The uniform is the basis of a dress code with a "professional," business‐like standard. Our students should dress their best, look their best, and do their best. All clothing must be clean, neat, reasonably pressed, and in properly fitting condition. If a child is deemed to be wearing inappropriate attire, the parent will be notified and a change of clothing may be required for attendance that day. If in doubt about the appropriateness of an article of clothing, check with the school office before purchasing. Good judgment exercised at home will be a learning activity for the child that will help to avoid embarrassment or wasted time at school. Decisions about the appropriateness of apparel may be referred to the Headmaster, whose judgment will be final. The Headmaster may make specific exceptions to the dress code, as demanded by particular religious customs.
If a student insists on rebelling by trying to beat the dress code, it will quickly become obvious to the faculty and Headmaster. Our desire is not to squash students' individuality, but to secure their commitment to a community of learners whose purpose, while at school, is not faddish coolness, or outlandishness, but scholarship and character development. We ask not only for the student's commitment to this concept, but for the parent's as well. The uniform and dress code of ACTE support and reinforce our academic goals. The uniform assists us in staying focused on the true individuality offered by healthy dialogue and the development of the life of the mind for each student.
Other than the dress code requirements for school, there are special requirements for periodic, special events throughout the year, such as the “semi‐formal” dress code for concert participation and the all‐school awards ceremony. Please see Semi-Formal Event Dress Code for an exact definition of how the Academy defines “semi‐formal” attire.
Students must stay in uniform whenever they are on campus (including the parking lot) during a school day. This means arriving on campus fully in uniform and leaving campus fully in uniform (correct shoes, shirts tucked in, etc.). Students may only change out of uniform after school with teacher/coach permission to participate in an approved curricular or extracurricular activity that requires an immediate change in dress.
Student Uniforms (Required):
1. Polo Shirt ‐Short or Long sleeve with school logo a. Color: White or Light Blue b. Fit: Shirt must always remain tucked in c. Vendor: DENNIS or ANTON’S
2. Pants ‐Girls and Boys a. Color: Navy Blue b. Style: Flat front dress pants, no pleats, no jeans or cargo pants, with belt loops and a solid, dark belt c. Fit: Pants should reach the shoe but not drag on the ground. No excessively baggy or tight‐fitting pants will be permitted. Pants should be worn at the waist with no undergarments visible. The slacks should have belt loops and a solid, dark belt should be used. Vendor: Any as long as pants are indistinguishable from the DENNIS or ANTON’S pants
3. Jumper and/or Skort ‐K‐2 Girls a. Color: Navy Blue b. Length: The skirt hem may be no higher than just above the knee, both in front and in back. Skirt hem should be within two inches of the ground when properly adjusted at the waist and kneeling on a level surface, and may be longer if desired. Skirts must be worn at the waist. c. Dark spandex tight‐fitting shorts must be worn under the jumper or skirt d. Vendor: Any as long as the jumper or skirt is indistinguishable from the DENNIS or ANTON’S jumper or skirt
4. Skort and/or Skirt ‐3‐5 Grade Girls a. Color: Navy Blue b. Length: The skirt hem may be no higher than just above the knee, both in front and in back. Skirt hem should be within two inches of the ground when properly adjusted at the waist and kneeling on a level surface, and may be longer if desired. Skirts must be worn at the waist. c. Dark spandex tight‐fitting shorts must be worn under the skirt d. Vendor: Any as long as skort or skirt is indistinguishable from the DENNIS or ANTON’S skort/skirt
5. Shoes a. Color: Solid white or solid black athletic shoes may be worn; solid black flats (If black shoes are purchased with a colored logo, please cover over it with a black permanent marker or black shoe polish.) b. Style: Athletic “tennis” shoes (no high tops); solid black flats (no open toes/backs; no boots)
6. Socks a. Color: solid white, or navy (without logos showing) b. Length: Boys- covering ankle, below shin; Girls- Ankle or knee-high c. Girls may also wear white or navy blue tights (not leggings)
Student Uniforms (Optional):
1. Shorts ‐Girls and Boys a. Color: Navy Blue b. Style: Flat or pleated front walking shorts. Shorts should fall mid‐thigh and not be longer than the knee, with belt loops and a solid dark belt c. Fit: No excessively‐baggy or tight‐fitting shorts will be permitted. Shorts should be worn at the waist with no undergarments visible. The shorts should have belt loops and a solid, dark belt should be used d. Vendor: Any as long as the shorts are indistinguishable from the DENNIS or ANTON’S shorts
2. Sweater or Fleece a. Color: Navy Blue with school logo b. Style: Cardigan sweater, pullover, or fleece c. Vendor: DENNIS or ANTON’S
3. Outerwear Jackets may be worn to school for warmth but must be free of logos and messages. Jackets may only be worn before and after school and during recess.
Hair, Jewelry and Makeup Girls: Hair should be neatly combed or styled. Neat small bows, barrettes, headbands, and "scrunchies" are permissible so long as they coordinate with the uniform. Hair should not be arranged or colored so as to draw undue attention to the student. Hair must be natural looking and conservative in its color (no bleaching or unnatural streaking/highlighting, no deep/bright reds or oranges, no artificial jet‐black coloring, and no unnatural colors).
Boys: Hair should be neatly combed or styled. Hair must be well‐off the top of the shirt collar. Hair should not fall below the eyebrows or past the mid‐point of the ear. Hair cannot be tucked behind the ears. No shaved heads, Mohawks, rat’s tails, pony tails, or braids. Hair must be natural looking and conservative in its color (no bleaching or unnatural streaking/highlighting, no deep/bright reds or oranges, no artificial jet‐black coloring, and no unnatural colors).
Jewelry: Girls may wear small studded earrings. No loops or dangling earrings are permitted. Boys may not wear earrings. No other body piercings are permitted. Boys and girls are permitted to wear one watch. Bracelets, rings, and necklaces are not permitted unless for religious reasons.
Makeup: Students may not wear makeup of any kind. Nail polish may be worn by girls, one color for all nails – red, pink, or appropriate flesh tone – and must be free of patterns or decorations.
Backpacks Students may bring backpacks and lunchboxes to and from school. These items must be stored on the designated shelving units in the classroom during the school day. Due to small storage spaces, rolling backpacks are not permitted without a doctor’s note. Backpacks and lunchboxes should be free of icons of pop culture (peace signs, cartoon characters, team logos, tie-dyed patterns etc.) as well as messages that are offensive or inappropriate to the academy environment.
ACTE officials may search and seize property when there is reason to believe that some material or matter is present that is detrimental to the health, safety, or welfare of students.
Additional Guidelines Hats and sunglasses may only be worn outside and must be removed when the student enters the building. Student’s skin should be free of any painted or ink drawings of any kind. Students should not draw on themselves or on others. Students may not wear perfume, cologne, or any scented lotions or hand-sanitizers.
