The first California School for the Deaf was established in 1860 and is part of the California Department of Education's State Special Schools.[1] Originally located in Berkeley, the school served to educate the Deaf community. The Berkeley location closed and two new schools opened up. CSD Riverside was then established in 1953, followed by CSD Fremont in 1980.[2] CSD Fremont serves deaf and hard-of-hearing students from preschool through 12th grade across Northern California.[3] With a focus on American Sign Language (ASL) and bilingual education, the school provides an accessible learning environment tailored to the needs of Deaf culture and community. Over the years, it has become a national model for Deaf education, promoting empowerment, self-advocacy, and academic excellence.[4]
Current status and planning
Bear Hunt by Douglas Tilden 1892
CSD administration continues weekly meetings to plan for the Extended School Year, summer staffing, and the next academic year. They are identifying the appropriate Physical protective Equipment (PPE), maintaining facilities, and preparing the budget admin for possible cuts. Plans for virtual reopening include staff reorganizing and parent survey feedback. Each of the academic departments have developed Distance Learning Objectives. Communication with students, families, staff, and the community remains ongoing.
CSD future
Reopening CSD will be complex due to students coming from 42 countries, this causes a risk evaluation for PPE and other safety protocols. CSD is committed to staying flexible and maintaining a positive approach as they face upcoming challenges together.
Campus life
California School for the Deaf Fremont sign upon entering the school.
Residential life
The Independent Living Skills (ILS) program allows for senior students to live in apartments on campus. These apartments are called "cottages", and it is the student's responsibility to maintain the apartment and practice living independently.[5] The ILS department offers trainings to students on topics such as:
A few cottages within the residential living area on the CSD Fremont campus.
Mock rental application scenarios
Independent access to apartments (providing the student with their own key)
Personal relationships/Conflict resolution
Kitchen safety & Cooking
Apartment maintenance (daily and deep cleaning)
Personal Health and hygiene
Time Management
Special Events
The school prides themselves on their ability to help students adapt to the transition from these cottages to life and responsibilities in the real world.
Asian Pacific Islander Organization (API) - Promotes networking between API Deaf students, bringing awareness to Asian Deaf Culture.
Black Student Union (BSU) - Supports students to embrace their identity by creating a safe space and celebrating culture.
Indigenous People's Organization (IP) - Creates a space for Native American Deaf students to come together, strengthening their presence on campus.
Raza de Sordx Organization (RDS) - Promotes networking between Latinx Deaf students, bringing awareness to Latinx Deaf Culture.
Gender & Sexualities Alliance (GSA) - Activist LGBTQIA+ group that comes together and prioritizes the goal to respect all and create a safe educational environment.
Foothills Athletic Association (FAA) - Founded in 1901 to encourage students of the CSD to engage in athletics to promote school spirit and practice good citizenship.
Peer Advocate Program (PA) - This student-run program is available to students for guidance and support through presentations and activities.
Jr. National Association of the Deaf (Jr. NAD) - This student-run organization is a unit of the student body government. They engage in student leadership roles to navigate needs on a regional and national level.
Student Body Government (SBG) - This student organization works to better the school based on student and staff needs.
Campus news
Upcoming campus events and important announcements are posted on the school's website. Announcements for school plays, alumni events, sports, and conferences can be found under the Latest News page on the website.[7]
Student Support Services
The school offers a variety of support services for students on campus. The student Outreach Services offers families and the community with tours of campus, classes for CSD families, as well as workshops and resources open to the community.
A mural on the CSD Fremont campus of the Sign Union Flag painted in 2017 by Arnaud Balard and others.
Director of Instruction: This department ensure students are learning inside the classroom and outside with clubs, field trips and athletics.
Career Center: This department provides numerous services to the families and the students to assist with transition from high school to adulthood.
Career Technical Education: This department provides eight programs of study such as biotechnology, technology pathway, construction pathway, culinary arts, digital media, graphic technology, information technology and lastly wood technology.
Early Childhood Education: This department provides services to deaf children ranging from infancy to kindergarten.
Middle School: This department provides educational services to students 6th to 8th grade. Following the Common Core standards in course offerings the follow American Sign Language as the language of instruction.
High School: This department provides educational services from 9th to 12th grade. Core course offerings are: Advanced Placement English, Chemistry, Physics, Algebra I and II, American Sign Language, International Studies, World History, and more. Common Core standards and bilingual education principles are integrated in their instruction.
Physical Education: This department educates students on healthy living and prepares students for a better chance of passing California Physical Fitness Test (PFT) in fifth, seventh and ninth grades.
Academic performance
Reports on CSD-Fremont's Academic performance is measured utilizing California Schools Dashboard and evaluates numerous performance indicators.[9] In academic subjects, Language Arts receives an orange rating, suggesting that the students' current performance is 13.2 points below average. In Mathematics the school earned a low orange standing with 47.6 points below standard. Lastly, college and career preparation received a yellow standing with preparation of 45.3%.
Despite the lower score ratings, the school has reported a positive trend in its language arts program and appears to be actively working on addressing its educational gaps for students.
Teaching system
CSD Fremont prepares its students from preschool through high school through a detailed education play focusing on bilingual development, life skills, and activism.[10] Its academic programs are centered around the needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing students. This school ensure prioritization of sign language and inclusion with teacher Ty Kovacs stating “We have built a culture of community. Being deaf is normal here, and everyone signs".[11] By following state and local developed standards, CSD-Fremont utilizes a bilingual approach, incorporating ASL and English to support the students' academic progression. The curriculum utilizes Curriculum Outcomes Resources Education (CORE) to support 5 main domains of early intervention, community education, parent education, assistance to local education agencies and academic assessment consultation.[12] CSD Fremont's philosophy encourages its students to promote advocacy and the importance of deaf culture while preparing students for successful futures. Currently, the student to faculty ratio is 10:1 while 86% of teachers and cottage staff are deaf.
Athletics
California School for the Deaf, Fremont offers a comprehensive athletic program that is integral to student life, promoting teamwork, leadership, and community involvement. The school competes in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) North Coast Section and provides opportunities for students to participate in various sports, including football, volleyball, basketball, track and field, soccer, wrestling, and cheerleading.[13] CSD Fremont's athletic teams are recognized for their competitive spirit, community engagement, and their contribution to deaf culture.
Sports
CSD Fremont Football Field
Sports played in are football, volleyball, basketball, track and field, soccer, wrestling, and cheerleading. Each sport is available at both junior varsity and varsity levels, providing students of all skill levels the opportunity to participate.[14]
The Big Game
One of the most anticipated events each year is "The Big Game",[15] a historic football rivalry between CSD Fremont and California School for the Deaf, Riverside. This annual match is a symbol of athletic and school pride, drawing attention from the deaf community across the state. The game has been played for decades and remains one of the most notable traditions at both schools. The rivalry fosters a sense of community and school spirit, with students, alumni, and supporters participating in the event.
Achievements and championships
CSD Fremont's athletic teams have achieved success in multiple sports, consistently earning recognition in regional and state competitions. Some of the school's notable athletic achievements include:
Football: Multiple playoff appearances in the CIF North Coast Section.
Basketball: Regional champions in several years, with consistent playoff appearances.
Track and Field: Strong individual and team performances in CIF state championships, with athletes qualifying for regional meets.
Volleyball: Consistent contenders in league championships.
National Champions
Below is a table highlighting some of the athletic sports national champion achievements of CSD Fremont over the years.[16]
CSD Fremont National Champions
Football
Cross Country
Baseball
Softball
1940
1987
1993
1990
1963
1988
2001
1995
1966
1989
2002
1998
1985
1990
2007
2001
2002
1991
2008
2003
2012
1992
2010
2009
2014
1994
2012
2013
1995
2014
1996
Athletic facilities
Football Field: A full-sized field for football games and other outdoor activities.
Gymnasium: A large and small multi-purpose gym for basketball, volleyball, wrestling, and other indoor sports.
Track and Field Area: A dedicated space for training and events in track and field.
Wrestling Room: A specialized space for wrestling practice and matches.
These facilities provide student-athletes with the resources they need to succeed and are regularly maintained to meet the needs of the school's athletic programs.
Success of deaf sports
Inspired by PBS NewsHour's March 5, 2025 feature on CSD Riverside football[17]
The California School for the Deaf (CSD) Riverside football team made history by winning its third straight state championship in 2024, a triumph highlighted by PBS NewsHour. Their story mirrors the values of CSD Fremont's athletic programs: Deaf pride, innovation, and teamwork.
Led by Coach Keith Adams, who uses American Sign Language (ASL) to call plays, the CSD Riverside Cubs rose from underdogs to champions. Journalist Thomas Fuller, author of The Boys of Riverside, explained how the team's ASL communication and shared Deaf identity fueled their success. Neuroscientist David Corina noted that deaf athletes often have enhanced visual awareness, giving them split-second advantages on the field. Quarterback Caden Adams said:
"We rely on our eyes. We see movement ahead of time, so we think two steps ahead."
Community impact
CSD Fremont Eagle Pride Banner
The athletic program at CSD Fremont extends beyond the school itself, creating a sense of unity among alumni, parents, and the broader Deaf community. Events such as "The Big Game" and seasonal sports tournaments bring together supporters from across California, emphasizing the importance of sports as a unifying force. In addition, the athletics department provides leadership opportunities, encouraging students to develop valuable life skills through their involvement in sports.[18]
↑ Lang, Harry G., Cohen, Oscar P. and Joseph E. Fischgrund. 2007. Moments of Truth: Robert R. Davila, the Story of a Deaf Leader. Rochester, NY: RIT Press, p. 17
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