DRESS CODE

Dress Code Philosophy

The MCA dress code is designed to serve as a guide to parents and students on the proper attire for our students. The biblical principles of Christlikeness, modesty, purity, obedience and respect are the standards applied. As Christians, our goal is to glorify God in everything and to be an example to those around us. Clothing should be neat, modest, and appropriate. Clothing should be appropriately sized – not too small and not too large. A student should not be dressed in such a way as to draw attention to his/her body, but to respect and honor God, themselves, and others. Supervising teachers may designate a specific dress code for field trips or special events with administration approval. Otherwise, students are expected to be in school dress code. Ladies’ dress will be monitored by female staff; men’s dress will be monitored by male staff.

Elementary Guidelines

Kindergarten thru 5th grade

Elementary Girls

Skirts and dresses should be modest and in proportion to size and age; skirt length must come to the top of the knee or lower.
Blouses, tops, shirts, sweaters are to be worn with no screen printing or large words.
T-shirts of a recreational style (both short sleeve and long sleeve) including tie-dye and sports jerseys may not be worn, except for extra-curricular activities.
Tank tops or sleeveless tops are not allowed.
Girls are not permitted to wear pants or shorts unless noted for an extracurricular activity or a specific school occasion. (Note: Leggings or shorts may be worn underneath skirts/dresses.)
Plain, full zipper sweatshirts may be worn as jackets during school, as long as an acceptable shirt is worn underneath. Pull over hooded sweatshirts are not permitted, except for spirit wear on game days. Hoods are not to be worn inside the building.
Dress shoes or athletic shoes should be worn. No flip flops or athletic slides may be worn.
Hair should be feminine in its style, one color and of a natural shade. It should not draw attention to the wearer.

Elementary Boys

Collared polos and button up shirts (no screen printing or large words) must be tucked in.
Sweaters and quarter-zip sweaters may also be worn as shirts.
T-shirts of a recreational style (both short sleeve and long sleeve) including tie-dye and sports jerseys may not be worn, except for extra-curricular activities.
Pants or jeans (loose-fitting, no holes or fraying) and belts must be worn with pants with belt loops.
Plain, full zipper sweatshirts may be worn as jackets during school, as long as an acceptable shirt is worn underneath. Pull over hooded sweatshirts are not permitted, except for spirit wear on game days. Hoods are not to be worn inside the building.
Dress shoes or athletic shoes should be worn. No flip flops or athletic slides may be worn.
No nail polish or jewelry except watches, bracelets, rings or necklaces.
Hair should not touch the top of the ears or the collar. Hair should be tapered in the back with the bangs no longer than the eyebrows. Hair should be one color and of a natural shade. It should not draw attention to the wearer.

Elementary PE Attire for both Girls and Boys

Loose-fitting, knee-length shorts OR loose-fitting warm-up pants/sweatpants.
T-shirt (no inappropriate words, images, or connotations).

Elementary Dress Code for Extra-Curricular Activities for both Girls and Boys

Students should dress modestly and appropriately for all extra-curricular activities. With permission from the teacher, students may wear: t-shirt (no inappropriate words, images, or connotations), long ball shorts, loose-fitting warm-up pants, or jeans (loose-fitting, no holes or fraying).

Secondary Guidelines for Ladies

6th grade thru 12th grade

Ladies’ Shirts/Blouses

Must not be form fitting, see-through or sheer.
Necklines should not be more than 2” below the collarbone. Only the top button may be left unbuttoned.
Tank tops or sleeveless tops and “cut out” shoulders are not allowed.
T-shirts of a recreational style (both short sleeve and long sleeve) including tie-dye and sports jerseys may not be worn, except for extra-curricular activities.
Note: If an open sweater or zip up jacket is worn, the shirt underneath must meet dress code.

Ladies’ Skirts/Dresses

Must come top of the knee when standing and sitting.
Must not be form fitting – no pencil skirts, unless a longer style shirt is worn over the skirt.
Slits are not allowed above the top of the knee.
Leggings or tights may be worn underneath skirts/dresses.
Any sun dresses worn must have a blouse underneath or a shrug/cardigan.

Other Guidelines for Ladies

Dress shoes, dressy sandals, or athletic shoes should be worn.
Flip flops or athletic slides may not be worn.
Hats are not to be worn in school.
Make-up should not be excessive and draw attention to the wearer.
Sweaters and plain, full zipper sweatshirts may be worn as jackets during school, as long as an acceptable shirt is worn underneath that meets dress code. Crew neck sweatshirts and pull-over hooded sweatshirts are not permitted, except for spirit wear on game days. Hoods are not to be worn inside the building.
No visible tattoos or body piercings (except earrings) are permitted.

Hair Styles for Ladies

Hair should be one color and of a natural shade.
Hair should be feminine in its style.

PE Attire for All Secondary Students

Loose-fitting, knee-length shorts OR loose-fitting warm-up pants/sweatpants.
T-shirt (no inappropriate words, images, or connotations). T-shirts with sleeves cut out are not permitted.
Athletic shoes and socks.

Dress Code for Extra-Curricular Activities for All Secondary Students

Secondary Guidelines for Men

6th grade thru 12th grade

Men’s Shirts

Polo or oxford style shirts with at least two buttons (long and short sleeved) must be tucked in. Only the top button can be unbuttoned.
Sweaters and quarter-zip sweaters may also be worn as shirts. If taken off during school, it must have an acceptable collared shirt underneath.
T-shirts of a recreational style (both short sleeve and long sleeve) may not be worn, except for extra-curricular activities. Athletic jerseys may not be worn.

Men’s Pants

Dress pants or khaki pants must not be too tight or oversized.
Must be in good condition with no holes or fraying.
“Skinny pants” and joggers may not be worn.
Belts must be worn with pants with belt loops. Drawstring khaki pants may be worn.
Blue jeans may not be worn, except for extra-curricular activities.

Other Guidelines for Men

Dress shoes or athletic shoes should be worn with socks. Laces must be tied.
Flip flops or athletic slides may not be worn.
Hats may not be worn in school.
Plain, full zipper sweatshirts may be worn as jackets during school, as long as an acceptable shirt is worn underneath that meets dress code. Crew neck sweatshirt and pull over hooded sweatshirts are not permitted, except for spirit wear on game days. Hoods are not to be worn inside the building.
Boy’s jewelry may include watches, bracelets, rings, and necklaces but should not draw attention to the wearer.
Boys may not wear nail polish.
No visible tattoos or body piercings are permitted.

Hair Styles for Men

Hair must be one color and of a natural shade and should not draw attention to the wearer.
Hair should not touch the top of the ears or the collar. Hair should be tapered in the back with the bangs no longer than the eyebrows.
Boys must be clean shaven at all times with sideburns no lower than the bottom of the ear.

PE Attire for All Secondary Students

Loose-fitting, knee-length shorts OR loose-fitting warm-up pants/sweatpants.
T-shirt (no inappropriate words, images, or connotations). T-shirts with sleeves cut out are not permitted.
Athletic shoes and socks.

Dress Code for Extra-Curricular Activities for All Secondary Students