Which Grades Need a Physical, Dental or Eye Exam, the Vaccines Due at Each Grade and the Deadlines Parents Need to Know
Des Plaines, IL · Updated October 2026
Serving Des Plaines and the northwest suburbs, including Park Ridge, Rosemont, Mount Prospect, Niles and Elk Grove Village, at 1645 S River Rd, Suite 14, Des Plaines, IL 60018. Open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with walk-ins welcome. (708) 412-4040 · info@zorahmedical.com · book a visit.
Quick answer: An Illinois school physical is required before preschool, kindergarten or first grade, sixth grade and ninth grade, and when a child first enters an Illinois school. The state health form is due by October 15, dental exams by May 15 for kindergarten, second, sixth and ninth grades, and an eye exam by October 15 for kindergarten and first-time enrollees. Sports physicals are separate, so book 6 to 8 weeks before the season.
Which Grades Need a School Physical in Illinois
Illinois requires a physical on the state’s Certificate of Child Health Examination at set points in school. The exam must be done within one year before the child enters that grade, and the form is due by October 15 unless your district sets an earlier date. Dental and eye exams are separate requirements on their own forms.
| When | Physical (Certificate of Child Health Examination) | Dental exam | Eye exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preschool or first entry to an Illinois school | Yes | — | Yes, when first enrolling in an Illinois school (not preschool) |
| Kindergarten (or first grade) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 2nd grade | — | Yes | — |
| 6th grade | Yes | Yes | — |
| 9th grade | Yes | Yes | — |
| Due by | October 15 (or earlier if your district sets it) | May 15 | October 15 |
Immunizations by Grade
Proof of vaccines goes on the same health form. These are the grade-entry requirements most families ask about, from the Illinois Department of Public Health’s school immunization guidance:
| Grade | Vaccines students must show |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten | The full childhood series, including 4 doses of polio (the last on or after the 4th birthday), plus DTaP, MMR and varicella |
| 6th grade | 1 dose Tdap, 1 dose MenACWY (on or after the 11th birthday), 3 doses hepatitis B, 2 doses MMR, 2 doses varicella and the polio series |
| 12th grade | 2 doses MenACWY (1 dose if the first was given on or after the 16th birthday) |
If your child is missing a dose, it can often be given at the same visit; ask about flu and COVID shots at the same time.
School Physical vs. Sports Physical
A school physical completes the state health form for school entry. A sports physical, also called a pre-participation physical exam, clears a student to play and focuses on the heart, lungs, joints and past injuries. Many families combine them in one sports physical and well-child visit so the child is covered for both. High school athletes usually need their school’s or the IHSA’s pre-participation form; ask the athletic office which one and how long it’s valid.
When to Book
Summer and the weeks before fall sports fill up fast. Schedule a sports physical 6 to 8 weeks before the season starts, and book school physicals early enough to beat the October 15 deadline.
What to Bring
- The school’s health form or the IHSA sports form, with the parent section filled in
- Your child’s vaccine record
- A list of medications, allergies and past injuries or surgeries
- Glasses or contacts, if your child wears them
- An asthma inhaler or action plan, if your child uses one
Beyond the Form
A physical is also a chance to check growth, development and any ongoing concerns. Younger children may get a developmental screening, and kids with breathing trouble can have their asthma care plan updated before sports season. If you’re still choosing a regular doctor, see how to choose a pediatrician in Des Plaines. For the full state rules, see the Illinois State Board of Education school health page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which grades need a school physical in Illinois?
Children need a physical on the Certificate of Child Health Examination before preschool, kindergarten or first grade, sixth grade and ninth grade, and when they first enter an Illinois school.
When is the Illinois school physical due?
By October 15 of the school year, unless your district sets an earlier date. The exam must be done within one year before the child enters that grade.
Which grades need a dental exam?
Kindergarten, second, sixth and ninth grades. Proof of a dental exam is due by May 15.
Who needs an eye exam for school?
Children entering kindergarten and students enrolling in an Illinois school for the first time. Proof is due by October 15.
What vaccines are required for sixth grade?
One dose of Tdap, one dose of MenACWY on or after the 11th birthday, three doses of hepatitis B, two doses each of MMR and varicella and the polio series.
Is a sports physical the same as a school physical?
Not exactly. A school physical completes the state health form, while a sports physical clears a student to play. Many families do both in one visit.
When should we schedule a sports physical?
About 6 to 8 weeks before the season starts, so there’s time to follow up if anything needs attention.
How do I book?
Book online or call (708) 412-4040. The clinic is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and walk-ins are welcome.
Find Out Which Forms Your Child Needs This Year
The right visit depends on your child’s grade, sports and vaccine record, not on the date on the calendar. Book online or call (708) 412-4040, or walk in Monday through Saturday. Still have questions? Reach out directly.
1645 S River Rd, Suite 14, Des Plaines, IL 60018 · (708) 412-4040 · info@zorahmedical.com · Mon–Sat 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
This article is general health information, not medical advice. In an emergency, call 911.
