Appearance Guidelines

Modesty & Professional Guidelines

This section applies to all non-formal school functions and on campus.

We want students to be comfortable, but we also expect that a student’s appearance should meet basic modesty and professional standards. As a learning community committed to excellence, we expect our students to wear clothes that are appropriate and create a high-quality learning environment.

• First and foremost, a student’s appearance should reflect his/her identity as a follower of Christ. Everything we do is an expression of our relationship with God. In His Word, God makes it clear that we are intentionally designed as male and female and are to treat our bodies with respect. Students' appearance should also reflect the Christian value of modesty, encouraging them to focus on the inner self rather than the outer.

• In alignment with our distinctly Christian values, students at CLS are expected to identify and dress according to their God-given, biological gender at birth.

• Clothing should completely cover undergarments at all times (this would include while sitting, moving, or bending over).  Undergarments, sleepwear, swimwear, etc, may not be worn over the top or outside of acceptable clothing. 

• The general guideline for the length of skirts and dresses requires that they are no more than 3” above the top of the knee from front to back. Slits must reach no higher than 3” above the knee.

• Pants, skirts, and dresses should not be too tight or body shape-revealing. Therefore, leggings, jeggings, and yoga pants are not acceptable during school or any activity.  Leggings may not be worn as pants, but instead are permitted under dresses, skirts, and tops that extend to a minimum length of 3" above the knee.  

• Girls should take care to ensure tops are not low-cut or revealing at the neckline.  Sleeveless tops are allowed, but unacceptable tops include spaghetti strap, off-the-shoulder, tank, and halter tops (unless worn under a top that meets dress code guidelines).

• Shirts should consistently cover the midsection and should cover below the beltline at all times.  All pants should be worn at the waist level.

• Holes in jeans are acceptable as long as they are located at the knee or below. Holes above the knees require dark leggings or other appropriate clothing worn underneath.

• Shorts, sweatpants, and pajama pants are not allowed.

• Neat, clean, and modest sweatpants are permitted on the last day of the school week or with a signed and dated sweats day pass.

• Head coverings are not permitted during school hours.  Headbands are allowed as long as they are no wider than 2".  No hats/athletic headbands, headscarves, facemasks, or other types of headwraps are permitted.  Medical facemasks will be allowed. 

• Hoodies may be worn, but students are not permitted to wear the hoods on their heads.

• Extreme clothing, accessories, or body modifications are not permitted.  This may include extreme piercings, hair, tattoos, branding, etc.  It may be wise to consult with the administration if considering a permanent change related to these guidelines.

• Designs or slogans that do not meet the standards of Christian Life School are inappropriate, regardless of whether they are on clothing, personal belongings, or the body. Clothing with any representation of musicians or musical events should not be worn at school. 

• Any clothing or personal appearance that tends to call undue attention to the individual is not acceptable. This policy also applies to divisive or provocative social and political themes.

• CLS PE Uniforms are required for all Physical Education classes.

If a student or parent has a question of whether a specific garment or style is appropriate, the time to check is BEFORE wearing it. Appearance guidelines always apply when students are on campus or at any school activity unless otherwise specified.

If a student is found to be out of dress code, he/she will be required to correct the situation by changing clothes or calling a parent to request alternate clothing be brought to school. Inappropriate logo t-shirts may be turned inside out.  Students will not be permitted to return to class or other school activities until the student's attire meets the dress code policies.

The administration has the discretion to approve or disapprove attire that may not be clearly defined by these policies. The administration is the final authority in determining the appropriateness of a student’s dress at school or school-related functions.

Formal Dress Guidelines

This section applies to dress at formal events.

Male Formal Attire:

Male students should wear long dress pants and a collared shirt to CLS formal events.

• Males do not need to wear a tux but are welcome to wear one if preferred.

• Pants should be full-length and must be worn above the hips.

• Tops should provide full coverage of the body’s core with a minimum coverage of a standard t-shirt.

• Males should wear closed-toe shoes.

• Attire should be neat, clean, without holes or frays, and cover all undergarments.

Female Formal Attire:

Female students should wear long or short dresses to CLS formal events.

• Dress length should extend below the fingertips of a fully extended arm while standing and while moving/dancing.  Any see-through material or slits should also fall below this length.

• Dresses that are cut low on the back must be cut no lower than the middle of the back.

• Necklines must not show any cleavage.

• Strapless or spaghetti-strap dresses are acceptable as long as they are modest and fit the guidelines.

• Two-piece dresses are acceptable as long as they do not reveal any midriff and fit the guidelines.

Violations may result in the student being sent home, prevent the purchase of future formal event tickets, and/or lead to disciplinary consequences and points in accordance with school policies.