GRACE Dress Code – Neat, Appropriate, Modest
We teach our young men and young ladies to live their lives for God’s glory and His Kingdom. We desire to instill in them to be good stewards of their bodies and have their identity in Christ. Scripture is the ultimate authority and guides us toward righteous living. Genesis 1:27-28a says, So God created man in his image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. Psalm 139:14 says I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. God created our bodies as a gift to honor Him and do His will.
General Guidelines
We strive to balance guidelines and freedom for both our male and female students, which are best for the school day. Our young men and young women should select clothes within our dress code and wear them appropriately. All of our students should be neat and well-groomed for the school day. All attire must be neat, modest, and appropriately sized – not too small or tight and not too large or loose-fitting.
Student dress code violations will be assessed upon entry into the building each morning. Any student wearing clothing that does not meet the GRACE Christian School guidelines must change their attire that day before they can attend class. If the student does not have another clothing item to change into, GRACE will loan the student a clothing item so the student will be in dress code and can attend class.
Dress code violations that are detected in the classroom are considered a Level I infraction of the Student Code of Conduct. They will be addressed accordingly unless the student has incurred multiple dress code violations. If the student refuses to comply with changing into a dress code-appropriate item, the incident will be escalated to a Level II infraction of the Student Code of Conduct.
Students who are out of dress code will receive a warning, change, and the teacher will contact a parent or guardian. If the Dress Code violation is obvious the teacher will allow the student to change (if the student has a change of clothes). If the teacher is unsure whether the clothes meet the dress code, the student may be given a pass to the administration to be evaluated.
| Dress Code Violation | Consequences |
| Dress Code Violation #1 | Warning, Change, Contact Home |
| Dress Code Violation #2 | Admin. Conference, Change, Contact Home |
| Dress Code Violation #3 | Phone Call Home, Change, Lunch Detention, Administration enters Blackbaud Official Infraction |
| Dress Code Violation #4 | Phone Call Home, Change, Administrative Detention, Administration enters Blackbaud Official Infraction |
| Dress Code Violation #5 | Phone Call Home, Change, ISS, Administration enters Blackbaud Official Infraction |
| Dress Code Violation #6 | Phone Call Home, Change, OSS, Administration enters Blackbaud Official Infraction |
*ISS-In School Suspension *OSS-Out of School Suspension
The student’s Dress Code Violations and consequences will start over at the beginning of the next semester.
Dress Code Standards for Tops, Bottoms and Shoes
Students should look at the “In-Dress Code Guidelines” and select clothing that fits within the school standard. Please refer to the “Out of Dress Code Guidelines” below. If a student is unsure if they should wear a particular article of clothing, students should ask one of the Dean of Students (7-12) or Assistant Principal (TK-6) before wearing it to school. The administration has the final authority on the appropriateness of student attire and will ask students to change or call home to be within the dress code standards. Students who have a pattern of being out of the dress code will receive disciplinary action according to our discipline progression.
In-Dress Code Tops (Shirts, T-Shirts, Collared Shirts, Sweaters, and Sweatshirts)
- GRACE t-shirts and sweatshirts
- Collared shirts that are plain in color, patterned and striped, or appropriate logos
- T-shirts that are plain in color, patterned and striped, and appropriate name-brand logos
- Sweatshirts and sweaters that are plain in color, patterned and striped, and appropriate name-brand logos
- Tops that have appropriate college/university logos, professional and college sports teams, and athletic logos are permitted
In-Dress Code Bottoms
- Appropriate khaki pants, chino pants, and jeans may be worn every day.
- Chino pants can be cargo or jogger-style pants (non-athletic)
- Pants should be appropriately sized, and sit securely at the waist
- Belts should be used if pants are unable to sit securely at the waist
- Leggings may only be worn under a dress code dress or skirt
- Athletic pants for PE class only
In-Dress Code Shorts
- Shorts should be appropriately sized and sit securely at the waist
- A student should be able to stand straight, with their arms by their side, and not have their fingertips reach past their shorts
- Appropriate khaki shorts, chino shorts, and jeans may be worn every day
- Athletic shorts for PE class only (GRACE PE shorts)
In-Dress Code Skirts and Dresses
- Skirts and dresses should be appropriately sized.
- A female student should be able to stand straight, with their arms by their side, and not have their fingertips reach past their skirt or dress.
In-Dress Code Shoes
- Shoes must be worn at all times.
- Sneakers, dress shoes, leather shoes, boat shoes, leather sandals, and Crocs with a strap
- Elementary school students must have heel straps or closed backs. Crocs must have a strap positioned behind the heel.
Out of Dress Code Guidelines for Tops, Bottoms and Shoes
Out of Dress Code Tops and Guidelines
- Inappropriate writing/graphics (including racial language or imagery, sexual language or imagery, violent language or imagery, or political language or imagery) or any idea or belief that goes against the Bible and its teaching is not acceptable.
- Tops should not have any politically focused attire for specific candidates or movements.
- Tops must be long enough to cover the midriff, and the bottom of the top must fit appropriately below the waistline at all times.
- A female student should be able to stand straight, with their arms raised above their head, and not have their midriff exposed.
- Tops should not be sleeveless or tank top-type shirts
- Tops must cover all parts of the chest and back
- Tops may not be sheer, show any undergarments, or come off the shoulder
- Plain white or gray undershirts, cropped tops, tank tops, and shirts from other high schools are not acceptable
- Tops should not have any reference to any pop culture, specific band, musician, concert tour, movies, actors, actresses, TV Shows, or restaurants.
- No athletic jerseys and t-shirt jerseys (NFL, NBA, NHL, etc)
- Tops shouldn’t have graphics such as (Superheroes, cartoon characters, anime characters)
- GRACE athletic team uniforms
- If students choose to wear layers (with sweaters, jackets, sweatshirts), the shirt underneath the top layer must also be in dress code
Out of Dress Code Bottoms and Guidelines
- Holes, distress, or tears in jeans, pants, or shorts are not allowed
- Sweatpants, athletic pants, fleece pants, athletic joggers, yoga pants, spandex leggings, flannel pajamas, or athletic shorts are not allowed
- Pants, including jeans, must be loose-fitting. Fabrics may not be sheer; no undergarments or outline may show
- Students are not allowed to wear their GRACE team uniforms or team warm-ups
Shorts that are not appropriate:
- A student should be able to stand straight, with their arms by their side, and not have their fingertips reach past their shorts.
- Any type of athletic shorts, including shorts that are mesh, sweatpant material, yoga shorts, spandex, and shorts with large logos.
- Shorts should not have any logos on the front. (i.e., athletic logos, brands, or slogans)
Skirts and dresses that are not appropriate:
- Athletic skirts and dresses (i.e., tennis skirts/dresses are not permitted)
- A female student should be able to stand straight, with their arms by their side, and not have their fingertips reach past their dress or skirt.
- Leggings may only be worn under a dress code length skirt/dress, but the dress must not have their fingertips reach past the dress or skirts.
- For uneven hemlines, the shortest part of the hemline must not have the fingertips reach past their dress or skirts. Long shirts are not dresses.
- Dresses should not be sleeveless or tank top-type dresses
- Dresses must cover all parts of the chest and back
- Dresses may not be sheer, show any undergarments, or come off the shoulder
Out-of-Dress Code Shoes
- Athletic slide, non-leather flip flops, slippers*
Other Dress Code Guidelines
Grooming
- Hair/extension color should look natural (including color and highlights)
- Hair should be neat and well-groomed
- Hair should not cover the eyes
- Gentleman: Face must be clean-shaven (sideburns no longer than the bottom of the ear)
- MALE SENIORS ONLY: May have neat facial hair; must be well groomed
Accessories (Hats, Jewelry, etc.)
- Pierced ear jewelry is permitted. Gauges, multiple rings on the ears, large hoops, or any ring deemed indecent (size or style) by administration is prohibited. Students may not wear spiked or studded jewelry, including bracelets, chains, chokers, or rings. Body piercings or tattoos may not be visible at any time.
- Head coverings such as hats, bandanas, animal/character accessories, sweatbands, and hoods are not permitted inside the school.
- Sweatshirts with hoods may be worn, but the hood may not be worn while in the building.
- Sunglasses may only be worn inside in the case of a documented medical need.
- No blankets may be worn in the school.
- Male students should not dress in a way that represents them as a female student.
- Female students should not dress in a way that represents them as a male student.
- Face coverings (masks) have the same dress code guidelines as tops.
GRACE Spirit Day
These are fun days for our community, and it is fun to see students show their school pride. We ask students to be mindful of our dress code standards as they dress up. Even on special spirit days, athletic-type pants/ shorts or spandex leggings are only allowed if they are stated in the spirit day guidelines (for example, pajama day). Each Spirit Day will give out specific guidelines.
Change of Clothing
Students with two dress code infractions in a semester will be required to bring in two dress code outfits (top and bottom) to change into if there is another violation. The clothing must be labeled and put into a locker or stored by the classroom teacher. We also encourage students to have a change of clothes (extra top, bottom, belt, socks, etc.) in case of an emergency. If available, GRACE may provide students with a change of clothing to change into if needed.
The administration has the final authority on the appropriateness of student attire. If a student is unsure if they can wear a particular piece of clothing, they may ask the Assistant Principal (TK-6) or Dean of Students (7-12) for clarification before they wear it.
Dance Dress Code
Formal Dress Code Guidelines for Gentlemen
The following guidelines should be followed when renting or purchasing formal wear. The emphasis for all gentlemen is attire that is neat and appropriate for the occasion.
Gentlemen are required to wear formal clothes which follow these guidelines:
- Collared dress shirts with long sleeves worn with a tie or bow tie; suit with a tie or sport coat. (No sports shirts, golf shirts). (Ties/bowties are optional for homecoming but required for prom.)
- Collared dress shirts must be fully buttoned (one undone button under the collar is acceptable)
- Dress or formal pants with a belt
- No jeans, athletic pants, t-shirts, shorts, canes, or wallet chains
- No flip-flops, athletic slides, or slippers
- No baseball hats or head coverings
Male students should not dress in a way that represents them as a female student.
Formal Dress Code Guidelines for Ladies
The following guidelines should be followed when renting or purchasing formal wear. The emphasis for all ladies is formal wear attire that is modest and appropriate for the occasion.
Ladies are required to wear a formal dress, ladies’ pantsuit, or jumper which includes these guidelines:
- Regardless of the neckline, attire must not reveal cleavage.
- Strapless dresses are appropriate when modest and properly fit.
- Dress length should be below fingertip length when shoulders are relaxed and arms straight. Lace or sheer fabrics are not included in the fingertip length measurement. Hi-lo dresses are measured at the highest point of the opaque fabric (front, back, or side).
- Dress slits should be no more than four inches above the knee. The measurement is from the crease in the back of the knee to the highest portion of the slit.
- Midriffs must be completely covered (no see-through materials or cut-outs), and no two-piece dresses unless the top completely covers the skirt, even with arms raised.
- Dressbacks should be at or above the bra line.
- Backlines and sides must cover the torso, chest, and back and should be no lower than a normal bra strap.
- The sides of dresses must be solid with no cut-outs or sheer material.
- Dresses that are cut to be form-fitting must not be skin-tight.
- Ladies are permitted to wear a feminine pantsuit or jumper. Men’s pant suits with a necktie should not be worn.
- Feminine pant suits or jumpers must meet the same coverage requirements as dresses.
- No flip-flops, athletic slides, or slippers.
- All formal dresses, pantsuits, and jumpers must go through the approval process.
The administration reserves the right to approve attire that is deemed modest and appropriate for the event.
Female students should not dress in a way that represents them as a male student.
GRACE Athletics Game Day Attire
TEAM JERSEY TOPS
Team jersey tops can be worn for the OPENING HOME GAME and the LAST HOME GAME of the regular season.
Team jersey tops can be worn for special events when approved by the Athletic Director, such as Senior Night, Tailgate Bash, Homecoming, and Play for Kay.
This applies to the following teams ONLY:
- JV and Varsity Football
- Girls Lacrosse
- Varsity Boys Tennis
- Varsity Boys Golf
- Varsity Boys and Girls Soccer
- MS Boys and Girls Soccer
- MS and Varsity Baseball
TEAM T-SHIRT, HOODIE, OR WARM-UP TOP:
Some jerseys do not conform to our school-day dress code standards (because of the nature of the uniform top), so in alignment with our current dress code policy, the following teams can wear a GRACE-approved team t-shirt, hoodie or warm-up top on game days:
- Volleyball
- Girls Tennis
- MS and Varsity Cross-Country
- Varsity Track & Field
- Cheerleading
- Basketball
- Swimming
In addition to this:
Any GRACE Athletics team can wear their team t-shirt, hoodie, or warm-up top on any game day. Student-athletes are NOT to wear sweatpants or warm-up pants on game days nor any pants or bottoms that do not align with the GRACE dress code policy.
