If you’re searching for a school physical near me in San Leandro, CityHealth offers same-day appointments with no long wait. School physicals — also called annual wellness exams or pre-participation physicals — are required for school enrollment in California and for youth sports participation. CityHealth San Leandro makes it easy to get the exam done quickly, with most forms completed and returned to you the same day.
Whether you need a TK physical, kindergarten exam, elementary school check-up, or sports clearance, CityHealth has you covered. Walk in or book online — no primary care referral required.
What Is a School Physical and Who Needs One?
A school physical is a comprehensive health evaluation performed by a licensed medical provider. In California, school physicals are required at several key milestones:
- Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Kindergarten — Required before enrollment. The California Department of Education mandates a health assessment for children entering TK or kindergarten for the first time.
- Pre-K programs and Head Start — Many programs require a physical within the past 12 months.
- Middle and high school sports — A Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation (PPE) is required to participate in school-sponsored sports in California.
- Annual wellness checks — Many schools and pediatricians recommend yearly physicals even when not formally required.
According to the California Department of Education, children must have a physical exam on file before starting kindergarten or first grade. The exam must be performed by a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.
Get a School Physical Near Me at CityHealth San Leandro
CityHealth San Leandro is one of the most convenient locations for a school physical near me in the East Bay. Here’s what makes us stand out:
- Same-day availability — Walk in or book online and get seen the same day
- 72-hour form turnaround — School forms are typically completed within 72 hours of your visit
- All ages treated — From toddlers to teenagers to adults needing employment physicals
- On-site lab and X-ray — If your physical requires additional testing, we can often handle it in the same visit
- Most insurance accepted — Including Medi-Cal, Alameda Alliance, Blue Shield, Anthem, and others
- Self-pay options — Affordable rates for uninsured patients
Learn more about our physical exam and check-up services at CityHealth.
What Is Included in a California School Physical?
A standard school physical at CityHealth includes all elements required by California schools and most youth sports programs. Here’s what’s covered during the exam:
Medical History Review
The provider will review your child’s personal and family health history, including chronic conditions, allergies, medications, past surgeries, and any previous sports injuries. For sports physicals, this includes a review of cardiac and musculoskeletal history.
Vital Signs
Height, weight, blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and oxygen saturation are measured and recorded. Body mass index (BMI) may also be calculated for school records.
Vision and Hearing Screening
Basic vision and hearing checks are included in the school physical. California schools require vision screening at kindergarten entry. If a problem is identified, the provider will recommend follow-up with a specialist.
Physical Examination
The provider will examine the head, eyes, ears, nose, throat, neck, chest, lungs, heart, abdomen, skin, lymph nodes, and musculoskeletal system. For sports physicals, special attention is paid to joint stability, flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular fitness.
Immunization Review
California requires specific immunizations for school entry. The provider will review your child’s vaccination records and identify any missing vaccines. Immunizations can sometimes be administered at the same visit — contact CityHealth to confirm current vaccine availability.
Documentation and Form Completion
After the exam, the provider will complete any required school or sports forms. CityHealth aims to have forms ready within 72 hours of the visit. Bring all required forms from your school or sports organization to the appointment.
Walk in or book online at CityHealth. Same-day availability, 72-hour form turnaround.
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Sports Physical vs. School Physical: What’s the Difference?
Parents often ask whether a sports physical and a school physical are the same thing. They overlap significantly, but there are key differences:
| School Physical | Sports Physical (PPE) | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | General health clearance for enrollment | Clearance for athletic participation |
| Focus areas | Full-body, vision, hearing, immunizations | Cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, cardiac history |
| Who requires it | Schools, TK/K enrollment | School sports programs, leagues |
| How often needed | Entry points (TK, K, 1st grade) | Annually or per sports season |
| Available at CityHealth | Yes | Yes |
Many families use one visit at CityHealth to satisfy both requirements — especially if the child is starting school and joining a sports team. Talk to our front desk team when scheduling so we can ensure all needed forms are completed.
What to Bring to Your Child’s School Physical
To make your school physical visit fast and complete, bring the following to CityHealth San Leandro:
- Insurance card — We accept Medi-Cal, Alameda Alliance, and most major plans
- Parent or guardian photo ID
- Child’s immunization records — Your child’s “yellow card” or a printed copy from their pediatrician
- School enrollment forms — Any forms provided by the school that need a doctor’s signature
- Sports physical forms — If required for a specific sport or league
- List of current medications — Including any supplements or over-the-counter medications
- Insurance prior authorization — If required by your specific plan (most don’t need one for physicals)
TK, Kindergarten, and Pre-K Physical Requirements in California
California law (California Health and Safety Code Section 124085) requires that children receive a physical exam before or within 90 days of entering first grade. For kindergarten and TK students, the exam must document that the child is free of communicable disease and has received all required immunizations.
Required immunizations for TK/K entry in California include:
- DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) — 5 doses
- Polio — 4 doses
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) — 2 doses
- Varicella (chickenpox) — 2 doses
- Hepatitis B — 3 doses
CityHealth will review your child’s immunization records at the physical and note any missing vaccines. If your child is not up to date, the provider can advise on how to get vaccinations completed before the school deadline.
Cost and Insurance for School Physicals at CityHealth
School and sports physicals are covered as preventive care under most insurance plans, including Medi-Cal and Alameda Alliance for Health. Under the Affordable Care Act, most commercial plans must cover preventive services at no cost when you see an in-network provider.
If your child is uninsured or underinsured, CityHealth offers self-pay rates for school physicals that are far more affordable than an ER or hospital clinic. Contact us to ask about current self-pay pricing before your visit.
CityHealth San Leandro is located at 1025 Davis Street, San Leandro, CA. We serve families throughout San Leandro, Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, Hayward, and the surrounding East Bay communities. We also offer pediatric urgent care for sick or injured children — so if your child needs both a physical and same-day treatment for an illness, we can often handle both in one visit.
Get your child’s physical done today at CityHealth San Leandro. Walk-ins welcome. Forms completed within 72 hours.
Book a School Physical Now
Frequently Asked Questions: School Physical Near Me
How long does a school physical take at CityHealth?
Most school physicals at CityHealth San Leandro are completed in 30–60 minutes. If your child also needs lab work or additional testing, allow extra time. Walk-ins are welcome, but booking online can reduce wait time.
When should I schedule my child’s school physical?
Schedule the physical 2–4 weeks before school starts to allow time for form processing and any follow-up care if needed. For summer sports, schedule the physical at least 2 weeks before the first day of practice.
Does CityHealth complete school forms the same day?
CityHealth aims to complete school and sports forms within 72 hours of the visit. In many cases, simple forms can be completed the same day. Bring all required forms with you to your appointment.
Can I use Medi-Cal or Alameda Alliance for a school physical at CityHealth?
Yes. School physicals are covered under Medi-Cal and Alameda Alliance for Health at CityHealth San Leandro. Most Medi-Cal members have no copay for preventive exams. Bring your insurance card to the appointment.
What’s the difference between a school physical and a sports physical?
A school physical is a general health clearance required for school enrollment. A sports physical (Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation) focuses more on cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health for athletic clearance. CityHealth can perform both in the same visit if needed.
Learn more: physicals at urgent care
Need titers? titers for school enrollment at CityHealth.
Related: Learn more about urgent care vs ER for kids — when to use each and what to expect.
