Uniform Policy

Why Uniforms?

The tradition of school uniforms goes back to medieval times when caps and gowns were required at universities. All students, regardless of background, would dress alike as an outward sign of their dedication to the shared task of learning together within the university community. From the very beginning, school uniforms have been in support of three goals: modesty, professionalism, and community. Our uniform policy aims at the same three goals.

How to Purchase

All Chesterton Academy high schools around the country use the same uniform requirements and vendor, which is Schoolbelles. Uniforms may be purchased online using our School Code: S3313.

The uniform has been standardized to achieve professionalism, ease on schools and parents, as well as price breaks with Schoolbelles; parents who make an account with Schoolbelles receive 20% off of uniform prices. Uniform standards are outlined below.

I. Uniform Policy for Ladies

Blazer, Navy w/ logo, Optional during year, to be worn for special events and solemnities #5820

V-Neck Sweater, Navy w/ logo, The sweater is a finishing item, along with the blazer. On October 15 through May 15, a finishing item is required all day (could be blazer, vest, or sweater with blazer). Sweater or vest may be worn year-round, #1983 Long sleeve pullover, #1964 Vest, #8912 Cardigan

Oxford Shirt, White, Collar buttons must always be buttoned. The shirt must not gap in front, and there should be no pulling on the buttons. The long sleeves may be rolled to the forearm during class time. #1770 Short sleeve #1771 Long sleeve

Skirts, Gray/Blue Plaid, Purchase from fraylichschooluniforms.com Plaid #42 Juniors Style 430. Length required is bottom of knee. If kneecap is exposed while standing straight, the skirt is too short. Skirts must cover the entire knee cap. Shop early to ensure that your skirt arrives a week before school starts, in case it needs to be tailored. Navy or black bike shorts should be worn under skirt.

Socks and Tights, Navy, Opaque not cable. Knee highs must reach up to the knee. They should not be at mid-calf or lower. #1641 Cable Knee High, 3pk, #1660 Flat Knit Tights, #8625 Bamboo Flat Knit Opaque Tights, #1640 3pk Opaque

Shoes, Black, Must be a dress shoe, solid black leather dress flats with closed toe and full back; flats may have a strap, such as a MaryJane. Must be polished and clean. Simple ornamentation allowed (e.g., bow, tassel), no tags, labels, symbols on outside of shoe. No moccasins, canvas, or suede.

White Undershirt, White, Undershirts are mandatory. May be a white or neutral colored tank-top or camisole. Plain white with no patterns or lace showing. Undergarments should never be visible.

Choir Concert Attire, Black long formal dress. Purchase black dress from ever-pretty.com everHAYLEN (https://www.ever-pretty.com/products/sequin-mermaid-round-neck-dress-ee02387?variant=42567285932106) or prettyHAYLEN plus-size (https://www.ever-pretty.com/products/plus-size-sequin-mermaid-formal-dresses-ee02387). Solid black dress flats. Dress should hit at or just above ankle. If questions, please ask before hemming.

Gym Uniform, Required, Gray and Navy Blue, Gray mesh t-shirt with gold lettering of the "Griffons" logo, Navy Blue nylon joggers. #2116 PosiCharge RacerMesh Tee, #2081 Nylon Gym Pant

Ladies: Why Skirts?

The Chesterton Schools Network requires all female students to wear uniforms skirts. Skirts set women apart. The skirt reminds the young lady to carry herself according to you precious value, to remember that she is beautifully made, and to be aware of her feminine dignity.

II. Uniform Guidelines for Ladies

Ladies should aim for a simple elegance that is appropriate for these years. Uniforms should always be clean, and blouses always tucked in. Additionally:

Makeup for ladies must be light, simple and natural-looking. Foundation, light mascara, and light blush may be worn, but no eyeliner or eye shadow. Chapstick or clear or light lip-gloss is allowed. No colored lipstick or colored lip- gloss are allowed.

No sweatshirts, hoodies or other jackets should be worn over the uniform. If you are cold you must wear the school sweater and/or the blazer to keep warm. A coat over the blazer is acceptable when arriving or leaving the school.

Nails are to be kept well-manicured and students are allowed to wear nude and or clear nail polish only.

Hair accessories should be tasteful and professional. No athletic headbands, no bandanna headbands, no bright distracting colors. Color of hair accessory should complement the uniform.

Ladies’ hair should always be neatly groomed and clean. Hair color should be natural hues. No streaks of unnatural colors (reds, pinks, greens, etc.) on any part of hair.

Necklaces should be metal chains. No tightly fitting necklaces such as chokers.

Earrings should be in the lobe ONLY. No gauges. Aside from ear lobe piercing, no other body piercings or tattoos are allowed.

One bracelet and one watch may be worn. (No smart watches allowed, Fitbits are permitted, but text notifications must be off). One lapel pin may be worn so long as it aligns with our mission.

All jewelry should be tasteful, professional, and not excessive in size or number.

No headwear may be worn inside the building (winter hats, baseball caps, etc.).

All ladies should enter the building in complete uniform and be ready for the day ahead.

When leaving at the end of the day the uniform in full must be worn until you leave campus.

III. Uniform Policy for Gentlemen

Blazer

Navy w/ logo

Optional during year, to be worn for special events and solemnities, #5825

V-Neck Sweater, Navy w/ logo, The sweater is a finishing item, along with the blazer. On October 15 through May 15, a finishing item is required all day (could be blazer, vest or sweater with blazer). Sweater or vest may be worn year-round. #1993 Long sleeve pullover, #1994 Vest

Oxford Shirt, White, Collar buttons must always be buttoned. #5760 Short sleeve, #5761 Long sleeve.

Pants, Gray, Flat front polyester/cotton blend. Such as Classic Chino #5208

Socks, Navy, May be purchased from another vendor as long as they are solid grey dress socks that match the pant color and are at least calf length. Ankle or calf may not be exposed at any time. Gold Toe Charcoal are the best and can be purchased at Kohl’s or online. #1645

Shoes, Black, Must be a solid black dress shoe, including soles, and able to take a shine and have non-scuff soles. No obvious brand logos. Shoes are always required.

Belt, Black, Non-woven, leather belt with a simple buckle. This can be purchased at Schoolbelles or from any vendor. #6307

Tie, Chesterton Stripe, You will receive this tie from the Headmaster at the Dubbing Ceremony when school begins

Choir Attire, Black, Black dress pants and suit coat, white dress shirt (not oxford) and solid black bow tie. Solid black dress socks (must be to mid-calf) and black dress shoes (polished and in good condition). Some gentlemen choose to purchase a tuxedo from Stage Accents (StageAccents.com), the Premier Tuxedo Ensemble #ENSB. No patterns on bow tie and no pocket squares, lapel pins, vests, etc. allowed.

Gym Uniform, Required, Gray and Navy Blue, Gray mesh t-shirt with gold lettering of the "Griffon" logo Navy Blue nylon gym pants, #2116 PosiCharge RacerMesh Tee, #2081 Nylon Gym Pant

IV. Uniform Guidelines for Gentlemen

Gentlemen should likewise aim for a simplicity that is appropriate for these years. Uniforms should always be clean, and shirts ironed and always tucked in. Additionally:

Only solid white tee shirts may be worn under the white oxford. No wording or pictures on the tee shirt should be visible.

No sweatshirts, hoodies or other jackets should be worn over the uniform. If you are cold you must wear the school sweater and/or the blazer to keep warm. A coat over the blazer is acceptable when arriving or leaving the school.

Simple chains and medals should be tucked under the shirt. No visible piercings or tattoos are allowed.

One bracelet and one watch may be worn. (No smart watches allowed, Fitbits are okay, but text notifications must be off). One lapel pin may be worn so long as it aligns with the school’s mission.

Gentlemen’s hair should always be neatly groomed and clean, with no highlights or dyeing. Hair must be trimmed above the eyebrows, ears and collar.

All young men should be clean-shaven with sideburns not extending beyond the middle of the ear. Facial hair is not permitted.

No headwear may be worn inside the building (e.g., winter hats, baseball caps, etc.)

All gentlemen should enter the school building in full uniform and be ready for the day ahead.

When leaving at the end of the day the uniform in full must be worn until you leave campus.

V. Out of Uniform Guidelines

We live a full life together within the Chesterton community, enjoying sporting events, dances, and fine art performances both on campus and off campus. We expect all students to present themselves in a way that reflects their great dignity, and to dress in a modest and neat way at all Chesterton events, including those that occur outside of our normal school day.

A. School Dances

Chesterton Academy dances have the same standards for decorum as do school days. Everyone at school dances is expected to wear clothing with coverage from upper chest to elbows and below the knee, including backs, midriffs, and thighs.

Ladies

Semi-formal or formal dress depending on the type of school dance, with sleeves, covered back, and legs covered to the knee; please sew up slits that go above the knee.

Dress shoes (no sneakers, crocs, etc)

No visible undergarments

Gentlemen

Semi-formal or formal dress depending on the type of school dance (tuxedo or dress slacks, dress shirt, jacket, tie and belts)

No jeans, shorts, sleeveless shirts, t-shirts, athletic shoes or crocs

No visible undergarments

NOTE: At times school dances have themes that allow for students to dress in costume. Costume guidelines will be given prior to the dance.

B. Choir Concerts, Commencement, and Vision Dinner

Choir concert attire (see full choir uniform guidelines for complete description):

Ladies - black choir gown, black heels (no taller than 2”) or black dress flats

Gentlemen - black suit, white button-down shirt, black bow tie, black leather belt, black dress shoes

C. Other School Events

Dress and skirt length should match uniform skirt length (bottom of the knee)

When shorts are permitted, please wear shorts that touch the top of the kneecap

No tight-fitting pants or tops

No midriff exposed

Sleeves at all times; no straps or sleeveless

No ratty, stained clothing

Undergarments covered at all times