180 Years of Caring Innovation

Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind (VSDB) was the first school in the United States to serve both deaf and blind students and serves as the second oldest school for the deaf. Established by an act of the Virginia General Assembly on March 31, 1838, VSDB officially opened in 1839. It is located in historic and scenic Staunton, Virginia, a vibrant small town that is regularly cited for its beauty and quality of life.

VSDB’s gracious campus is characterized by green lawns, mature trees, and beautiful architecture. It is nestled on 73 acres of rolling hills and surrounded by mountain views. It is also within easy walking distance of downtown Staunton, a bustling district offering shopping, restaurants, theater, movies, art galleries, and a variety of services.

In 2017, VSDB was again accredited by AdvancEd under the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI).

The VSDB Foundation was created at the time that the VSDB Staunton and Hampton schools consolidated. It has provided grants to VSDB for summer programing, the VSDB horticulture program and Urban Farm, specialized equipment to advance student’s technology knowledge, and for five students and three teachers to attend Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama. The VSDB Foundation is increasing its efforts to enhance and improve the education, extracurricular activities, and campus environment for students.