Philosophy

Research confirms that dress affects behavior. We encourage parents to remember this truth as they select clothing for their children. This is a Christian school whose mission is to encourage Christian conduct and morality and train students to become positive Christian leaders in their world. Since dress affects behavior, we need to be guided by godly principles such as "Let all things be done decently and in order," and "Let your moderation be known to all men."

School is a place where we want students to be comfortable and nicely dressed for work and play. School is not the place to make a fashion statement. Clothing for school should be modest and not an issue for comparison or distraction. Students should refrain from commenting on each other's clothing and should not pressure one another to wear certain styles, trends, or brands of clothing or shoes.

Schools, in general, require certain standards to assure that clothing is safe, appropriate for the occasion, and not a distracter. If we adhere to the following standards, our students will have a lot of individual freedom but maintain standards that are important to the school.

Therefore, parents are asked to ensure that students know and follow the school guidelines and cooperate with the school in maintaining the dress standards.

Dress Code Standards

Grades 1-6 - General Dress Code

1. All shirts must have a collar, but they may be worn in a variety of styles, colors, fabrics, and designs. Dress shirts, as well as, collared polo-style shirts (short or long sleeves) are acceptable. NO T-SHIRTS and no sleeveless tops.
2. Slacks and jeans for boys and girls must be traditional, plain, straight-leg or boot cut, regular or relaxed fit, sized to the waist with no more than five pockets (two front/two back and a "watch" pocket).
3. Do not include the following in slacks or jeans: Drawstrings, coverall, overalls, chains, double button closure, snaps down the legs, stretch pants or spandex, low rise, carpenter loops, patches, sparkling material, stripes, cargo pockets, extra pockets with zippers, roll-up cuffs, flares, bell bottoms, wide, baggy, loose, graffiti or writing, no sequins, embroidery or fashion frills on jeans or slacks, and no clam digger - mid-calf styles.
4. Shorts and skorts -- Ask for navy blue, black, or khaki "Official School Wear" at Target, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Sears, Kid's Castle, or JC Penney's. "Official School Wear" shorts and skorts are the only style of shorts that will be accepted. Any collared, short-sleeve shirt may be worn with shorts and skorts. Land's End now offers "Official School Wear" shorts and skorts that have elastic waistbands. Both types of uniform shorts/skorts (traditional and with elastic waistbands) are acceptable school attire for our students during warm weather months.
5. No heavy outer garments (ex. coats) may be worn in the classroom. These types of garments make it difficult and uncomfortable for the students as they try to complete their assignments.
6. Sweaters/Sweatshirts -- Pullover or cardigan styles are acceptable. Sleeveless sweater vests must be worn with a collared shirt -- not a T-shirt. Turtlenecks or collared shirts must be worn under sweaters. No oversized hooded sweatshirts are allowed.
7. Hair or clothing fads which are representative of non-Christian subculture lifestyles or which draw undue attention to the student are not permitted.

8. Clothing should be clean, neat, and in good repair.
9. Tight fitting clothing or styles, such as cinch tops, that call attention to one's body may not be worn.
10. Flip-flops will not be allowed. Due to safety concerns, "wheelies" or "heelies" are not permitted as footwear.
11. Hats or sunglasses may not be worn inside the building.
12. Sweatpants, track suits, wind suits, jogging outfits and warm-up style clothing are not permitted for students in grades 1-6.
13. Sweatshirts may be worn as an outer garment (similar to a sweater) providing the student has a collared shirt or blouse underneath.
14. Clothing must be free of any inappropriate pictures, slogans, or advertisements. Any depiction on clothing that encourages ungodly character or lifestyle is not permitted.
15. Clothing bearing pictures or advertisements of secular or Christian performers or groups should not be worn to school. Violent or evil characters (Darth Vader, Darth Maul, wrestlers, Pokémon) may not be worn.
16. The wearing of camouflage and militant type clothing is inappropriate as are outlandish styles and fads.
17. Excessively baggy pants, hip-hop styles, or other sloppy looking clothing is not permitted.
18. No chains, baubles of any type hanging from belt loops. No Gothic styles are permitted.

Standards for Boys

1. All shirts must have a collar and be tucked in, unless the shirt has a band and is meant to be worn on the outside, such as a sweatshirt. No sleeveless shirts are allowed.
2. Shoes and socks must be worn at all times.
3. Button style shirts must be buttoned.
4. Hair must be kept off the collar in the back, and not cover the eyebrow or more than one-half the ear. No braids, ponytails, rat-tails, or length of hair anywhere on head more than 1 inch from head. Hairstyle should not draw attention to the person. Braids are permitted if they do not extend beyond the collar in the back.
5. Earrings are not permitted on boys.
6. Tank tops are not permitted.

Standards for Girls

1. Girls may wear blouses and dresses with or without collars, as long as, these are not T-shirts with ribbed band around the neck. No tank tops, midriffs, or spaghetti straps. Clothing must be modest, not tight or form fitted. No sleeveless shirts are allowed.
2. Girls may not wear makeup. No fake fingernails or dark polish (purple, black, red, etc.)
3. Socks, tights, and/or hose must be worn with shoes. Shoes should be safe and comfortable for outdoor play. Grades 3-6 may wear sandals (without socks) if the sandals have a back strap.
4. Narrow strapped sundresses may be worn only with an under blouse or a jacket.
5. Halter-tops, tank tops, playsuits, and miniskirts are not permitted.
6. Dresses and skirts will be modest in length (no shorter than 2" above the bended knee) and also allowing for modesty when sitting in student desks.
7. Split skirts (gauchos) are permitted providing they are full and loose fitting (similar to the appearance of a skirt), and follow the same length guideline as dresses. They should not resemble shorts. Uniform skorts are allowed.