STUDENT DRESS CODE PRCA’s mission is to teach our students to become like Christ. We seek to honor God in all things, including setting forth guidelines toward clothing for the student that is modest, neat, and appropriate in an educational setting. We recognize that individual families have different standards for their children. Therefore, a school dress code is necessary to maintain unity and to maximize participation in educational activities. It is our expectation that parents and students will cooperate with the school standard of dress; enforcing the dress code is not the sole responsibility of the school. If parents or students have a question regarding whether or not a piece of clothing is appropriate under the school’s dress code guidelines, they may contact administration prior to wearing the clothing to school. Students who object to leaving class to be checked should opt for clothes that are clearly within the dress code guidelines. If something is not mentioned in this section, it is not allowed.

General Guidelines  Clothing must be made of opaque fabric (not see-through)  Clothing must fit appropriately and not be sloppy in appearance or excessively tight.  Clothing must not have any rips or frays (including hems). Cut or raw edges are not allowed.  Undergarments may not be visible at any time, at any PRCA event (on or off campus).  Graphics, patterns, lettering and logos on all clothing must meet the standard of Philippians 4:8.

Pants  Slacks, corduroy, chinos, khaki, capris, palazzo and cargo pants are allowed.  Athletic pants, sweatpants, stretch pants, leggings, yoga pants, or spandex are not allowed.

Shorts  Shorts must have a minimum 4” inseam length.  Cargo, chinos, khaki, and golf shorts (with pockets, button and zipper) are allowed. Dressy shorts with a drawstring or elastic waist are allowed.  Athletic shorts, sweatpants, leggings or spandex are not allowed.

Tops  Shirts with collars must be worn buttoned up. Polo shirts and oxford button ups are examples of shirts that are allowed. Turtlenecks, mock turtlenecks and mandarin collars, and quarter-zips with collars are acceptable.  A collared shirt (or jacket) worn unbuttoned over a t-shirt or tank top is not allowed.  Shirts must have long or short sleeves. Sleeveless shirts (including tank tops) are not allowed.  Shirts must be worn so that no cleavage shows; the midriff must remain covered when arms are raised.

Outerwear:  Jackets, sweatshirts or sweaters may be worn over a collared shirt but the shirt collar must remain visible throughout the school day. A sweatshirt hood does not constitute a collar.

Skirts, dresses and pant suits  All dresses must be worn with a collar and short or long sleeves. Dresses and pants suits may be paired with a collared sweater, shirt or jacket.  Skirts must be worn with a collared shirt (consistent with the section “Tops” above).  The neckline of dresses and pants suits must be cut high enough so that undergarments or cleavage are not visible.  Skirts and dresses may be no shorter than 2” above the top of the knee when standing straight.  Form-fitting dresses, pants suits or skirts are not allowed.

Fridays  A PRCA t-shirt can be worn with jeans or denim shorts.  Students must purchase a “jeans pass” from the Senior class for $1.00 on announced Fridays (every other week).  Students not participating in jeans day must follow the regular dress code guidelines.

Miscellaneous  Jewelry and make-up should be worn in moderation.  Body or facial piercings, or earplugs are not allowed.  Visible tattoos (permanent or otherwise) are not allowed.  Shoes are required to be worn at all times; house shoes and slippers are not allowed.  Hats and sunglasses must not be worn in the buildings.  Hair that is unusually styled or dyed an unnatural or non-age-appropriate color is not allowed.  Gentlemen’s hair must not cover the eyebrow, shirt collar, or be below the bottom of the ear; ponytails and buns are not allowed on gentlemen.  Gentlemen must be clean-shaven; mustaches and beards are not allowed. Sideburns must not extend below the bottom of the ear lobe.

Service, House Days and Special Events  Athletic wear may be worn for service, house, or game days, only with prior approval by the Dean of Student Life. T-shirt guidelines and short length on these days must follow the general dress code guidelines.  Several special days are planned throughout the school year that allow for students to dress in costumes (e.g. spirit week). The costumes must maintain the same level of modesty that is required in the standard dress code, including skirt and short length and sleeves.

Formal Events  Some PRCA events will require students to be dressed in appropriate formal attire in order to be admitted.  Ladies should wear dresses with skirts that are not shorter than 4” above the knee. Spaghetti straps, strapless, and sleeveless tops are allowed, but ladies should have less than half of the back exposed, less than 1”visible midriff (lace panel is okay), and without visible undergarments or cleavage. Ladies may also wear formal pants suits to school events requiring formal dress. Shoes should be appropriate to the occasion.  Gentlemen are required to wear a dress shirt, dress slacks and a tie (or bowtie). Shoes should be appropriate to the occasion.

Disciplinary Procedure for infractions When a student is observed by a staff member to be out of dress code, he or she will be sent to change. PRCA will issue a dress code compliant shirt and/or pair of pants for the day; parents will be charged $15.00 for the item(s) in the next billing cycle. Students are encouraged to keep a spare set of dress code compliant clothes in their locker in case of an infraction (or a rip or spill). Clothes will not be lent out, but may be purchased at any time. Parents will be notified via email for every dress code infraction. After the third infraction in a semester, students will serve a 1- hour detention.