Student Screenings

Texas law requires schools to provide vision, hearing, and spinal screenings for students enrolled in public and private schools, as well as licensed child care facilities. These screenings help identify potential health concerns early so students can receive appropriate care.

Vision and Hearing

Screenings are for: 

• All first-time entrants (age 4 and older)
• Students in 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th grades

Spinal Screenings

Spinal screenings are conducted to detect scoliosis and other spinal conditions.

• Girls:
  • Age 10 or 5th grade
  • Age 12 or 7th grade
• Boys:
  • Age 13 or 8th grade

Screening Timeline

• First-Time Entrants:
  Must be screened within 120 days of enrollment
• Returning Students (1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th):
  Screenings are typically completed during the first semester of the school year

Opt-Out Options

Parents/guardians may opt out of school screenings by providing:

• Documentation of a screening completed by a licensed healthcare professional within the past year, or
• A physician’s statement confirming the student is under ongoing care