One of the most valued objectives at Heritage Academy is to help scholars learn to make responsible choices and thereby be prepared to govern themselves. Our dress code is based on principles of maintaining modesty, cleanliness, and professionalism in your dress. Heritage Academy is not the place to experiment with fads. Hairstyles, clothing, makeup, or jewelry which is distracting by nature is not modest, and therefore violates the dress code. Due to the changing nature of dress and grooming which is particularly popular among youth, administrative decisions in matters not addressed in these guidelines are final.

Our use of the word “uniform” in this handbook is somewhat modified. While we require uniform shirts to be purchased from approved vendors, other articles of clothing can be obtained at other places. Parents and guardians have the responsibility to make sure that their children comply with our dress code before bringing them to school. Scholars not in compliance with the dress code will be asked to change or sent home. When scholars are on campus during school days, they are to be in full uniform.

Full uniform is required for all activities held during or immediately following school hours. The only exception to this rule is when the instructor requires alternate clothing for a class. Clothing changes under such circumstances are to be made during class time. While on campus, scholars are not to change out of their uniform prior to leaving campus for the day. On non-school days, such as Fridays and Saturdays, scholars participating in a school function must conform to the Heritage standards of modesty.

Uniform Clothing
To be in full uniform, scholars must wear the Heritage uniform shirt, shorts, pants, capris, or skirts, and footwear, all of which meets the requirements below. Scholars who are not in uniform will not be allowed in class. Uniform polos must be purchased through our approved uniform distributors and can be purchased at any time. Uniform bottoms can be purchased anywhere uniform style clothes can be found as long as they meet our dress code standards.

● Heritage Uniform Shirts must be purchased online from approved vendors, at any time, and must be embroidered with the Heritage logo. Be sure to buy uniform shirts long enough (even after laundering) to prevent the showing of skin from the midriff or back when standing, sitting, moving, stretching, bending, etc. Scholars whose midriff shows will not be allowed in class. Any shirt worn under a Heritage shirt must be solid red, white, or navy with no words or graphics. Uniform shirts should not be extreme in fit: too tight or too baggy.

● Pants & Capris must be solid beige khaki or navy blue; the same color as our navy-blue Heritage uniform shirts. No jeans, baggy pants, sweatpants, pants with holes, pants which are frayed, or have cut-leg appearance will be allowed. Also, no pockets, loops, designs or other décor are allowed on the legs. Cargo pants and cargo shorts are not allowed, but outside pockets on the front and rear are allowed. Uniform bottoms should not be extreme in fit: too tight or too baggy.

● Skirts & Shorts are to be solid beige khaki or navy blue and may not be denim or sheer. Skirts and shorts can be no shorter than four inches above the middle of the kneecap. Leggings worn under shorts or skirts are not a substitute for the length. Uniform bottoms should not be extreme in fit: too tight or too baggy.

● Shoes must be closed-toed and must have a back strap. Shoelaces are always to be tied. No slides or flip flops are allowed.

● Winter Wear: Heritage branded outerwear can be purchased through a variety of departments on campus. Approved outerwear bears the Heritage logo and other academic, arts, or athletic icons. Otherwise, any solid red, white, or navy-blue sweater, sweatshirt, coat, or jacket is acceptable (the
inside may be a different color than the outside, but the inside must be solid red, white, navy blue). This outerwear may not have any pictures, logos, or any writing on it.

● Accessories such as headbands, scarves, ties, etc. must be in the spirit of the Heritage uniform.

Hair
Hair should not distract from the learning environment. It must be a natural color (genetically possible) and should not cover the eyes. Boys’ hair length must be worn above the collar and not touching the ears or the collar. Any sideburns are to be no lower than the ear lobe. Boys are to be clean shaven. Girls’ hair can be any length, but must not be extreme in style. Hair is to be neat and in good taste; a professional look is the goal. Extreme haircuts are not acceptable.

Extreme hairstyles refer to haircuts, colors, or styles that are unconventional, bold, and often stand out significantly from mainstream or traditional looks. These styles typically involve dramatic changes in hair length, color, or shape, and can push the boundaries of what is considered typical or acceptable. Examples include brightly colored hair, shaved or asymmetrical cuts, spikes, or highly sculpted styles.

Jewelry and Other Items
Makeup and jewelry should be simple, should not attract unreasonable attention, and not be a distraction to the learning environment. A professional look is the goal.

● No extreme or distracting jewelry is permitted.

● Girls’ earrings should be worn in the earlobe only. Boys shall not wear earrings.

● No facial or body piercings are permitted.
● No gauges, plugs (clear or otherwise), or bandages are permitted to cover piercings. No clear place
holders.

● No visible tattoos, permanent or temporary, and no writing or drawing on the skin.

● No curlers, curling irons, hair dryers, etc., are allowed at school.

● No hats are allowed in the building.

● No dark glasses are allowed in the building.

With respect to any other item in the classroom not mentioned in this handbook, each teacher has authority to say what will or will not be allowed in his or her classroom.

Dress Code for Scholar Activities
Heritage hosts events and activities for scholars during which scholars are not required to wear their uniforms, such as sports, Dollars for Duds Days, Spirit Days, field trips and tours, drama productions, dances, etc., as well as occasional tutoring or other meetings on Fridays or Saturdays. During such events all clothing must meet Heritage standards of modesty. Clothing displaying words and pictures which are degrading to others or which
leave questions as to their meaning must be avoided. No scholar will be allowed to participate in any Heritage activity who does not comply with our dress code. Due to the changing nature of dress and grooming which is particularly popular among youth, administrative decisions in matters not addressed in these guidelines are final.

No Uniform Days, Dollars for Duds Days, and Friday Activities
All clothes worn must still meet our standards of modesty with sleeves, midriffs covered, no torn, shabby or frayed material, and positive, uplifting words or graphics, etc. These rules also apply to activities, including tutoring or field trips. No Uniform Days are not a time to wear costumes, pajamas, leggings, etc. Due to the changing nature of dress and grooming which is particularly popular among youth, administrative decisions in
matters not addressed in these guidelines are final.

Spirit Days
Guidelines for Spirit Day attire is left up to each campuses’ Principal. Due to the changing nature of dress and grooming which is particularly popular among youth, administrative decisions in matters not addressed in these guidelines are final.One of the most valued objectives at Heritage Academy is to help scholars learn to make responsible choices and thereby be prepared to govern themselves. Our dress code is based on principles of maintaining modesty, cleanliness, and professionalism in your dress. Heritage Academy is not the place to experiment with fads. Hairstyles, clothing, makeup, or jewelry which is distracting by nature is not modest, and therefore violates the dress code. Due to the changing nature of dress and grooming which is particularly popular among youth, administrative decisions in matters not addressed in these guidelines are final.