Academic Policies, Forms and Information

Objective 

The objective of this policy is to allow for freedom of expression in dress while fostering an atmosphere conducive to learning in a Christian environment. 

Points of Emphasis 

Bethany Christian Schools student dress code supports equitable educational access and is written in a manner that does not reinforce stereotypes. 

• The student dress code will be implemented equitably regardless of students’ race, color, creed, national origin, immigration status, religion, physical, mental, or educational disability, pregnancy, age, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, socioeconomic status, body type, body size, or personal style. 
• Students will wear attire that contributes to a safe school environment conducive to learning. 
• Students may wear attire of their choice that is otherwise not prohibited. 
• Students may wear attire that aligns with their gender, gender expression, or gender identity. 
• Students may wear religious attire without fear of discipline or discrimination.

Dress Code 

Certain body parts must be covered for all students. Clothes must be worn in a way such that the chest, midriff, pelvic/groin area and buttocks are covered with opaque material. 

Students must wear: 

• Shirt or top 
• Bottom (pants, sweatpants, shorts, skirt, dress, and leggings) 
• Shoes (curricular-specific and activity-specific shoe requirements are permitted). 

Students are not permitted to wear attire, including wearable technology that is disruptive to the school environment, that promotes illegal or harmful activities, or that could endanger the health or safety of that student or others during school hours and school-related activities. Prohibited attire includes, but is not limited to: 

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• Attire that depicts profanity, hate speech, obscenity, the use of weapons, or violence 
• Attire that promotes use of tobacco, drugs, alcohol, or other illegal or harmful products 
• Attire that promotes, implies or contains sexually suggestive messages ● Attire that contains language or symbols that demean an identifiable person or group or otherwise infringes on the rights of others 
• Attire that causes or is likely to cause a material disruption, a substantial disorder to school activities or the orderly operation of the school, or an invasion of the rights of others 
• Attire that exposes or reveals the chest, midriff, pelvic/groin area, and buttocks 
• Attire that exposes underwear or undergarments 
• Head coverings of any kind, including hats and hoods, unless worn for religious, medical, or safety purposes and approved in advance by administration 
• Sunglasses may not be worn during the school day 
• Attire that may damage school property 
• Wearable technology and other attire when it interferes with instruction or student safety. 

If a parent or student believes that the student, for religious obligations or medical reasons, must wear attire prohibited by this policy, the parent and/or student will consult with the principal. The principal may consult with School Leadership in rendering a final decision. 

Consequences 

Students who are found to be in violation of the Bethany dress code may have the following consequences: 

• Students will be asked to change into appropriate clothing at school (sweat bottoms and t-shirts can be provided in the office). 
• Parents will receive communication after each dress code violation. 
• Students receiving three violations will meet with the principal to address the ongoing concern. 
• Students receiving more than three violations may receive additional consequences and will meet with the principal to form a plan to address the ongoing problem. 

The administration reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of a student's dress at any time. 

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Print the dress code here.