Dress Code

Excerpt from the Parent-Student Handbook

The students and staff of the Hawthorne Christian Academy form a learning community that is within a much larger, multi-generational community. The Academy is one of the many ministries of the Hawthorne Gospel Church Community. We, therefore, should be aware of the standards and expectations of that broader supporting community as we set our own standards. Just as that larger community has expectations in terms of acceptable dress, so too, should our Academy. 

It is also the Academy’s viewpoint that the learning and spiritual atmosphere of our school is enhanced by student and staff appearance that is neat, orderly, and modest. Clothing that is disorderly, non-functional, and excessive in style and appearance does not uphold this conviction. We seek a higher level of purpose, that of honoring our Lord in our appearance as well as in our behavior. The Academy’s dress code is intended to honor these convictions without becoming legalistic. 

Some Biblical principles that the Academy seeks to promote are as follows: 

• We do all to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31)

• We are not to offend others by being stumbling blocks (Romans 14:13, 1 Cor. 10:32, 33)

• We are to do everything in love (1 Cor. 16:14)

• We are to be modest, reflecting decency and humility (1 Tim. 2:9, 10)

• We are to be examples in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity (1 Tim. 4:12)

• We are to draw attention to God, not to ourselves (John 3:30)

Finally, the Academy also recognizes that Christians can have convictions that differ regarding the application of Biblical principles in the area of dress. If a particular article or style of clothing is not allowed, the Academy is not saying the item is wrong to wear at other times just not to school. The code is clearly not intended to measure individual spirituality, but rather to serve as a vehicle to promote an appropriate learning and spiritual atmosphere within our school community. 

Teachers are asked to monitor their students’ adherence to the HCA dress code. Students will be sent to the office for resolution by the Principal, the Upper School Chaplain, the Head of School, and/or his/her designee.