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
Reviews
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