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Application Process

Parents/legal guardians living in Florida can choose the school that best meets their child's needs. If your child meets eligibility requirements, FSDB may be an option.

Below are the steps involved in the application process and how to get started with your child’s application.

Step 1: Apply & Submit Records

Complete the application and collect your child’s required records and documents, and then mail, fax, or email the package to the FSDB registrar. FSDB may also request school and medical records. It may take several weeks for FSDB to receive all documentation. Parents/guardians or adult students can help facilitate the process by including records with the application package.

To speed up the process, include the following documents (if applicable), with the application:

  • Birth Certificate

  • Custody Documents

  • School Physical

  • Immunization Records

  • Audiological and/or Eye Medical Records

Justyn Keller working with a Blind Middle School student on a math problem.

Koger Hall Tower

Step 2: Records Review

Once the registrar has collected all records, the file review team reviews the application package. Parents/guardians or adult students will be contacted either by phone to schedule an evaluation day or by letter outlining possible eligibility concerns.

Four Deaf Middle School girls posing for group picture

Step 3: Admissions Review

Evaluations can take up to a full day. Typically, evaluations begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude between 3-4 p.m. on the same day. Parents/guardians and their child(ren) or the adult student are involved in discussions and decisions throughout the day.

The day will begin with a brief meeting to explain the evaluations that the admissions team would like to carry out. The prospective student will be asked to accompany the evaluator to the testing rooms. Breaks will be provided as needed, including visits with parents/legal guardians.

After lunch break, the admissions team shares evaluation results with the parents/legal guardians and student or the adult student. It is at this time that eligibility criteria will be reviewed, and the team will determine eligibility to attend FSDB.

Two deaf students in Science class.

Step 4: Outcomes

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Eligible

An IEP will be developed along with an enrollment start date. 

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Temporary Assignment

  • An enrollment start date is given for an extended evaluation period.

  • The final determination will be made after additional information is collected.

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Not Eligible

When an ineligible determination is made, future reapplication is possible.