MSB FAQs

Who is eligible to attend MSB?

Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired, for purposes of MSB eligibility, are those students who meet the State eligibility criteria for Visual Impairment.In addition, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team of the local district has determined that MSB is the student's most appropriate placement to meet goals and objectives of the IEP.

How do I apply to MSB?

Students must be referred to MSB by their local education agency (LEA). The first step is to contact them and schedule an IEP.

How much does it cost to go to MSB?

There is no cost to Missouri residents to attend MSB. Transportation is provided free of charge for residential students to travel to and from their homes every weekend.

Is it possible to take a tour of the school?

To schedule a tour for a possible student admission, please call the education office at 314-633-1562. General interest tours may be available, depending upon school activities. Contact Andrea Stoffel, Community Relations, 314-633-3942, email: Andrea.Stoffel@msb.dese.mo.gov.

What does "legally blind" mean?

Visual acuity (vision) of 20/200 or less in the better eye with best correction possible. This means that a legally blind individual would have to stand 20 feet from an object to see it - with vision correction - with the same degree of clarity as a normally sighted person could from 200 ft. The definition may also include people with average acuity who have a visual field of less than 20 degrees (the norm being 180 degrees).

Approximately 10 percent of those deemed legally blind have no vision; the rest have some vision, from light perception alone to relatively good acuity.