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Washington State School for the Blind students participating in hands-on activities in Vancouver.
SchoolVancouver, WA

Washington State School for the Blind

Grades and ages

Grades PreK-12 & up to 22

Enrollment

223 students

Tuition

No cost of attendance for Washington residents.

About Washington State School for the Blind

The Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) serves as a specialized statewide resource for blind and low-vision students from birth to age 21. On its Irwin Campus in Vancouver, the school provides intensive on-campus learning programs for students in grades 6 through 12, focusing on academic excellence and the development of essential life skills. WSSB is dedicated to empowering students to reach their full potential in school, work, and the community as lifelong learners, offering a supportive environment that prioritizes safety and independence.

The instructional approach at WSSB integrates a comprehensive academic curriculum with the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), addressing unique needs such as compensatory skills, orientation and mobility, and social interaction. Students have access to a variety of specialized divisions, including short courses, summer workshops, and a residential program that fosters social awareness and self-confidence through cottage-style living. Staffing includes expert educators, specialists, and 24-hour nursing support, ensuring that health and educational goals are met in tandem.

Admissions at WSSB are handled through an individualized referral and assessment process, which includes a 35-school-day placement evaluation to determine if the school’s specialized environment is the least restrictive and most appropriate setting for the student. As a public state agency, WSSB is primarily funded by the state of Washington, providing its core educational and residential services at no cost to residents. Families are considered vital partners in the educational journey, with regular communication and involvement encouraged through parent advisory committees and progress reporting.

Student fit

Who this school serves

Grades and ages

  • Public
  • Preschool (Ages 2-5)
  • Middle School (6-8)
  • High School (9-12)
  • Young Adult (18-22)

Learning needs supported

  • Blind
  • Language-based learning disabilities
  • Low vision
  • Multiple disabilities

Learning and support

Curriculum and therapeutic services

Services and supports

  • Nursing
  • Orientation and Mobility
  • Skills of Daily Living instruction
  • Health Center services

Programs

Programs at Washington State School for the Blind

Other programs and supports

  • Nursing
  • Orientation and Mobility
  • Skills of Daily Living instruction
  • Health Center services

School facts

Practical details for families

Accreditation and licensing

  • Accredited school program

Tuition and funding

Tuition: No cost of attendance for Washington residents.

  • State funding
  • District/IEP contract placement

Enrollment

223 students

Visit us

Location and directions

Map

Physical address

2214 E 13th St, Vancouver, WA 98661

Get directions

Reviews

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