Inside California School for the Deaf: Where Language & Culture Flourish

A Cultural Center

For more than 150 years, the California School for the Deaf (CSD) has been much more than just a school. It serves as a cornerstone of California's Deaf community. With two separate campuses in Northern and Southern California—Fremont (CSDF) and Riverside (CSDR)—CSD provides a complete, free education for Deaf and hard of hearing children from preschool through high school. The school's main goal is based on bilingual education, where American Sign Language (ASL) and English are both valued equally and used together to help students succeed academically while building a strong cultural identity.

CSD is not just a place to learn—it is a lively center where language, culture, and community come together. It offers a safe space where students are surrounded by a fully accessible environment, allowing them to grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally without communication barriers. The CSD experience is a complete journey that includes challenging academics and rich activities outside of class that help shape well-rounded, confident individuals. The school's commitment is built on four main areas:

• Academics: A challenging, WASC-approved curriculum that prepares students for college and career success.
• Athletics: A proud tradition of competitive sports that builds teamwork and school spirit.
• Arts: A dynamic platform for creative expression through visual and performing arts.
• Community: A caring environment that builds lifelong friendships and a deep connection to Deaf culture.

Two Different Campuses

While both campuses share the same mission, the California School for the Deaf's two campuses in Fremont and Riverside have unique personalities, shaped by their different histories, locations, and the communities they serve. This dual structure gives families a choice that best fits their student's needs and goals. Understanding the differences between CSDF and CSDR is an important step for families considering the school. The following table provides a clear comparison to help with that decision-making process.

In the end, the choice between Fremont and Riverside is a personal one. Both campuses provide an excellent bilingual education and a strong sense of belonging. The decision often comes down to a family's location, a student's specific interests in programs like STEM or athletics, and the campus environment that feels like the best fit.

A Bilingual Academic Approach

The academic foundation of the California School for the Deaf is its ASL/English Bilingual Approach. This is not simply about teaching two languages—it is a deeply rooted educational philosophy that recognizes both ASL and English as essential for brain development, academic achievement, and cultural identity. By providing direct instruction in a fully accessible language—ASL—students gain a solid foundation to learn and master English literacy. This approach empowers students to become fluent bilinguals, capable of succeeding in both Deaf and hearing worlds. The curriculum is challenging, standards-based, and approved by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), ensuring students receive an education that is both high-quality and culturally affirming.

Early Childhood Education

Learning at CSD begins in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs, which serve children from infancy to age five. This important period focuses on natural language learning in an immersive, play-based environment. Classrooms are rich with visual materials, and educators, who are fluent in ASL, model language constantly. The goal is to build a strong language foundation in ASL, which is proven to be a powerful starting point for developing English reading and writing skills later on. The school also provides extensive resources and support for parents and families, empowering them to participate in their child's language journey from day one. Key subjects are introduced through hands-on activities that integrate language arts in both ASL and English, math, science, and social development.

Middle School Learning

Middle school at CSD marks an important transition period where students bridge the gap from basic learning to more complex academic subjects. The curriculum continues to build on the bilingual approach, with students engaging in sophisticated discussions in ASL while improving their English reading and writing skills through literature, research projects, and expository writing. This is a time for building greater independence and critical thinking. Students are encouraged to explore their interests through a variety of elective courses, such as robotics, digital arts, or world languages. The supportive environment ensures that as academic demands increase, students have the direct communication and personalized attention needed to succeed.

High School Preparation

The high school program is designed to prepare students for a future of their choosing, whether that be college, a technical career, or another post-secondary path. The academic track is college preparatory, with a full range of A-G courses that meet the entrance requirements for the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems. Beyond core subjects, CSD offers strong Career Technical Education (CTE) programs. These hands-on programs provide students with practical skills and industry-recognized certifications in fields such as graphic design, culinary arts, woodworking, and automotive technology. This dual focus on college and career readiness ensures that every CSD graduate leaves with a clear plan and the tools needed to achieve their goals.

Life Beyond the Bell

Education at the California School for the Deaf extends far beyond the final bell of the academic day. The school is committed to developing the whole person, providing a rich variety of activities outside of class that build social skills, leadership, and personal interests. In this fully accessible environment, students are not just participants—they are leaders, athletes, artists, and innovators. The vibrant student life at both the Fremont and Riverside campuses shows the belief that learning also happens on the stage, on the sports field, and in the residential halls.

A Legacy of Pride

Athletics are a cornerstone of the CSD experience and a source of great school pride. The Fremont Eagles and the Riverside Cubs have a proud history of competition, not only against other Deaf schools but also in their local mainstream athletic leagues. The energy at a home football game is incredible—the silence of the crowd is replaced by the visual roar of waving hands, stomping feet that send vibrations through the bleachers, and the shared language of the game. The annual rivalry game between the Eagles and the Cubs is a major event that unites the entire California Deaf community. CSD offers a wide array of sports, including:

• Football
• Basketball
• Volleyball
• Track & Field
• Wrestling
• Cheerleading
• Soccer

Nurturing Creativity

The arts are a vital part of Deaf culture, offering a powerful way for expression and storytelling. CSD's arts programs are designed to nurture this creativity, providing students with a platform to explore their talents. The drama department is particularly well-known, where students master the art of ASL storytelling, theatrical performance, and visual vernacular. These performances are not simple translations of plays but are unique creations that use the beauty and complexity of signed language. In addition to drama, students can engage in a variety of other artistic pursuits, such as:

• Visual Arts (Painting, ceramics, sculpture)
• Digital Media and Graphic Design
• Dance

Finding Your Place

Student life is further enriched by a wide range of clubs and organizations that allow students to explore interests and develop leadership skills. Groups like the Junior National Association of the Deaf (Jr. NAD), Robotics Club, and student government provide opportunities for collaboration, advocacy, and personal growth. For many students, the residential life program is a life-changing experience. Living on campus from Monday to Friday, students learn independence, time management, and responsibility in a supportive, family-like environment. The dorms are not just a place to sleep—they are where lifelong friendships are formed and students build a strong sense of community and belonging.

A Pillar of Community

The influence of the California School for the Deaf reaches far beyond its campus gates. It is not an isolated institution but the cultural and linguistic heart of the Deaf community across the state. For generations, CSD has been the place where Deaf identity is affirmed, language is cherished, and traditions are passed down. This role as a community pillar is as vital to its mission as its academic programs, ensuring the continued strength of Deaf culture for years to come.

Guardian of Language

CSD serves as an important guardian for the preservation and evolution of American Sign Language. In a world where Deaf children are often the only signers in their families or local schools, CSD provides a complete language immersion environment. Here, ASL is not just a subject—it is the language of instruction, of friendship, of debate, and of daily life. This constant, high-level use of the language ensures its richness is passed to the next generation. The school is also a center for fostering Deaf culture, teaching students about their history, their art, and the shared values and traditions that define the community.

Hub for Engagement

The Fremont and Riverside campuses are natural gathering places for the wider community. Events like homecoming are massive celebrations, drawing hundreds of alumni, families, and community members back to campus. Athletic competitions, theatrical performances, and cultural festivals are open to the public and serve as important social events. The campuses also act as resource centers, sometimes offering ASL classes for parents and community members, hosting workshops, and providing a space for Deaf organizations to meet. This open-door philosophy strengthens the bond between the school and the community it serves.

The Alumni Network

Graduating from CSD means joining a powerful and fiercely loyal alumni network that spans the state, the country, and the world. This network is an invaluable resource for current students and recent graduates. Alumni often return to campus to mentor students, share their professional experiences, and provide guidance on college and careers. This lifelong connection provides a safety net of support and professional opportunity, reinforcing the sense that a CSD education is not just for a few years, but for life. The success of its alumni in every imaginable field is proof of the school's lasting impact.

An Education for Life

The California School for the Deaf is more than a school—it is a choice for a complete education that nurtures the entire individual. By providing a world-class academic program within a vibrant social and cultural context, CSD equips students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to build successful futures. The bilingual and bicultural environment empowers graduates to move easily between the Deaf and hearing worlds, fully prepared to advocate for themselves and achieve their dreams. For over 165 years, CSD has been shaping leaders, thinkers, and creators, building a legacy of excellence and cultural pride that will continue to inspire for generations to come.