DRESS PHILOSOPHY
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:1-2
There are two primary reasons for a dress code. The first is to insure modesty which the Bible encourages (I Tim. 2:9). The second is to encourage a dignity that is appropriate for the Academy. The dress code of Cathedral Academy impacts our Academy environment every day. The appearance of our students communicates the Christ centered focus of our Academy and should be a valuable testimony in establishing our reputation as an outstanding Academy with superior students. The dress code is established to provide guidelines for parents and students on appropriate school dress. A well-groomed, attractive student should come to the Academy with an attitude that prepares him for neat, conscientious work. His attire should convey respect for himself, his fellow students, and his teachers.
POLICY
The Dress Code for Cathedral Academy students is a direct outgrowth of its Mission Statement. As such, the following dress code was carefully formulated and adopted in support of the spirit, the purpose, and the reason Cathedral Academy exists.
The dress code applies to students when school is in session on the school campus from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Dress for extra-curricular events will be specified for appropriateness.
• Implementation of the dress practice is the responsibility of each parent and child.
• The Cathedral Academy Administration reserves the right to determine the acceptability of students’ clothing and/or hairstyles and that decision is final.
DAILY MANDATORY DRESS POLICIES
BOYS
Pants – Boys are to wear pants or knee length shorts. Baggy, oversized, faded, frayed, and/or torn pants are not appropriate. Camouflage or nylon pants are not permitted. The waist band of the pants must rest above the hips. Denim blue jeans are only allowed on Spirit Fridays.
Shirts – Shirts are to be worn with no prominent logos or graphics. Athletic jerseys are not allowed at anytime. Additionally, shirts that display the Cathedral logo, sold in the Spirit Store, may be worn.
Undergarments – Appropriate undergarments are to be worn at all times and are not to be visible.
Belts – Belts are required and are to be fed through all loops and rest on top of the hips.
Shoes – Closed-toed shoes with socks are to be worn at all times. Athletic shoes are acceptable. Flip-flops and athletic slides are not permitted.
Hair – Hair is to be kept in a conservative style, clearly off the collar, clearly off the eyebrows and clearly no lower than the ear. Hair that is dyed or styled in an extreme manner is not permitted. Facial hair is not permitted.
Makeup – Makeup is not permitted.
Jewelry – Necklaces may be worn within the shirt collar. Visible body piercing is not permitted. Earrings are not permitted.
Tattoos – Tattoos should not be visible at any time, temporary or permanent.
GIRLS
Pants – Girls may wear modest pants (relaxed fit), shorts (to the knee) or capris that are appropriate in size and fit. Girls are not to wear camouflage, nylon pants, or overalls. Styles to be avoided include: slim fit, jean cut, low-cut waist, hip huggers, low riders, pajama style, sweatpants, wind suit pants, and army fatigues. Fabrics to be avoided include: stretch, knit, jersey, denim, flannel, parachute fabric, velvet, and leather. Waist bands must rest above the hips. Denim blue jeans are only allowed on Spirit Fridays.
Skirts and Dresses – Skirts must be knee length. Dresses must be knee length and must not expose cleavage.
Blouses and Shirts – Shirts are to be worn that are modest and appropriate in size and fit. Over-sized t-shirts are not allowed. Shirts may be worn tucked in or left out as long as they extend below the waist. Prominent logos or graphics are not permitted. Athletic jerseys are not allowed at anytime. No midriff length tops are permitted. Tops are not permitted that expose cleavage, nor are tops permitted that are deemed too tight. Additionally, shirts that display the Cathedral logo, sold in the Spirit Store, are acceptable.
Undergarments – Appropriate, adequate undergarments must be worn at all times and are not to be visible.
Shoes – Closed-toed shoes with socks or open-toed shoes without socks are to be worn at all times. Athletic shoes are acceptable. Platform shoes, including platform tennis shoes, and flip-flops are not permitted, including flip-flops with heels.
Hair – Hair should be neatly styled and should not be colored or styled in an extreme manner.
Makeup – If makeup is worn, it should be minimal and should not draw attention. Nail polish should be confined to single tasteful colors. Students may be required to remove makeup if requested to do so by the Cathedral Academy administration.
Jewelry – Jewelry should be modest and tasteful. Pierced ears are allowed. Other visible body piercing is not permitted.
Tattoos –Tattoos should not be visible at any time, whether temporary or permanent.
SPIRIT FRIDAY DRESS
Any approved Spirit Wear purchased through the Spirit Store may be worn at anytime. Blue jeans are acceptable wear on Friday. (Not acceptable are blue jeans that have holes, that are frayed, that are faded-out, or jeans that are too tight.) Face paint (within reason) and temporary school-spirit skin appliqués from the Spirit Store are permitted on game days.
OUTERWEAR
Outerwear (jackets, hoodies, sweatshirts, etc.) may be worn over approved clothing so that it may be removed as the weather moderates. Prominent logos or graphics are not permitted. Outerwear sold in the Spirit Store is acceptable.
Items such as hats, sunglasses, and other decorative outerwear are not to be worn in the buildings at any time. Outerwear may not replace the need for adhering to dress practices, nor may the outerwear violate the spirit of the dress philosophy or dress practice requirements.