The term Deaf refers to children with varying hearing levels. It is inclusive of hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind, and Deaf+ children, as well as children with hearing assistive technology. 

Zoe

by Zoe's grandma

I love it that California School for the Deaf has been a school that is so ripe with opportunities for Zoe to improve herself. She has never run out of things to do to get better and challenge herself. Zoe is an excellent student who stands out in the crowd. It’s also because the school has been there to partner with Zoe to make her the excellent student that she is.” 

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Maeve

by Maeve's mom

American Sign Language opened up a world of beauty, friendship, love, community. We feel more connected to the Deaf community than to our neighbors, because our neighbors don’t communicate with us even though we live next door. But in the Deaf community, they say ‘Who are you? Do you know so-and-so?’ and it’s just this instant bond and family.”

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Khalil

by Khalil's dad

Now that Khalil is at California School for the Deaf, he is able to communicate with his classmates in a much better environment than he had at the local public school. Khalil really likes it. He never misses any classes. I’m incredibly thrilled that he is at CSD. I am very thankful.”

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Over 1000 Deaf babies are born in California every year. 2021 was a record year with about 1500 babies born and identified as Deaf. (More than anywhere in the world!)  

Each child's language acquisition, whether it be in American Sign Language and/or spoken English or Spanish, should be monitored and tracked every 6 months by the Early Start team. Children benefit from our high expectations! 

Language Development Milestones (SB 210)

Download pamphlet | See complete checklist from birth through 5 years of age

Meet California's co-coordinators:

High school student leaders from California School for the Deaf planned a wonderful retreat full of energy, creativity, engagement, and learning. These student leaders are members of the Jr. National Association of the Deaf.

▼ Leadership Retreat Photo Album (Click on photo for enlargement) ▼

Student leaders invited inspirational speakers to present at the retreat. Each inspirational speaker shared their story and prompted students to think about what they could do as leaders in their own community. Students gained perspective on knowing what is important and how they can contribute as citizens to society. 

▼ Inspirational Speakers Photo Album (Click on photo for enlargement) ▼

Posters of presenters were originally designed for Instagram by Chang-May Tan, with the support of Jasha Brock. 

Open interactive and clickable list of who to contact when referring a student to CSD

California School for the Deaf, Fremont serves Deaf students and their families in 46 Northern California counties.

The school provides resources both nationally and internationally through its CORE program.

We welcome families with Deaf children, between the ages 0 to 22 to tour our school.

To learn more about how to request a family tour, please visit our website.

Please inform us when there is a change in staff so we know who to contact in your district.

Please contact our Administrative Assistant with updates

Hi my name is Aaliyah Mendoza. My Deaf family told me about California School for the Deaf back when I was in eighth grade. I didn’t come here then. I wish I had. I finally became a student at CSD last January. I’ve been here for just over three months. When I first came here, people came up to me and said, “Hi” and asked me my name. Everyone including the staff is very nice and welcoming. I like being here in the Deaf world better than in the hearing world.

My name is Mario Flores-Montoya. I grew up being mainstreamed in a hearing school. It was really hard for me. Being alone and Deaf and not understanding anything people were saying. I got more and more frustrated. When I came to California School for the Deaf to visit, I really liked it. I thought it was so cool! I finally became a student in 2019, but it was through Zoom which was hard for me. When school opened in 2021, I could attend in person. I’m really happy. I like the social life here and being able to understand everything.

Hi. My name is Geneva Brock. I have returned to CSD after being home schooled. I’ve really enjoyed all of the activities I’ve been involved with. I auditioned and got the leading role in the high school play this year. I’m keeping a very positive attitude and getting involved with various programs at the school. I’ve also been participating in sports, including volleyball and softball. I’m having fun with being around kids who are like me where we can be ourselves.

Good evening. My name is Dante Wissler. I grew up in Peru. I was adopted and moved to Texas where I attended Texas School for the Deaf for five years. Then we moved to California with its sceinic beaches, bridges, and mountains. I prefer the climate in California, too. I have a good roommate situation in the cottage, at California School for the Deaf, . We are very compatible. I have good teachers in all of my classes. This semester, I’m taking English, math, construction technology, science, health, and a cooking classes. I’m learning a lot! 

Hi. My name is Leslie Acosta-Martinez. I like being at CSD Fremont much better than the hearing school I attended before. When I was at the hearing school, I really struggled having to focus on both the teacher and the interpreter while taking notes in class. Now that I am at CSD, I am trying to stay focused on completing my homework and going to class. And I have a friend whom I am close with at the cottage.

CODA story starts at 6:15 on the video

Features Early Language and Education Consultant Julie Rems-Smario and Family Educator Laura T Petersen

► See video ► View transcript