We believe in the impact our attire can have in the learning environment. This section in our handbook is dedicated to understanding the Dress Code at CA. You can find out more handbook items on our Handbooks page
Student Handbook - Section 14 - DRESS CODE
The very nature of Christian Academy denotes concern for the appearance of our students. The following items address what is acceptable attire for our students, grades Kg through 12, during the school year and any school events. In setting any type of dress code we are trying to assure
a suitable learning environment is maintained for our students,
modesty always prevails,
students do not compromise their positive spiritual influence, and that
professionalism is promoted.
We realize that a person’s appearance does not indicate his/her worth as an individual. We also know that the way a student dresses can affect his/her behavior and that of other students. It is considering these reasons that we evaluate the way our students look, both educationally and spiritually.
In light of societal concerns involving sexual orientation and gender issues, the Christian Academy of Greater St. Louis has instituted a code of conduct to address these matters. Students shall dress and conduct themselves in accordance with one’s biological sex at birth. Genesis 1:26, “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Deuteronomy 22:5, “A woman must not wear men’s clothing, nor a man wear a wear women’s clothing for the Lord your God detests anyone who does this.” The interpretation of Scripture shall rest in the hands of the board of directors. Their decision will be final.
Order your CA Logo shirts by clicking the button below. You will be taken to our CA Merchandise page.
The school’s dress code applies to all students while under the supervision of school personnel and/or chaperones (i.e. school field trips, sports trips, chorus events, and school-sponsored activities whether on or off campus, etc.).
GENERAL GUIDELINES - Please be conscious of the following points when purchasing your child’s clothing for the school year:
Clothing should be neat, clean, and free of the tattered and worn look. (Note: This includes the tattered look with fabric beneath.)
No sweatpants/suits, warm-ups, wind pants/suits, athletic shorts are to be worn except on approved “Casual Days”.
Shoes are to be always worn as per the Fire Marshal.
Tight, form-fitting, oversized, or attire that draws undue attention to specific “private” parts of the body is prohibited.
Clothing designed as underwear or sleepwear should not be worn as outerwear.
Plain white t-shirts without a pocket are not to be worn as outerwear.
Clothing deemed to be an undergarment should not be visible.
All pants must be purchased to fit at the waist and should be worn at the waist and not “sag”.
Jean or Khaki fabric shorts are permitted for boys and girls but must be within 2” of the floor when kneeling. This standard of
measurement makes it consistent for all concerned.
Clothing that displays material inconsistent with the mission of the Christian Academy is prohibited.
Visible tattoos are not permitted.
Exposed body piercings are not acceptable. (Exception on females—ears and/or small nose studs 2mm or smaller)
Gauges are prohibited.
Caps, hats, do-rags, and/or sunglasses are not to be worn in the building.
Surgical scrubs, spandex, muscle shirts/tank tops or spaghetti straps are not acceptable classroom attire.
Girls:
Clothing must not be low-cut and may not reveal cleavage or midriff.
Exposed sport bras, even if covered with an open cut t-shirt, are not allowed.
Boys:
Shirts must be always worn. Tank tops are limited to athletic participation only.
Beards and mustaches are to be neatly trimmed.
SPECIFICS:
Girls’ dresses/skirts and/or practice/gym shorts must be within 2” of the floor when kneeling. This measurement includes any top that is worn with leggings or skinny jeans that are form-fitting to the legs. Note: If the dress/skirt is very straight, then a longer measurement may be needed to remain modest when the girl sits down and/or walks up the stairs. This will be up to the discretion of the administrator.
Hair should be clean, well groomed, and styled in such a way that it is kept out of the eyes. Hair should be kept a “natural” color/tint, (i.e. black, brown, red, or blonde). Hairstyles should not draw undue attention to the student (i.e. Hair tails for boys, multi-colored hair, and partially/fully shaved heads, etc.). Mohawks/fauxhawks are not allowed on guys or girls. Hairstyles should not cover the eyes.
Since we are not able to monitor the appropriate influence of musical and/or entertainment groups/individuals, clothing that promotes such is not to be worn to school. (This includes movies, TV shows, etc.) T-shirts may only promote or symbolize athletic teams, a branch of the military, spiritual or non-derogatory messages, name brands (Nike, Reebok, Old Navy, etc.), and Colleges/Universities. Derogatory messages/slogans, inappropriate artwork (contrary to Philippians 4:8) and/or references to drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products are not allowed.
Displaying or wearing symbols that are commonly recognized as being controversial and/or offensive to ethnic or religious groups are prohibited. These “symbols” include, but are not limited to, the following: Confederate flag, Nazi swastika, demonic symbols, skull/crossbones, etc.
Please note: These guidelines are in no way to be interpreted as “moral” standards for your child’s clothing. They are, however, guidelines for which we feel the best possible learning environment can be achieved.
Policy Violations: Faculty and staff who observe any student violating the dress code will write up the student on a dress code violation form and/or send the student to the administrator. The dress code violation will be in the student’s permanent discipline record.
The student may face these disciplinary measures:
1st offense: The student may be sent home to change or may wait in the office for something to be brought to him/her if he/she does not have appropriate attire to change into at school. This out of class time will be documented in the student’s attendance record as a tardy or absence depending on the time out of class (See Attendance Policy, Section 4).
2nd offense: The student may lose his/her privilege of choosing how to dress and may be placed on dress code probation. This includes dress pants (such as khakis) with a belt, polo or button-down style shirt/blouse, and dress shoes (not athletic or hiking boots) for a pre- determined amount of time.
3rd offense: Violations could result in loss of dress choice for the remainder of the school year. The student, parent/guardian, Dress Code committee member, and/or the administrator will conference.
Any further violations that occur after the conference may result in further measures outlined in the discipline policy in Conduct/Discipline section and loss of final exam exemption status for grades 8-12.