Short Courses

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

Short-Term Programs Home: Short Courses | Learning Lab | Summer Academies

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 Rising 6th or 7th graders (PDF), August 6th 2026
  • Cooking 101 In Person, September 16th - 18th
  • Social Skills Elementary Edition via Zoom September 30th
  • Ready, Set, Go! Next Stop: Independence In Person, October 13th - 16th
  • Social Skills Middle School Edition via Zoom October 28th
  • Unlocking Accessible Reading TBD

Unlocking Middle School August 6th via Zoom

Interest Form External link opens in new window or tab. (Google Form) Registration is open until August 1st

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 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.

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 complete our brief interest form Short-Term Programs 2025-2026 Interest Form External link opens in new window or tab. (Google Form) if you or someone you know may be interested in our courses.

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.