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.

Three FSDB deaf students discuss a math problem in front of a whiteboard.

TUITION-FREE

State Public School

Two blind girls in the FSDB Toddler program play with toys.
 
FSDB blind girl uses Smart Brailler while teacher looks on.

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.

FSDB deaf elementary teacher helps two girls with a math problem.
FSDB Blind High School students using te

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).

Woman's hands typing on a laptop.

21st Century Classrooms

FSDB has small class sizes and advanced technologies that allow teachers to provide individualized and group instruction for increased student success.

Teacher and student building a box in the woodshop.

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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.

FSDB student reading braille
Teacher helping a student in the Learning Opportunity Center.

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.

Blind students listening to a story in the blind library.
A man singing papers.

Transcript requests

Alumni who require copies of their academic transcript can do so using the FSDB Request for Student Records Form.

Three boys in their PE uniform.

Physical Education

All Elementary and Middle School students enrolled at FSDB participate in Physical Education (PE) classes daily.​

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Career & Technical

Education Programs

Vector art of hammer and wrench.

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Elementary, Middle,

and High Schools

Vector art of student sitting at computer.

64%

of Classroom/Instructional Staff have Advanced Degrees

Vector art of teacher at a whiteboard.

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Performing Arts

Programs

Vector art of record and music note.
FSDB Interpreter signing on stage

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.

FSDB ELL Teacher and student in classroom

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.

Blind boy walking with cane while O&M Teacher watches from behind.

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.