Arizona School for Deaf and Blind Relocated
The campus moved 15 miles north to Oro Valley over the summer of 2026 to reduce operating costs.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Special Education
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The Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and Blind relocated its campus from the historic Speedway site in Tucson to the former Copper Creek Elementary School in Oro Valley during the summer of 2026. This move was initiated to address rising operating costs and declining enrollment at the previous location.
Why it matters
Consolidating facilities into a more compact site helps the school board manage high costs while continuing to serve students who are deaf, blind, or visually impaired. The transition reflects broader efforts to maintain specialized education services amidst budgetary pressures.
The school moved 15 miles north to the former Copper Creek Elementary facility, which features a more concentrated layout. The new site currently serves 96 students and employs more than 50 administrative and instructional staff members.
The players
Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and Blind
This state-run institution provides specialized education and support services to students who are deaf, blind, or visually impaired.
Amphitheatre Public Schools
This public school district formerly operated the Copper Creek Elementary School site before its closure.
The details
The Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and Blind moved into the former Copper Creek Elementary School building after the Amphitheatre Public Schools system closed the site. While the school maintains two cooperative sites in Tucson, the new campus aims to provide a more efficient environment than the historic Speedway facility that had been in use since 1922.
Timeline
The historic Speedway campus was established in 1922.
The school moved to the new campus during the summer of 2026.
The school held an open house for families on July 31, 2026.
Culture Shift
The school's move to a smaller, more cost-efficient facility follows a broader trend of institutions consolidating infrastructure to address declining enrollment. This shift reflects a move away from maintaining historic, high-cost campuses toward more sustainable, modern learning environments.
Students and families must now navigate the new Oro Valley campus layout, which is designed to be more concentrated than the previous facility. This change requires local residents and families to adjust their daily routines and commute plans to the new location.
The takeaway
Strategic relocation of educational facilities is a necessary step for institutions facing significant budgetary constraints. Families should visit the new site to familiarize themselves with the updated facility layout and staff resources.
Further reading
Find more information on Special Education resources and updates across the state.
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