High School Dress Code

 Students not in “code” may not attend class. Teachers are expected to enforce the dress code.

Why does Caprock Academy have a dress code?

When the school was first formed, it was decided that a dress code would help establish a desirable learning environment. Research indicates that a uniform dress code minimizes peer pressure, improves the appearance of the student body, and reinforces an academic atmosphere (“Manual on School Uniforms,” U.S. Department of Education).

EXCEPTIONS to the dress code are:

1) special event days, which have been pre-scheduled and approved by the Headmaster.

2) students participating in Scouting programs who wish to wear the Scouting uniforms on meeting days.

3) uniforms for other groups will be allowed at the discretion of the Board of Directors and Headmaster.

The Board of Directors FULLY SUPPORTS the discretion of the faculty and administration as they enforce the dress code. Please check with the Dean of Students or designated administrator if you have any questions. This code is for the benefit of ALL our students. Parents, please help your older students set a good example and keep your school clothes shopping within our dress code parameters. The school is not responsible for school clothing purchases that do not comply strictly with our code.

The Intent of the Dress Code

The Board of Directors desire a dress code that is conducive to learning as well as manageable to enforce by the faculty and staff. All members of the student body are to dress as outlined in the school dress code.  This document is to promote further understanding of the dress code. There are two main themes that were the basis for the dress code: first, to eliminate the focus on and distraction of dress; and second, to level the playing field so all students are recognized for who they are, not what they wear or can afford to wear. Below are the most frequently asked questions and answers regarding the dress codes.

Why no denim?

We appreciate that denim can be very durable; however there are so many states of denim, from new to faded. Even new denim can be purchased with tears. Denim is casual dress and we do not want to promote an environment that is “casual.”

Why the regulation of the number of pockets on the pants?

This requirement involves safety. Many pockets allow for many places to hide items. These types of pants are also casual.

Why do you specify the styles, fit, and length of clothing?

Boys with pants falling off and girls with tight clothing are both distracting and casual. The specific lengths are not as important as the intent of the lengths. The lengths are defined to eliminate baggy, saggy, and revealing items. Clothing should fit comfortably and cover the body at all times. Shirts that do not stay tucked in when students raise their hands or bend over are too short.

Why are the colors limited?

We clearly want to be able to identify the students of the school. We have also specified colors that are not distracting. Students with attention problems are significantly affected by their surroundings. In order to provide an optimal learning environment, distractions in the classroom are kept to a minimum.

What is wrong with a little alligator, flower, “Dockers”, etc. on shirts or pants?

There is nothing wrong with these things; however, they can promote “status.” There are some items/logos that are objectionable to some and not to others, for instance, “sexy girl” or a pot leaf. This leaves the school to make value judgments that may conflict with that of some parents. To eliminate conflicts and level the playing field, no logos or designs of any type are allowed, except for the approved Caprock Academy logo. The dress codes are intentional and clearly defined. Parents as well as students are required to sign an agreement to support and adhere to the dress codes. The Board of Directors is committed to the mission and philosophy of the school and believes that defining the dress code and requiring the signing of the agreement by parents and students should eliminate any concerns over these codes.

Gentlemen’s Uniform and Dress Code

Gentlemen’s Pants: Tan/khaki, black or navy blue dress slacks that reach to the shoe, but are not dragging on the ground. Pants and shorts need to be logo free. No patch pockets, extra zippers or seams. No oversized, super-baggy pants will be permitted. Dress slacks (with belt) should be worn at the waist. During hot weather months (beginning of school – October15 and March 15 – end of school) tan/khaki, black or navy blue walking shorts with belt will be worn. Shorts should go to just above the knee but not below, and should not be tight fitting or excessively baggy. Belt will be black or brown and should match shoes.

Gentlemen’s Shirts: Solid white, red, navy blue, black or gray collared, knit polo shirts (two-or three-button, no logos, except the CA logo). Shirts must always be tucked in.  Turtlenecks may be worn under long sleeved polo shirts only.

Gentlemen’s Dress Shirts/Ties/Sport Coats: White/Oxford blue dress shirt or white button down dress shirt w/ white crewneck t-shirt underneath may be worn. Shirts must always be tucked in.   Red/White/Blue/Black solid colored ties are acceptable.   Navy or black sport coat is also acceptable.

Gentlemen’s Footwear: Shoes must be worn at all times. Dress shoes should be either black or brown when worn with the uniform (pants or shorts). Tennis, sneakers, or jogging shoes will need to be worn to gym class.  Black and brown  dress shoes need to be conservative in style, with a neat and clean appearance. The shoe may not extend higher than the ankle at the heel.  Socks will be white, red or navy with either shoes or athletic shoes.

Gentlemen’s Hair: Hair should be neatly trimmed and combed. Hair should not be so long as to hang below the eyebrow if combed forward nor long enough to bring into a ponytail. The hair may be as short as needed, but no shaved heads. No Mohawk, rat’s tails, or braids are allowed. No hairnets or bandannas. Gentlemen should be clean-shaven. Students will be allowed to have modest sideburns not to extend below the bottom of the earlobe.

Gentlemen’s Jewelry: No nose-rings or earrings or other body-piercing jewelry will be permitted for boys. Jewelry should not be distracting or dangerous.

Gentlemen’s Headwear: Hats and sunglasses will not be permitted indoors and must be stored.

Gentlemen's Outerwear: Jackets, sweatshirts and sweaters may be worn to school for warmth, but must be free of logos and advertisements. Sweatshirts and jackets worn to and from school must be stored during classes and between classes, other than during the lunch period.  Sweaters worn in class will be in uniform red, white or navy in cardigan, pullover or vest style.  Sweaters will be free of hoods or pockets.

No tattoos, temporary or permanent.

Ladies Uniform and Dress Code

Ladies Pants: Tan/khaki, black, or navy blue dress slacks, walking shorts or skorts with or without belt loops.  Slacks should reach to the shoe but do not drag on the ground. Slacks need to be logo free. No patch pockets, extra zippers or seams. No oversized, super-baggy, hip hugger or excessively tight pants will be permitted. Dress slacks should be worn at the waist.  If pants or shorts have belt loops, a black or brown belt will be worn and match shoe color.

Ladies Shorts: Tan/khaki, black or navy blue knee length walking shorts may be worn during hot weather months (beginning of school – October 15 and March 15 – end of school).  Shorts should go to just above the knee but not below, and should not be tight fitting or excessively baggy.

Ladies Shirts: Solid white, red, navy blue, black or gray collared, knit polo shirts (two-or three-button, long or short sleeved, no logos, except the CA logo). White button down dress shirt w/ white crewneck t-shirt underneath may be worn.  Shirts must always be tucked in.  Turtlenecks may be worn under long sleeved polo shirts only.

Ladies Skirts/Skorts: Tan/khaki, black or navy blue skorts or A-line skirts may be worn. Hem of skort should reach to just above the knee (hem should be within two inches of the ground when properly adjusted at the waist and kneeling on a level surface). Skirts/Skorts should be worn at the waist. A-line skirts should fall just below the knee.

Ladies Footwear: Low-heeled, low-soled or flat, black or brown, solid-colored conservative style dress shoes. Black and brown dress shoes need to have a neat and clean appearance. No open-toes or open-heeled shoes or sandals are permitted.  Sneakers, tennis, or jogging shoes will be worn during gym. Girls should wear nylons, blue or white tights, or solid red, white, or navy colored socks.

Ladies Jewelry: Girls may wear one pair of short earrings. Large hoops or other dangling or distracting earrings are not permitted. (Loops are not to be larger than the size of a nickel.) No body-piercing jewelry except earrings will be permitted. Necklaces need to be tasteful and size appropriate. Pendants should not be large or elaborate. No chokers, beaded necklaces (colored or otherwise), shells, or large or elaborate chain-link may be worn. One watch that is either metal toned, uniform colored, and not distracting are permissible.

Ladies Makeup: Makeup is permitted and should be applied tastefully and in moderation. Heavily lined eyes or gaudy lipstick, glitter or white-powdered faces will not be permitted. Fingernails should not be excessively long or painted garishly. Shades of blue, green, yellow, black, glittered, speckled or patterned nail polish are not permitted.

Ladies Hair: Hair should be neatly combed or styled. No shaved heads are permitted.  Hair accessories must be red, white, navy, black or brown. Neat barrettes, headbands and “scrunchies” are permissible. Hair should not be arranged or colored to draw undue attention to the student. Hair must be natural looking and conservative in its color. Radical changes in hair color during the school year are unacceptable.

Ladies Headwear: Hats, bandannas, and sunglasses will not be permitted indoors and must be stored.

Ladies Outerwear: Jackets, sweatshirts and sweaters may be worn to school for warmth, but must be free of logos and advertisements. Sweatshirts and jackets worn to and from school must be stored during classes and between classes, other than during the lunch period. Sweaters worn in class will be in uniform red, white or navy in cardigan, pullover or vest style.  Sweaters will be free of hoods or pockets.

No temporary or permanent tattoos are permitted.

Both Genders Dress Code

Backpacks, Lunchboxes, book bags, etc:  These lists are intended to include extra items a student may bring to school. While it is not the intention to limit choices, it is important to maintain school philosophy with regard to these types of items. Therefore, there are no color restrictions or design restrictions, however, no logos, advertisements or characters are allowed. Exception to Dress Code Rule: A small brand name identification is permissible. For example, a 6-inch Nike symbol would not be allowed, however, a small 1-inch unobtrusive name like Cabela’s would be acceptable. A backpack with “Colorado Rockies” displayed on it would not be acceptable. A lunch box with Bugs Bunny or Sponge Bob would not be acceptable. The Administrative Designee will have the final say in determining acceptability.

Apparel advertising tobacco, alcohol, illegal substances, and/or offensive slogans are not acceptable attire at school-sponsored activities. Clothes making statements with sexual innuendoes are not allowed. The wearing of clothing, jewelry, or a style of grooming that is identified with membership in a gang will not be tolerated in school or at any school-sponsored activity. Apparel that interferes with or endangers self or others while participating in school or school sponsored-activities is not allowed. Dress will not be worn that causes or is likely to cause disruption of the educational process. The final decision as to the safety or unsuitability of the clothing, hair or jewelry will be left up to the Head Master. Anyone who cannot follow the dress code for medical or religious reasons will need to talk with the Administrative Designee.

Students must be strictly in code to attend class. Students in violation of the dress code will be sent to the office and must call a parent or guardian. Either parents will bring acceptable attire, or students will be sent home with their parent or guardian. These absences are NOT excused.