet individualized language learning, academic achievement, and cultural integration needs. Language facilitators and translators currently specialize in Arabic, French, Italian, Haitian Creole, Russian, and Spanish.
orientation
& Mobility
The Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Program provides comprehensive instruction and training for all students who are blind or visually impaired, including students who are deaf-blind. The ultimate goal of instruction in this critical area is for all students to develop the skills, knowledge, techniques, and confidence to lead to safe, independent, and successful lives.
POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORT
At FSDB, our goal is to create a safe and nurturing environment that is free from bullying and harassment, and we do this in collaboration with our school community. The FSDB Positive Behavior Support (PBS) program establishes campus-wide behavioral expectations—Being Cooperative, Being Responsible, and Being Respectful—with emphasis on modeling, teaching, reteaching, and reinforcing appropriate behaviors. The PBS framework and philosophy establishes a common language and provides tiered support as needed at varying levels of academic, social, emotional, and behavioral functioning. Recognizing positive behavior often and consistently is key to the success of our PBS program.