Dress Code

The purpose of the dress code is to help the student better focus their attention on academic and spiritual improvement by reducing the distractions that may be caused by others’ outward appearance. Students are expected to follow both the letter and intent of this dress code at school and while participating in school activities.

Grace Christian Academy has a testimony to maintain in the community. One way the community judges the school is by the attire of its faculty and students. Because of this, it is imperative that everyone associated with GCA be above reproach in the matter of outward appearance.

The key requirement of clothing for all students is that it be neat, clean, modest and appropriate for a student in a Christian school. All clothing must be of proper sizing and cover all undergarments.

Clothing must not be either made or worn so loose or so tight as to be immodest or in any way revealing. The following Biblical references are guides to assist us in this area: I Tim. 2:9,10 & I John 2:15.

Boys

1. Dress pants, khakis, chinos or jeans may be worn. This excludes camouflage pants, military fatigue pants, work pants, sweatpants, wind pants and excessively tight or baggy pants. Pants should not be ripped, torn or frayed. Belts will be worn on pants that have belt loops. Appropriate length shorts may be worn April-Oct.

2. A dress or polo shirt with a collar is to be worn. Sweaters may be worn over a dress shirt. Shirts should be tucked in. They may be left out if they have a straight hem on the bottom. T-shirts and muscle shirts are not allowed. Hooded sweatshirts are not to be worn in school. Hats will not be worn in school.

3. Casual or dress shoes may be worn. Neat and clean sneakers may be worn. Sandals with a strap on the back may be worn. Flip-flops may not be worn.

4. Hair must be neat, clean and trimmed. Mustaches should also be neatly trimmed. Beards are not allowed. No extreme colors or styles are allowed

5. Body piercing of any kind are not allowed.

Girls

1. Dress pants, khakis, chinos or jeans may be worn. This excludes camouflage pants, military fatigue pants, work pants, sweatpants, wind pants and excessively tight, i.e. "skinny jeans" or baggy pants. Pants should not be ripped, torn or frayed. Belts will be worn on pants with belt loops. Appropriate length shorts may be worn April-Oct.

2. Girls may wear modest blouses, collard shirts and polo's. Shirts or blouses with low scooped necks and backs are not allowed. Shirts are too short and not allowed if they allow a bare midriff to be seen when the arms are raised. No tank tops are to be worn unless covered by a non-sheer sweater, jacket, vest or similar covering. Sleeveless shirts are allowed. T-shirts are not allowed. Hooded sweatshirts are not to be worn in school. Hats will not be worn in school.

3. Skirts or dresses may be no shorter than the top of the knee when standing. Slits in skirts or dresses are to be no higher than the top of the knee when standing. Skirts and dresses should not be form fitting. They are too tight if at least 2 inches of material can’t be pinched freely at the hip area. Dresses with spaghetti straps or that are low scooped in the front and/or back are not to be worn without another covering that meets the dress code.

4. Casual or dress shoes may be worn. Neat and clean sneakers may be worn. Dress sandals may be worn but flip-flops may not.

5. No extreme or unnatural hair colors or styles.

6. Pierced jewelry is allowed only on ears.

For special occasions, such as Sports Award Nights, and formal functions, such as the Senior Banquet students may dress up as formally as desired as long as they are in keeping with the school's dress code standards.