Student Dress Code

The ACA dress code policy aims to offer a framework for a professional, conservative appearance, fostering modesty, respect, and equality among all students (Proverbs 4:13). The policy advocates for a conservative appearance that reduces economic disparities, social expressions, and potential distractions linked with a non-uniform school environment. The attire should exhibit respect for oneself, fellow students, and the teaching staff.

The dress code standard upholds the following principles:

Equality – Encouraging a unified dress code fosters the understanding that all individuals are equal and deserve respect based on their inherent value as created beings, rather than being judged by wealth, status, or individual expression that may be deemed significant in a constantly changing culture.

Modesty – Emphasizing modesty in attire and behavior helps students uphold personal integrity, completeness, and professionalism, traits vital in a college preparatory setting or professional career.

Respect – By adhering to the rules and guidelines set forth by the school, students develop respect for authority, for each other, and for the established norms—a trait that extends into life beyond school walls, well into their future after graduation.

Parent Partnership

• All parents who enroll their child at ACA commit to upholding and complying with the dress code policy in both attitude and actions. It is the responsibility of the parent to ensure that their child adheres to the ACA dress code in this handbook.

• Demonstrating a cooperative spirit in adhering to the dress code policy reflects an attitude of obedience and respect for authority, aligning with the Parent Statement of Support signed upon enrollment. Should a parent disagree with this, or any other policy in the handbook, they may request a meeting with administration to discuss the matter with the school administration in a constructive manner. Public discussions are contrary to the enrollment agreement and may imply an uncooperative relationship between the school and the parent. Parents are required to abide by the enrollment agreement, maintaining a demeanor of cooperation and respect at all times.

The administration holds the authority to interpret and enforce policies, determining the suitability of attire, hairstyles, and overall appearance during school hours and events.

It's the responsibility of all school families to stay informed about any changes in school policies by reading and staying updated.

These are the approved types of fabrics required for uniforms:

Given the change in styles, the administration reserves the right to interpret and enforce this policy, making adjustments as necessary.

Special Note: All uniforms should maintain a clean appearance and must not have stains, tears, rips, or holes.

• Uniforms must be worn according to their design specifications and with an appropriate fit.

  • Shorts must not be altered in length through rolling or shortening.

  • Avoid sagging of shorts or pants; if bottoms are loose, a belt should be worn. Undergarments should not be visible.

  • Bottoms should not be excessively tight, revealing undergarments' outlines.

• Hats are not permitted within the building, and the hood of a hoodie should not be worn indoors.

• Earrings are permitted but at the discretion of the administration. Please see the general guidelines outlined in the specific gender categories below.

• Undershirts should be in solid black, blue, white, gray, or skin tone.

• Wearing sunglasses indoors is not allowed.

• Shoes worn must be closed-toe. Shoes must remain on their feet at all times while on school premises.

• Prohibited footwear are slippers, open-toed shoes, or clogs.

• Accessories - Although styles change from year to year such as large chains, pearls, or other jewelry. These items can be distracting and may not be acceptable. These items will be at the discretion of the administration.

The subsequent guidelines are applicable to both male and female students.

• Hair should be well-combed or brushed, presenting a well-shaped appearance.

• Hairstyles should be securely styled to prevent distraction.

• Braiding should be well-groomed and maintained in a neat fashion.

• Maintaining the neatness of all hairstyles, encompassing dreadlocks, faux-hawks, mullets, braids, and man buns, is required.

  • Not permissible hairstyles include mohawks, afros, spikes, rat-tails, or any style extending more than 3 inches from the head.

• Both boys’ and girls’ hair should not obstruct vision or cover the eyes.

• Given the change of hairstyles, the administration reserves the right to interpret and enforce this policy, making adjustments as necessary.

OVERVIEW

Boys are expected to maintain a clean appearance, including facial hair like beards.

• Headwraps, dri-fit head ties, or anything similar are not permitted. Whether the item is accepted or prohibited will be at the administration's discretion.

• Earrings must be small studs, not exceeding 1/2 inch in diameter.

• Tiny nose studs are permissible; however, nose hoops, gauges, and plugs are not permitted.

DRESS CODE RUBRIC

Top Requirements:

• White or blue polo shirts

• No teal/turquoise

• Loose-fitting

• Collars buttoned up to the second from the top button

• ACA T-shirts

• Undershirts - SOLID COLOR ONLY: black, blue, white, gray, or skin tone with no rips or holes

Bottoms Requirements (recommended to buy with growing room):

• Shorts

  • Navy blue or khaki

  • Loose-fitting

  • Longer than 2 inches above the knee (Violations are determined at the discretion of the administration.)

• Pants

  • Navy blue or khaki

  • Loose-fitting

• NOT PERMITTED: skinny-cut, jeggings, spandex, sweatpants, holes, tears, jeans, or cut-offs

Shoes:

• Closed-toe

• Secured on foot

• Slippers or slides are not permitted

P.E. Uniform:

• Optional (no locker rooms available)

• ACA t-shirts

• ACA shorts

• Uniform sweater or jacket

Jackets, Sweaters, Cardigans:

• Solid blue, white, or khaki

• ACA-purchased sweatshirt

• Please note: ACA required top must be worn under jacket, sweater, cardigan.

Winter Coats: May not be worn indoors

Miscellaneous:

• NOT PERMITTED: bandanas, hats, head wraps or coverings, or sun visors

• NOT PERMITTED: inappropriate images or language

• ALL UNDERGARMENTS MUST BE WORN & FULLY COVERED

• No midsection or undergarments revealed when sitting, bending over, or stretching

• Homemade ACA apparel is not uniform

• Tattoos are not permitted, therefore, must be covered (Leviticus 19:28) ○ Piercings may only be in the ears and nose (Ezekiel 16:12)

NON-Uniform/Special Event/Dress Code Requirements:

• Tops: no midsection showing

• Bottoms: Longer than 2 inches above the knee (Violations are determined at the discretion of the administration.)

• All undergarments must be worn and fully covered

• No midsection or undergarments revealed when sitting, bending over, or stretching

• Backs covered and straps a minimum width of 3 fingers

• NOT PERMITTED: spandex or material clinging to the body

• NOT PERMITTED: inappropriate images or language.

OVERVIEW

The goal of Apopka Christian Academy’s dress code is to promote a place where students can train in spiritual and academic rigor free of unnecessary distractions.

• All uniform shorts, skirts, and skorts should not be shorter than 2 inches above the knee.

• Any stockings, leggings, undershirts, etc., must be in solid school uniform colors: black, blue, white, gray, or skin tone, with no rips or holes.

• Standard closed-toed shoes with a back are acceptable footwear.

• Makeup should be modest and not excessive in appearance.

• Multiple bracelets are discouraged, as this causes distractions.

• Headbands must not exceed a width of 2”. Headwraps, dri-fit head ties, or anything similar are not permitted. Whether the item is accepted or prohibited will be at the administration's discretion.

• Earring styles change from year to year. These items can be distracting and may not be acceptable. These items will be at the discretion of the administration.

• Tiny nose studs are permissible; however, nose hoops, gauges, and plugs are not permitted.

DRESS CODE RUBRIC

Top Requirements:

• ○ White or blue (no teal/turquoise) polo shirt

• ○ ACA T-shirt

• ○ Loose-fitting

• ○ No cleavage can be shown

Bottoms Requirements (recommended to buy with growing room):

• Skirts/Shorts

  • ■ Navy blue or khaki

  • ■ Loose-fitting

  • ■ Longer than 2 inches above the knee (Violations are determined at the discretion of the administration.)

• Pants

  • Navy blue or khaki

  • Loose-fitting

  • Not permitted: skinny-cut, jeggings, spandex, sweatpants, jeans, or cut-offs

• Tights/Leggings or undershirts:

  • Not permitted as pants

  • Under uniform-length skirts and dresses only

  • SOLID COLOR ONLY: black, blue, white, gray, or skin tone with no rips or holes

• Shoes:

  • Closed-toe

  • Secured on foot

  • Slippers or slides are not permitted

Jackets, Sweaters, Cardigans:

Please note: ACA required top must be worn under jacket, sweater, cardigan.

• Solid blue, white, or khaki

• ACA-purchased sweatshirts

• Inappropriate images or language are not permitted

Winter Coats: May not be worn indoors

P.E. Uniform: Optional (no locker rooms available)

• ACA t-shirts

• ACA shorts

• Uniform sweater or jacket

Miscellaneous:

• All undergarments must be worn and fully covered.

• Bandanas, hats, head wraps or coverings, or sun visors are not permitted ○ No cleavage, midsection, or undergarments revealed when sitting, bending over, or stretching

• Homemade ACA apparel is not uniform approved

• Tattoos are not permitted, therefore, must be covered (Leviticus 19:28) ○ Piercings may only be in the ears and nose (Ezekiel 16:12)

NON-Uniform/Special Event/Dress Code Requirements:

• Tops: no cleavage or midsection showing

• Bottoms: no shorter than 2 inches above the knee (Violations are determined at the discretion of the administration.)

• All undergarments must be worn and fully covered.

• No cleavage, midsection, or undergarments revealed when sitting, bending over, or stretching

• Backs covered & straps a minimum width of 3 fingers

• Spandex or material clinging to the body is not permitted

• Inappropriate images or language are not permitted

Active Wear:

• ACA T-shirt

• ACA basketball shorts or school uniform bottoms

• Uniform sweater or jacket

Students are required to wear the ACA-issued lanyard and clear plastic case every day as part of

the school uniform policy. The lanyard must be visibly worn around the neck, and no accessories should be attached to it. This is essential for identification and security purposes.

Replacements

• If a student does not have their lanyard, a replacement will be provided, and the cost will be billed to the parent’s FACTS account.

• Students are encouraged to keep their lanyards with them at all times to avoid any inconvenience.

To maintain a focused learning environment, toys, accessories, stuffed animals, dolls, and other similar items are not permitted at ACA. These items can be distracting to students and interfere with their educational experience. Students are encouraged to leave these items at home unless explicitly requested for a specific activity or event by a teacher. The administration reserves the right to confiscate any such items brought to school.

The use and or spraying of body spray, perfume, and cologne on campus is strictly prohibited on school premises, including all indoor and outdoor areas, during school hours and extracurricular activities.

• This is to ensure the well-being and comfort of all individuals within the school community. Perfumed products can trigger allergic reactions or respiratory issues in some individuals.

• Additionally, strong fragrances can be distracting and disruptive to the learning environment.

• Repeated offenders could result in disciplinary consequences.

Apopka Christian Academy does not provide uniforms. You will need to purchase them elsewhere for your student.

Repeated violations of the dress code will lead to disciplinary measures.

Here is a general outline:

1st Violation: A verbal warning will be provided initially. Students may be requested by the administration to rectify the situation or change clothes if necessary. Parents may be contacted to address the situation, and the dress code violation will be recorded.

2nd Violation: A level 1 or 2 referral with possible consequences.

3rd Violation: A meeting with the Principal/Dean to establish a course of action.

Appropriate dress code adherence is mandatory for all school functions. Students will be requested to leave from school-sponsored events if their attire is considered inappropriate by the administration and/or athletic director.