School Physicals: What the Form Needs and What to Bring
What a school physical form needs, which parts you fill in and which the provider signs, what to bring, and what a kids' school physical costs at AfterOurs.
A school physical form usually needs three things: a health history section that you fill in at home, an exam section the provider completes and signs (height, weight, vital signs and a physical exam), and sometimes immunization dates. Bring the form itself, your child's shot record and a list of medicines and allergies. At AfterOurs a school physical is for kids and costs a flat $40, self-pay, with the form completed at the visit.
What does a school physical form need?
Every school, district, daycare and camp has its own form, but most follow the same pattern. Before you come in, read it through and check which parts are yours and which are the provider's.
The parts you fill in
- Your child's details: name, date of birth, school, grade, and a parent or guardian contact.
- Health history: past illnesses, hospital stays, surgeries, injuries and ongoing conditions such as asthma, diabetes, seizures or allergies.
- Medicines: everything your child takes regularly, including inhalers and allergy medicines, plus any they take at school.
- Allergies: food, medicine, insect stings and anything else, and what happens when your child is exposed.
- Parent signature and any consent sections.
The parts the provider completes
- Height, weight and growth measurements
- Vital signs such as blood pressure and pulse
- A physical exam
- Notes on any health conditions or limits on activity
- The provider's signature, credentials and the date
Some forms also have boxes for vision or hearing screening, lab results or a dental check. If yours does, mention it when you check in so you know before the exam what can be filled in at the visit.
Immunizations
Many school and daycare forms ask for vaccine dates. Bring your child's shot record so the dates can be copied accurately. AfterOurs does not give routine childhood vaccinations, so if your child is missing a shot, plan to get it from their regular doctor, a pharmacy or your local public health office.
What to bring to a school physical
- The printed form, with your sections filled in
- Your child's shot record
- A list of medicines and allergies
- Glasses or contact lenses, if your child wears them
- Notes or records about any ongoing condition, surgery or recent injury
- A parent or guardian, since most forms need a parent's signature
What happens at the visit?
The provider goes over the health history with you, measures your child's height and weight, checks vital signs and does an exam. They then complete and sign the form during the visit, so you can take it straight to the school office. If the exam turns up something that needs follow-up, the provider will explain it and may suggest seeing your child's primary care doctor.
School physical, sports physical or well-child visit?
These get mixed up:
- A school physical is for enrollment in school, daycare, preschool or camp.
- A sports physical is for clearance to play on a team, and it uses a different form. If your child needs both, bring both forms and say so when you check in.
- A well-child checkup with your child's regular doctor is broader. It covers development, vaccines, screening and ongoing care. A school physical doesn't replace it.
Some schools also ask for separate plans for asthma, severe allergies or seizures, or a form so the school nurse can give medicine during the day. Those are usually best done with the doctor who manages the condition.
Call 911 or go to the ER if your child has trouble breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat after eating something or being stung, a seizure that lasts more than a few minutes or is their first, fainting or chest pain during exercise, or is hard to wake or unusually confused.
How much is a school physical?
A school physical at AfterOurs is a flat fee of $40, self-pay, for children and teens. The price is the same whether you walk in or book online. If your child also needs care for an illness or injury at the same visit, that is a separate service. See our full price list on the cost and insurance page.
Beat the back-to-school rush
July and August are the busiest weeks for school forms. Coming in a few weeks before the first day leaves time to deal with anything the exam turns up, or to track down a missing shot. Our clinics are open into the evening, which makes it easier to fit in around work and summer plans.
Where to find us
Four clinics across metro Denver, all ages welcome, se habla español:
- Hampden (Southeast Denver): 8 AM–11 PM daily
- Littleton: 8 AM–11 PM daily
- Thornton: 8 AM–11 PM daily
- Highlands: Mon–Fri 5–11 PM, Sat–Sun 8 AM–11 PM
Walk in, or book online.
Medically reviewed by Peter Martinuzzi, MD
This article is general health information, not medical advice for your situation. If you are worried, come in or book a telehealth visit — and if it is an emergency, call 911.