Dress Code Policy

Student Dress Code

North Stonington Christian Academy requires uniforms for daily school wear. We believe that the way students dress strongly influences their behavior, self-image, and the effort they extend in school. It is our desire to encourage students in developing an attitude about their appearance that will show a high degree of self-respect and self-worth. With this in mind, the dress code is intended to guide students in dressing in a clean, neat and modest fashion, which will also reflect manliness in boys and femininity in girls. We do not wish our students to conform to the culture of the world and fads or extremes of dress, but to be a counter-cultural influence for good in all areas of life, including their appearance.

Dress code requirements are in effect during all hours of school operation (including before and after-care).

Proper outerwear is required for students who have recess (Pre-K through Grade 6). Coats, hats, gloves, etc. are required for cold weather. Students with inadequate outerwear will not be allowed outside for recess.
Outerwear including hats, coats, and gloves are not permitted for classroom wear.
Both permanent and temporary tattoos are not appropriate for boys or girls in all grades.
No face or body piercing (other than pierced ears for girls) are appropriate for any student.
Dying hair or portions of hair an unnatural hair color is not acceptable for any student.

In all instances concerning questions of proper dress, the decision of the teacher will be final.

Teacher / Staff / Volunteer Dress Code

The staff is expected to set the example in dress standards. Each member must maintain a neat and professional appearance. Volunteers and visitors are requested to support this policy. Volunteers in classrooms are asked to abide by the faculty dress code. Volunteers who are doing physical work at the school (lunch duty, cleaning etc.) may dress accordingly. Dress for field trips will vary. Volunteers and students will be notified of any changes in the dress code due to the nature of a field trip.

LADIES: Modest skirt and blouse, jumper, or dress. . Slacks/jeans are acceptable on certain field trips or special dress-down days, or when volunteering to do physical work.

GENTLEMEN: Smart casual attire, similar to the boys uniform. Neckties are optional except for chapel day.

**Please no flip flops for ladies or gentlemen.

Girls’ Uniform

Grades Pre-K through 8: Navy blue jumper or skirt (knee-length or longer).

Grades 9-12: Khaki colored skirts (knee length or longer).

White oxford style polo blouse, long or short sleeved for girls in grades 7-12. Girls in grades Pre-K through 6 may also wear peter-pan style collared blouses. Collared, three button placket, knit golf shirts may be worn in warm weather only (September, May, and June). Blouses and shirts must be tucked in with only the top button open and no under layers visible. Navy blue cardigan, pull-over sweater, or sweater vest available through Land’s End Catalog (or of comparable style if purchased elsewhere). Girls in grades 9-12 may wear navy blue blazers.

Socks, leggings, or tights (matching navy or white). Girls in grades 7-12 may wear hose.

Shoes (sneakers are allowed). No flip flops or Crocs for any grade; No open-toed shoes. Shoes for Pre-K – 6th grade girls must have a heel strap; grades 7-12 may wear open-backed flat or low-heeled shoes. Shoes/sneakers must be laced and tied for safety reasons. Shoes/sneakers should be solid colored (no cartoon prints or graffiti graphics, no flashing lights, no wheels are permitted).

Girls should wear shorts under their jumpers or skirts if they want to play on the playground climbing equipment.

Gym-type solid colored navy blue sweatpants may be worn under jumpers or skirts outdoors during extremely cold weather only.

In all grades, spandex shorts will not be permitted.

Visible tank tops and camisole tops worn under open shirts are not permitted.

Jewelry and make-up for young ladies should be modest. Large hoop or dangling earrings are not acceptable for safety reasons (earring size should be generally, smaller than a quarter). Hair should be kept off the face and out of the eyes.

No exposed midriffs due to low riding pants or short shirts (i.e. gym, dress-down days).

Boys’ Uniform

Grades Pre-K-8: Navy blue chino pants (Docker style, NOT cargo) with solid black or brown belt (no belt required in Pre-K or Kindergarten). Grades 9-12: Khaki color Docker-style pants. Pants should be worn at natural waistline (not riding low) and not be excessively baggy.

White oxford-style polo shirt, long or short sleeved. Collared, knit three button placket golf shirts may be worn during warm weather only (September, May, and June). All shirts must be worn tucked in with only the top button open.

Navy blue cardigan, pullover sweater, or sweater vest allowed

Boys in grades 9-12 may wear navy blue blazers.

Socks–matching solid colored

Shoes (sneakers are allowed). No flip flops or Crocs are permitted. Shoes/sneakers must be laced and tied for safety reasons. Shoes/sneakers should be solid colored (no cartoon or graffiti prints) with no flashing lights or wheels.

**Neckties are mandatory for Chapel Day (Thursday)**

**No earrings are permitted for boys**

**Boys’ hair should be trimmed to collar length or above in the back, and in such a way that the ears are exposed and hair does not fall past the eyebrows. Older male students should be clean shaven.

Chapel Dress on Thursdays

Chapel Dress Day is a special time each week when our students gather for worship and a focused time in God’s Word. To reflect the importance and reverence of chapel, students are expected to dress in their formal uniform attire. Girls should wear their regular uniform dress or skirt. Boys are required to wear their uniform with a necktie.

Dress-Down Days

Dress Down Day is a fun opportunity for students to enjoy a break from their regular school uniforms. On these designated days, students are not required to wear their standard uniform attire. However, all clothing must remain appropriate for a Christian school environment. Students should choose modest, neat, and school-appropriate outfits that reflect our school’s values and uphold a spirit of respect and Christlike character.