The dress code is intended as a guideline in assisting all students in developing a Christ-centered attitude toward their outer appearance and a maturing view toward the appropriateness of certain attire for certain occasions. It is not intended to be an exhaustive listing of acceptable and unacceptable attire. Rather, the dress code is an outgrowth of our experience in maintaining an atmosphere consistent with the instructional goals of the Academy. It is not meant to take the place of parental rules, which may be more restrictive than those set down here. Nor is it meant to relieve the student of the opportunity to grow in personal responsibility for his or her own appearance.
 
We need parental help to maintain modest dress on Campus, please read and address these standards with your child. Violations may require parents coming to the school to bring appropriate clothing, the child being sent home, and/or being written up per the standard disciplinary practice of any violation of school policy. Thank you for helping in this matter.
 
The Administration reserves the right to make the final decisions concerning compliance with the standards. Repeated failure to comply with dress code standards constitutes rebellion and could result in disciplinary action.
 
Our desire is that the students would dress in such a way as to please the Lord. Our outward appearance is to be a constant reminder to those around us of our desire to honor God.
 
General Standards:     

• Students should dress and groom themselves in a manner that is neat, modest, and respectful to themselves and the school.
• Students should not wear any clothing that display messages inconsistent with the Christian lifestyle.
• All clothes must be free of questionable language and phrases, and include no derogatory statements about people groups.
• Garments that are tight fitting, clinging, semi-transparent or “see-through”, are not permitted.
• Hats are not to be worn during classes.  Hoods and hats that cover any portion of the face should not be worn during school hours.
• Clothing that is “shredded” to look ripped or torn should not expose skin. Tears or rips higher than 2” above the knee must be worn with a layer of fabric underneath so that no skin shows.
• Low necklines, enlarged armholes, bare shoulders/back/midriffs, or tops that show bare midsection are not allowed.
• Shoes are to be worn at all times and should be properly tied or fastened.
• Pants are to be worn so that tops could be tucked in (though students are not required to do so), or so that tops cover the beltline at all times sitting and standing. Pants are to be worn at the waist at all times, this means the belt line will be above the hip-bone.
• Undergarments should not be seen at any time.
• Shorts and pants with pockets and zippers (not athletic wear of any type) are allowed. Shorts must be mid-thigh or longer for all students.
  • Individual exceptions may be made by administration
  • Exceptions K-4 students may wear athletic shorts/pants.
• No fleece pants, pajama pants, yoga pants, spandex, or leggings .

 
 
Enrolled students should not get tattoos or additional piercings while enrolled at school.

• Exception, young ladies may wear earrings and have their ears pierced.  No other studs, or jewelry of any kind may be worn in piercings during the school day.
• There should be a reasonable attempt to cover pre-existing tattoos during the school day.

 
Specific questions concerning applications of the dress code should be addressed to the Administration.
 
Girls’ Dress Standards:
General dress for girls includes dresses, skirts, Capri’s, jeans or slacks, blouses, shirts or t-shirts, and sweaters or sweatshirts.

• Dresses and skirts are to be no more than 2 inches above upper part of the knee when the student is standing (dress/skirt must meet same standard from behind).
• Dresses, shirts, blouses, etc. must have at least a 3-inch strap or a sleeve of some sort.
• Leggings and spandex may only be worn under jeans, shorts, or with skirts/dresses (that meet the dress code).
• Visible body piercing and visible tattoos are not allowed.

 
Boy’s Dress Standards:
General dress for boys is standard length jeans or slacks, shirts or t-shirts, sweaters, sweatshirts. No athletic shorts or sleeveless shirts.

• Male students are allowed to have facial hair but it must be neat and well-groomed at all times.
• Earrings, other visible body piercing, and visible tattoos are not allowed.
• Leggings and spandex may only be worn under jeans or shorts (that meet the dress code)

 
PE Guidelines

• Appropriate t-shirts, including tank tops without enlarged armholes, shorts, and tennis shoes. 
• Sweatpants, sweatshirts, jackets, and coats may be worn in cooler weather.

 
Dress standards for school field trips, team travel and extra-curricular or program activities will be established by the supervising teacher or administrator, and given in advance so parents may be informed, and students may be prepared. Any school sponsored function which involves wearing a swimsuit will require a one piece swimsuit for girls and regular shorts-style swim trunks for boys.
 
Dress Code Enforcement (5th-12th)
Students in clear violation of the dress code will be removed from class by the teacher, counted absent, and sent to the school office.  They will remain in the office or be sent home (parental choice) until the student is able to return to class in appropriate attire.  This means there will not be any warnings or patience in regards to gym shorts, sweat pants, torn clothing, etc.  
 
Questionable violations of the dress code will result in a student/administration conversation that will result in an administrative decision about the possible violation.
Dress code violations will not be considered discipline violations unless there are numerous/repeated clear violations.