Short Courses

Short Courses are offered at California School for the Blind for visually impaired students currently attending school in their local school districts.

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Our Short Course Program offers students from across California the opportunity to participate in a individualized learning experience at the California School for the Blind (CSB). Students can attend as either day or residential students, and we also offer a variety of online courses. There is no cost to participate in the program, including transportation, lodging for residential students, and instruction, making it accessible to families throughout the state.

Group picture in the Short Courses Classroom.
Students in the Short Courses Classroom.
Short Courses at White Cane Day 2024.

2026-2027 Short Courses

Short Courses Offered 2026 - 2027

Unlocking Middle School, August 6th, 2026, via Zoom

This course has passed!

Starting middle school is an exciting milestone! This short course is designed to help students feel confident and prepared for the transition. Participants will learn about what to expect in middle school, including changes to schedules, classes, organization, and increased independence.

A major focus of the course will be learning how to use a combination lock for Physical Education (PE) lockers. Each student will receive an accessible combination lock and will have guided, hands-on practice learning strategies for opening and locking it independently. By the end of the course, students will have the skills and confidence to manage one of the most common middle school routines.

This course provides a supportive environment where students can ask questions, build confidence, and develop practical skills that will help them start middle school successfully.

Cooking 101 - Cooking with Confidence! September 16 - 18, 2026, In-Person

Calling all middle schoolers who participated in our summer academies! Join us for a fun, hands-on cooking adventure! This in-person course helps students build independence, confidence, kitchen safety, and practical daily living skills while learning to prepare simple, delicious meals. Students will practice making easy lunches they can enjoy at home or pack for school, giving them the confidence to become more independent in the kitchen. Families are encouraged to continue practicing these skills at home, making this a meaningful learning experience for everyone.

Social Skills Squad Elementary Edition, October 1, 2026, via Zoom

Interest form for Social Skills Squad External link opens in new window or tab. (Google Form) Registration is open until September 20, 2026.

This interactive Zoom group is designed for students in 3rd - 5th grade who are visually impaired. This group will be offered once a month from October 2026 through December 2026. Through stories,discussions, role-playing, and real-life scenarios, students will build confidence and practice skills that help them connect with others and navigate everyday social situations.

Students will explore topics such as making and maintaining friendships, joining conversations and activities, understanding personal space and boundaries, handling disagreements, expressing feelings, problem-solving, responding to teasing or rejection, and advocating for themselves.

Each session will provide opportunities to talk, listen, practice, and learn from one another in a supportive and encouraging environment. The goal is to help students feel more confident navigating friendships, school interactions, and social situations while developing their own voice and sense of independence.

Because students with visual impairments may not always have access to the same visual social cues as their sighted peers, the group will also provide opportunities to explicitly practice social skills that are often learned by observation.

A Day of Learning at CSB, In Person

Interest Form Registration for a day at CSB External link opens in new window or tab. (Google Form) - Ongoing

Target Audience: K-12 students who are blind or have low vision, along with district personnel and teachers
Location: California School for the Blind, Fremont, CA
Dates: Scheduled individually with participating districts/agencies
Arrival: Approximately 8:30AM; timing can be adjusted with the visiting district/agency

Experience a day of learning, exploration, and adventure at the California School for the Blind!

A Day of Learning is much more than a campus tour. Visiting students become part of the CSB community for the day, participating in hands-on learning experiences, blindness-specific instruction, related services, electives, and activities alongside CSB students and staff.

Each visit is individually designed in partnership with the visiting district or agency. Experiences are selected based on the students' ages, interests, learning needs, and goals. A day might include participating in a grade-level classroom, exploring adapted physical education, music or art, learning about assistive technology, experiencing orientation and mobility or other Expanded Core Curriculum instruction, or taking part in specialized related services and activities.

The goal is for students to experience CSB, not simply observe it. Through authentic participation and interaction with peers, students have opportunities to try new things, discover strategies and tools, build independence, and explore what learning can look like in an environment designed specifically for students who are blind or have low vision.

No two visits need to look the same. CSB will work with each participating district or agency to create a day that is meaningful, engaging, age-appropriate, and responsive to the students attending.

Additional trip details and planning information will be provided to participating districts and agencies after the interest form is submitted.

TCHO Chocolate Factory Tour, October 29, 2026, In Person

Interest form for Chocolate Factory External link opens in new window or tab. (Google Form) Registration is open until September 9, 2026.

Join CSB Short Courses for a fun and interactive field trip to the TCHO Chocolate Factory! Students in 3rd - 5th grade will have the opportunity to explore how chocolate is made, learn about the chocolate-making process, and enjoy a hands-on tasting experience.

This exciting experience is designed to encourage curiosity, independence, and social learning while giving students the opportunity to explore a real-world environment with their peers.

Location: TCHO Chocolate Factory Berkeley, CA
Student Arrival: Approximately 10:00AM at CSB
Pick-Up: 3:30PM at CSB
Availability: Limited spots available

Space is limited, so families are encouraged to register early. Additional trip details and information for participating families will be provided after registration.

Additional Information

We also invite you to learn more about the California School for the Blind, where we continue to provide innovative educational services and statewide outreach to blind and low vision students, their families, and educational teams. Find out more about our Admissions Process for CSB.

For questions about our programs, please contact our Outreach Services team at csb.sos@csb-cde.ca.gov.

There are no costs associated with the attendance of a short course including transportation. Students frequently apply for and attend more than one Short Course in a School Year.

Please reach out to our Short-Course Team for any questions at csb.shortcourses@csb-cde.ca.gov or by phone at 510-951-1889.

See the Short Course Program Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

Watch a trailer on what happens at our Short Courses on YouTube External link opens in new window or tab. (Video; 00:57).


Previously Offered Courses

Previously Offered Courses

Summer Academies

If you would like to look at our offerings for Summer Academies, check out our Summer Academy page.