Dress Code

Oxford City Schools is a working and learning environment. All OCS students are expected to observe a standard of grooming and dress consistent with the importance of the school’s mission of education. The Board and Administration recognize and appreciate the role of parents/guardians in assisting their children in making appropriate choices regarding their clothing while attending school within the boundaries provided by this dress code. Please refer to the OCS dress code diagrams and detailed description below. 

The school principal or their designee will make the final determination on whether a student’s clothing meets dress code standards and is appropriate for the school setting. Elementary administrators (grades K–4) may allow age-appropriate exceptions when necessary.

While it is understood that specialized courses may require specific attire, such as uniforms or safety gear, students in violation of the dress code will be required to change immediately. If this requires a student to checkout, the absence will be marked as unexcused. If violations become chronic, additional consequences may include Class I progressive measures of discipline.  

Guidelines

1. Clothing should fit properly and be the correct size for the student.
2. Any article of clothing, apparel, or personal accessory (including hair style) depicting violence, drugs,  alcohol, firearms, weapons, tobacco, mutilation, sexual reference, gang affiliation, illegal behavior,  language or symbols that could be considered suggestive, offensive, or obscene will not be permitted.
3. Undergarments must be worn as intended and in compliance with other provisions of the dress code; undergarments should not be visible.  
4. Transparent garments must be worn with opaque apparel underneath to maintain required
coverage (this includes see-through fabric, rips, holes, and tears.)
5. Jewelry and accessories that interfere with the safe learning environment are not permitted
(heavy metal chains, spikes, etc.)
6. Sunglasses, hats, hoods, or head covering (including bandanas, scarves, wraps, bonnets, etc.) are not to be worn in school buildings except as related to medical needs, religious practices, or as a component of a school uniform (CTE, band, athletics.)
7. Pajamas and compression pants should not be worn in school. This includes sleep pants and onesies.
    a. Athletic shorts and sweatpants should not be worn for grades 5 - 12.
    b. Athletic shorts and sweatpants are permissible for grades PK - 4.
8. Appropriate shoes must be worn at all times. House shoes, slippers, shoes with cleats, shoes
with wheels are not permitted.
9. Shirts/Tops:
    a. must have straps with a minimum of two-inch width (2”) on shoulder 
    b. must not be low cut, off the shoulder, or racer back
    c. must overlap with pants/bottoms to conceal abdomen/waist - including when seated and during activity
    d. crop tops, exposed midriff, or bare sides are not permitted
10. Pants/Shorts/Skirts/Skorts/Dresses:
    a. must be worn at the waist level and fit properly
    b. length of shorts, dresses, skirts, etc., is required to be at least mid-thigh in front and back
    c. apparel must be appropriate for student participation in all school activities
    d. rips or tears must be below mid-thigh unless concealed by material beneath holes
    e. leggings must be covered by a top or dress at least mid-thigh length in front and back
 

Diagram: This visual aid is provided as a simple reference for understanding the dress code. The basic tenants of the dress code include coverage of opaque material over the areas of the body shaded above.