Appropriate dress for students allows for individual expression and maintains standards for cleanliness, neatness, and modesty. Student dress and personal appearance reflect and influence attitudes affecting academic performance, behavior, and respect for self, others, and school authorities. Clothes need not be new or expensive, but neatness and cleanliness are important. The school depends upon the cooperation of the entire school community in adhering to the spirit of this code.

The objectives of the dress code are to:

1. Create an atmosphere that complements serious academic pursuits.
2. Instill in students a sense of pride in their appearance.
3. Ensure that a student’s appearance is not a distraction to the learning environment.
4. Help students distinguish between dress for school and dress for more informal activities.

Cary Academy expects students to be well groomed and appropriately dressed while on campus and when off campus representing the school. At times students will be asked to dress formally (e.g., dresses, jackets and ties). Cary Academy strives for consistency in the school requirements and in their enforcement.

Boys may wear pants or shorts. All shirts must be tucked in. Belts shall be visible at all times.

Girls may wear a dress, skirt, skort, or shorts. Dresses and skirts shall be 4 inches above the knee or longer. The top of slits in dresses and skirts shall be no higher than 4 inches above the knee. Shorts and skorts shall be mid-thigh length or longer. Girls may also wear pants. Blouses and fitted tops hemmed appropriately for outerwear may be worn. All other shirts must be tucked in.

General Guidelines

• All pants and shorts must be hemmed and worn at waist level and off the floor. This includes jeans.
• Belts shall be worn with all clothing designed with belt loops (except overalls).
• Vests or tops with straps less than 2 fingers wide require a T-shirt underneath.
• Hats and sunglasses may be worn outdoors only.
• Jewelry and accessories should be moderate. Earrings are acceptable; however, the adornment of other body piercing is not permitted.
• Hair shall be neat, clean, and of natural color, styled or cut to reflect good grooming and personal care.

The following are not permitted:

• Clothing with derogatory, offensive, or suggestive writing or graphics, as well as the advertising of substances that are not permitted on campus (tobacco, alcohol, drugs, etc.).
• Visible undergarments of any type.
• Revealing or immodest clothing.
• Midriff exposure.
• Plunging necklines.
• Skin showing below shirts.
• Halter tops.
• Torn or frayed clothing. Cutoffs.
• Athletic wear including wind suits, jerseys, jogging shorts, gym shorts, sweatpants, etc.
• Shoes that are unsafe for school: thongs, flipflops, shower shoes, or excessively high heels (over 2 1/2 inches). Shoelaces must be tied.