Physical Examinations

The Pennsylvania School Health Law requires a physical examination of every student upon original entry into school (Kindergarten/1st) and in the following grades:

• 6th grade
• 11th grade

Documentation of completed physical examinations are due by the last day of the current school year in which they are due. Parents are encouraged to communicate with their child’s school nurse regarding a plan to meet the requirement.

Any physical examination completed on or after the first day of the previous school year will meet the requirement for physical examinations of students entering Kindergarten/1st grade, 6th grade and 11th grade for the 2023/2024 school year. 

If your child had a physical examination on or after the first day of the previous school year, that physical examination will fulfill the state requirement.  Your child does not need to have another physical examination, but the Private or School Physical Examination of School Age Student form (see link below) must be completed, signed by the health care provider and include the date your child had the physical examination.

If you child has not had a physical examination on or after the first day of the previous school year, please take a copy of the Private or School Physical Examination of School Age Student form (see link below) to your child’s next well visit.  Once completed by the health care provider, submit the completed form to your child’s school nurse or to the main office of the school in which your child attends (the secretary will see that the school nurse receives it).  If you cannot access the form from the above below, a copy of the form can be obtained from your child’s school nurse.  

Private or School Physical Examination of School Age Student Form

School Physical Exams

If you choose to have your child’s physical examination done by the school physician, please notify the school nurse as soon as possible. Please understand that a school physical examination does not include the administration of required vaccinations, diagnostic tests or treatments; it is only a screening assessment. Once school physical examinations are scheduled, the school nurse will notify you of the specific date and time of your child’s examination. 

FOR STUDENTS IN 6TH GRADE:

VACCINATION REMINDER — One dose of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) and one dose of meningococcal conjugate (MCV) are required for the start of 7th grade.  Please discuss the above vaccinations with your child’s health care provider at their 6th grade physical exam. If your child receives the above vaccinations at their 6th grade physical exam, be sure to request a documentation of vaccinations administered and submit a copy of the documentation to your child’s school nurse.  

Scoliosis screenings will be done for all 6th grade students, as required by the State of Pennsylvania, during physical education classes. If the school nurse has not received documentation of a scoliosis screening completed during your child’s 6th grade physical exam, a scoliosis screening will be performed.

FOR ATTENDANCE IN 7TH GRADE:

On the first day of 7th grade, a child must have had the following vaccinations or risks exclusion:

• 1 dose of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap)
• 1 dose of meningococcal conjugate (MCV)

Scoliosis screenings will be done for all 7th grade students, as required by the State of Pennsylvania, during physical education classes. Students who have submitted a completed Private or School Physical Examination of School Age Student form from their private health care provider documenting a scoliosis screening and/or students who have a sports physical documented during their 7th grade school year will not be screened.

FOR ATTENDANCE IN 12TH GRADE:

On the first day of 12th grade, a child must have had the following vaccination or risks exclusion:

• 1 dose of meningococcal conjugate (MCV)