Where has the summer gone? You’re seeing the back-to-school sales and the school supplies lining the aisles of the stores. The new school year is almost here. Are you – or your kids – ready? Here’s what you need to know to prepare for the upcoming school year. Be sure to let us know if we have forgotten any resources you rely on.
Physicals, Dental Exams, Eye Exams & Immunizations
With frequently moving guidelines, keeping track of what kind of physical exam is needed for each grade level is challenging! Here are the 2026 Illinois school code requirements for submitting proof of exams:
* This is the state-required date that schools must receive forms by. Some schools require forms to be turned in earlier.
Requirements by Grade Level
** Must be submitted when starting school for the first time, whether that’s kindergarten or first grade.
LW REEDY PRO TIPS
Don't try to cross this task off your to-do list too early. Physical exams must be completed no more than 12 months before the first day of school.
Bring the official State of Illinois forms with you in case your health care provider doesn't have them on-hand.
Consider having the sports physical form filled out even if your student does not intend to participate in sports through school. Avoid the last-minute rush and potential added cost in case your student changes their mind.
Fill out the parent portion of the forms before turning them in to your school.
Make copies or take photos of each form for your records for each child.
Form Links
Healthcare Providers
If you can't get an appointment with your child's pediatrician before school starts, try one of these other options (check your health insurance for coverage details first!):
Bookmarks
Elmhurst School Information Links
State Laws and City Ordinances Every Teen and Guardian Should Know (From the Elmhurst Commission on Youth)
District 205-Specific Links
Links to Elmhurst Schools
Elmhurst Area Preschools
The LW Reedy Preschool Guide contains information about local preschools, including ages served, website links, and registration timing.
Elmhurst School District 205
Preschool
Madison Early Childhood Education Center
Elementary
Edison • Emerson • Field • Fischer • Hawthorne • Jackson • Jefferson • Lincoln
Middle
Bryan • Churchville • Sandburg
High School & Transition Services
York Community High School • Bridges Transition Center
Elmhurst Private Schools
IC Catholic Prep - grades 9 - 12
Immaculate Conception Grade School - early childhood, grades K-8
Immanuel Lutheran - early childhood, grades K-8
Timothy Christian - early childhood, grades K-12
Visitation School - early childhood, grades K-8
Parent Support
Elmhurst District 205 Parent Association / Parent Resource Pages
District 205 Bilingual Parent Advisory Council (BPAC)
District 205 Dual Language Parent Committee (DPAC)
District 205 Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) Council
District 205 REACH Parent Group (supporting gifted and talented programming)
District 205 Special Education Resource Group (SERG)
More Parent Resources
After School Activities
Many local groups offer extracurricular activities to help children stay active and discover their own unique interests and talents. A few organizations to check out while planning for fall activities include:
Art
Elmhurst Art Museum • Elmhurst Park District • Michael Symber Studios • Strauch Art School
Dance
DeForest Dance Academy • DuPage Dance Academy & Elmhurst Dance Theater • Elmhurst Park District • Evolution Dance Experience
General
Elmhurst Park District • Elmhurst Public Library • YMCA
Languages
Music
Elmhurst Park District • Music Together • School of Rock
Sports
Access Sports • Elmhurst Acquatics • Elmhurst Eagles Football and Cheer • Elmhurst Park District-associated youth sports teams • Goldfish Swim Force • YMCA
Theatre
Elmhurst Children's Theatre • Stage Play
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We'd love to share your organization's activities on our list as well. Let us know what we missed by commenting on our Facebook posts or sending us a message.
