Adopted: June 26, 2023
Amended: July 19, 2024

The two fundamental purposes of middle school are to promote a positive attitude toward education and to prepare students for success. Given these aims, it is essential to create and maintain an effective teaching and learning environment. Student attire can either promote a more effective educational environment, or it can disrupt it. Attire that is acceptable for some social settings may not be acceptable for school. 

It is the duty of the Academy to provide an educational environment with minimal distractions that is conducive to learning, and protects the health, safety, and morale of students.

Students are reminded that their appearance (i.e., clothing and grooming) significantly affects the way others respond to them. Matters of dress are the responsibility of students, in consultation with their parents or legal guardians. All students will adhere to the following minimum standards of dress when they attend school.

Student Appearance

Students are to be neat and clean to the best of their ability. Fabrics should be thick enough to not see through the material. All fabrics should be free of holes, rips, fraying, stress marks, and tears. Academy logo apparel is acceptable to wear. All clothing should be size-appropriate. Avoid articles of clothing and/or accessories which distract from the educational environment or draw unwarranted attention. 

Bottoms

All bottoms must be worn at the waist (e.g., no hip-huggers) and should fit well. Overly tight or baggy bottoms, (e.g., flannel, sweatpants, lounge wear, yoga pants, bike/spandex shorts) do not meet the Academy’s standards. Shorts and Capri pants may be worn before fall break and after spring break. Dresses, skirts, and shorts must be no shorter than 3 inches above the kneecap when standing.

Examples of NON-APPROVED bottoms:

Tops

All tops and dresses must have short or long sleeves that cover the shoulders. Necklines should be higher than the straight line from underarm to underarm in the front and back. Shirts must reach below the belt line to cover the midriff. Hoods on hoodies must remain down while inside. Graphic T-shirts other than Academy logo apparel are not allowed.

Examples of APPROVED tops:

Examples of NON-APPROVED tops:

Shoes

Footwear must always be worn for health and safety. Closed toed shoes must be worn between fall and spring break. Sandals and flip flops may be worn before fall break and after spring break. However, all students must wear appropriate athletic shoes for gym. 

Coats, Jackets, & Backpacks

Winter coats or jackets that are worn outside can be any color(s). Coats are not permitted to be worn in the building. During cold weather, we encourage layering with a sweater or jacket that meets the dress code standards while in the building. Backpacks can have any color(s), patterns, and/or logos, so long as they are school-appropriate. 

Hats, Headbands, & Scarves

Baseball caps, knit hats, and scarves may be worn outside, but not in the building. Any symbol, print, or logo on such clothing must be school-appropriate. Headbands are permitted so long as they are not distracting.

Makeup, Hair, Jewelry & Tattoos

Subtle makeup is allowed. No glitter.

Hairstyles must be non-distracting, neat and clean. Student hair color must be a natural human color (e.g., black, blonde, brown and red). Multicolored hair is prohibited. Hair must not obstruct the eyes.

Jewelry for body piercings is to be only visible in the ears (no gauges). A maximum of two piercings per ear are to be visible. Other non-distracting jewelry, (e.g., rings, bracelets and necklaces) are allowed.

Tattoos (permanent or temporary) should not be visible.

Business Attire Days

The dress code for Fridays and other special days as identified by the Administration will be business attire. Bottoms will be slacks, dresses or skirts. Business appropriate dress shoes or solid/neutral athletic shoes. Men’s shirts must be “button up” with collars. Women’s tops will be business appropriate also. Ties or bow ties are encouraged as well as tucked in shirts and belts. Jeans, shorts, and crocs are not appropriate for Business Casual dress. All other standards of this dress code apply.

Physical Education Attire

Students are required to wear Alpine P.E. uniform during P.E. class, which can be purchased through the school. If this is a financial burden for a family, please meet with an administrator. 

Dress Code Violations

Adopted: November 11, 2010
Amended: July 19, 2024

If a student is observed in violation of the dress code policy (Policy 8160.1 and 8160.2) by the Administrator or an appointed substitute, the following may take place as deemed appropriate by the Administrator.

First Violation. The student will be asked to change the article or articles of clothing or the student will be allowed to contact his or her parent or guardian to obtain permissible replacements of clothing before returning to class.

Second Violation. The Administrator will apply the same actions as the first violation and assign the student an appropriate consequence for the violation.

Third Violation. The Administrator will apply the same actions and consequences of the first and second violations as well as schedule a meeting with the parent or guardian to review and clarify the dress code policy. (Policy 8160.1 and 8160.2)

Fourth Violation. The student will be sent home for the day and may be referred to the Board of Directors for further action as deemed appropriate by an administrator.