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7. Dress Code & Personal Appearance

7. Dress Code & Personal Appearance

7.1 - Purpose

The purpose of the MCA student Dress Code is to promote neatness, consistency, biblical modesty, and a Christ-centered educational environment. Student attire and personal appearance should reflect respect for God, self, and others while supporting a positive and effective learning environment. Because fashion trends and circumstances change over time, the administration retains the authority to make final determinations regarding the appropriateness of student attire, grooming, accessories, and personal appearance in accordance with the mission, values, and standards of the school.

MCA’s standard dress is considered Business Casual, defined as clothing that presents a professional, respectful, and modest appearance appropriate for a Christian educational setting. Business Casual attire is required during regular school days unless otherwise announced for special events, dress-down days, Spirit Week activities, athletic events, or other approved occasions.

7.2 - Clothing and Uniform Standards

  • A.
    General Clothing Requirements.
    The following standards apply to all students:
    1. Students must wear clothing that corresponds with their biological sex at birth.
    2. Clothing must be clean, modest, neat, and in good repair. Garments with holes, tears, frayed edges, or excessive wear are not permitted.
    3. Sheer, transparent, or see-through materials may only be worn as outer layers over approved clothing.
    4. Appropriate undergarments must be worn at all times and may not be visible.
    5. Clothing displaying inappropriate messages, images, symbols, or themes is prohibited.
    6. Clothing containing logos, graphics, or lettering is not permitted unless it is MCAapproved spirit wear or has been specifically approved by the administration.
    7. Students are expected to maintain modest and appropriate attire at all schoolsponsored events and extracurricular activities, including those held outside regular school hours. Individuals who do not comply with these standards may be denied participation or asked to leave the event.
  • B.
    Preschool.

    Preschool students are not required to wear school uniforms. Students may wear comfortable, modest, weather-appropriate play clothes that allow freedom of movement, support independent restroom use, and do not distract from the learning environment. Pajamas and costumes are not permitted unless specifically authorized by the school.

    All preschool students must be fully potty trained during the day. Diapers and pull-ups are not permitted. Parents must provide a seasonally appropriate change of clothing in a sealed plastic bag, which should remain in the student’s backpack throughout the school year.

  • C.
    Kindergarten Through Twelfth Grade.
    Uniform items may be purchased from any retailer, provided they meet all dress code requirements. Uniforms and MCA-approved spirit wear are also available through the following approved vendors:
    1. Schoolbelles
      1751 Monmouth Street, Newport, KY 41071
      (859) 581-3111
      schoolbelles.com
      School Code: S3047
    2. French Toast
      frenchtoast.com
    3. MCA Merch
      mcamerch.com

7.3 - Girls’ Uniform Requirements

  • A.
    Shirts (Kindergarten–Grade 12).
    Girls may wear polo shirts in royal blue, navy, gray, or light blue. Shirts must:
    1. Fit modestly and may not be form-fitting.
    2. Cover the midriff at all times, including when arms are raised.
    3. Be buttoned appropriately, with only the top button left unfastened if desired.
  • B.
    Jumpers (Kindergarten–Grade 6) and Skirts (Kindergarten–Grade 12).
    Girls may wear navy, black, gray, or khaki jumpers and skirts. Denim fabrics are not permitted. Jumpers and skirts must:
    1. Fit modestly and may not be form-fitting.
    2. Reach at least the top of the knee.
    3. Have slits that do not extend above the top of the knee in the front, sides and back.
    4. Be worn with dark-colored bike shorts or leggings underneath.
    5. Be worn with a dark-colored belt when visible belt loops are present.
  • C.
    Uniform Shorts (Kindergarten–Grade 6).
    Girls may wear navy, black, gray, or khaki uniformstyle shorts. Shorts must:
    1. Fit modestly and may not be form-fitting.
    2. Reach at least the top of the knee.
    3. Be worn with a dark-colored belt when visible belt loops are present.
  • D.
    Uniform Pants (Kindergarten–Grade 12).
    Girls may wear navy, black, gray, or khaki uniform-style pants. Denim fabrics are not permitted. Pants must:
    1. Maintain a relaxed, modest fit through the hips and thighs.
    2. Not be skin-tight, excessively loose, or oversized.
    3. Be worn at the natural waist.
    4. Not drag on the floor.
    5. Be worn with a dark-colored belt when visible belt loops are present.
    6. Acceptable styles include dress slacks, chinos, and straight-leg pants with a relaxed fit.
    7. Elastic or drawstring waistbands are permitted for students in Kindergarten through Grade 6 only.
    8. Leggings are not considered pants and may only be worn beneath approved garments. Leggings must be solid in color and free from cutouts, mesh, lace, or transparent materials.

7.4 - Boys’ Uniform Requirements

  • A.
    Shirts (Kindergarten–Grade 12).
    Boys may wear polo shirts in royal blue, navy, gray, or light blue. Shirts must:
    1. Fit modestly and may not be form-fitting.
    2. Cover the midriff at all times, including when arms are raised.
    3. Remain tucked in if designed to be tucked in.
    4. Be buttoned appropriately, with only the top button left unfastened if desired.
  • B.
    Uniform Shorts (Kindergarten–Grade 6) .
    Boys may wear navy, black, gray, or khaki uniformstyle shorts. Shorts must:
    1. Fit modestly and may not be form-fitting.
    2. Reach at least the top of the knee.
    3. Have slits that do not extend above the top of the knee in the front, sides and back.
    4. Be worn with a dark-colored belt when visible belt loops are present.
  • C.
    Uniform Pants (Kindergarten–Grade 12) .
    Boys may wear navy, black, gray, or khaki uniform-style pants. Denim fabrics are not permitted. Pants must:
    1. Maintain a relaxed, modest fit through the hips and thighs.
    2. Not be skin-tight, excessively loose, or oversized.
    3. Be worn at the natural waist.
    4. Not drag on the floor.
    5. Be worn with a dark-colored belt when visible belt loops are present.
    6. Acceptable styles include dress slacks, chinos, and straight-leg pants with a relaxed fit.
    7. Elastic or drawstring waistbands are permitted for students in Kindergarten through Grade 6 only.

7.5 - Footwear

Students may wear casual shoes, boots, or athletic shoes with soles designed for outdoor use. The following footwear is not permitted during the school day:
  • Backless shoes (including Crocs)
  • Open-toed shoes
  • Sandals
  • House slippers
  • Flip-flops
  • Slides

Such footwear may be permitted for approved extracurricular activities outside regular school hours.

All students must wear socks at all times. Girls may wear socks or tights.

7.6 - Outerwear

The following MCA-approved outerwear may be worn during the school day:
  • A.
    Sweaters, Fleeces, and Pullovers
  • B.
    Students may wear sweaters, fleeces, quarter-zip pullovers, or full-zip pullovers when purchased through an approved MCA vendor.
  • C.
    Sweatshirts and Hoodies
  • D.
    Elementary students are permitted to wear MCA-approved sweatshirts and hoodies on any school day.

Secondary students may wear MCA-approved sweatshirts and hoodies on spirit day (Friday), designated dress-down days or other approved events.

When hooded garments are permitted, hoods must remain off the head while inside the building.

Hats and Caps
Hats and caps may be worn outdoors only unless otherwise approved by the administration.

Jackets and Coats
Jackets and coats may not be worn during the school day unless specifically approved by the administration.

Outdoor Recess
Preschool and elementary students will participate in outdoor recess when weather conditions are reasonably safe and suitable for outdoor activity. Students should dress appropriately for weather conditions and may need coats, hats, gloves, boots, or other seasonal outerwear.

7.7 - Physical Education and Athletic Uniforms (Grades 7–12)

Students participating in physical education classes or athletic activities must comply with the following standards:
  • A.
    Athletic Shorts.
    Athletic shorts must:
    1. Fit modestly and may not be form-fitting.
    2. Reach at least the top of the knee.
  • B.
    Athletic Pants and Sweatpants.
    Athletic pants and sweatpants must:
    1. Fit modestly and may not be form-fitting.
    2. Be worn at the natural waist.
    3. Not be excessively loose or drag on the floor.
  • C.
    Spirit Wear.
    1. On Friday Spirit Days, all students may wear MCA-approved spirit shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies. Uniform-style bottoms are required unless otherwise communicated by the administration.
    2. MCA spirit wear must be purchased through approved MCA vendors.
    3. Homemade spirit wear or spirit wear purchased through non-approved vendors is not permitted during school hours.
    4. MCA spirit wear is not required for athletic practices unless otherwise directed by a coach.
  • D.
    Footwear.
    Students must wear athletic shoes and socks during physical education classes and athletic activities.
  • E.
    Athletic Team Uniforms.
    MCA will provide uniforms for students participating in schoolsponsored athletic teams in Grades 7–12. Uniforms remain school property and must be returned promptly at the conclusion of each athletic season.

7.8 - Dress-Down Days and Extracurricular Activities

On approved dress-down days and during designated extracurricular activities, students may wear the following items in addition to standard Business Casual attire:
  • A.
    Denim clothing
  • B.
    Cargo-style pants
  • C.
    Athletic-style pants
  • D.
    MCA-approved spirit wear, including T-shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies
  • E.
    Athletic shorts (extracurricular activities only)
  • F.
    Sweatpants (extracurricular activities only)
All clothing worn during dress-down days and extracurricular activities must continue to meet the school’s standards for modesty, cleanliness and appropriateness.

7.9 - Formal Events

Certain school events may require formal attire. Students are expected to dress in a manner that reflects modesty, respect, and the values of the school.

Homecoming court participants must comply with the formal dress requirements outlined below. Students not participating in the Homecoming court must follow the Business Casual or extracurricular dress standards appropriate for the event. Girls are permitted to wear dresses, provided they meet the same modesty standards required for other garments (not form-fitting, knee-length, modest neckline, etc.). Boys are permitted to wear dress shirts, oxford-style shirts, suits and sport coats.

Individuals who fail to meet these requirements may be denied admission or asked to leave the event.

  • A.
    Girls.
    All formal dresses must be approved during scheduled dress checks prior to the event. Formal attire must meet the following requirements:
    1. Necklines must provide full and modest coverage of the chest area.
    2. The back of the dress must extend to at least the middle of the back and fully cover all undergarments.
    3. Shoulders should be covered.
    4. Dress straps must be at least two finger-widths wide.
    5. If a dress does not meet the shoulder or strap requirements, an appropriate covering such as a shawl, sweater, or wrap must be worn.
    6. The hemline must reach the knee while both standing and seated.
    7. Slits may not extend above the knee.
    8. Sleeves, sleeve openings, and necklines must fully conceal undergarments.
    9. Dresses may not be excessively tight or form-fitting.
    10. Transparent or see-through materials may not be used between the shoulders and knees.
  • B.
    Boys.
    Formal attire for young men includes:
    1. Dress pants
    2. Dress shirt (Shirts must remain tucked in at all times)
    3. Dress shoes
    4. Belt
    5. Tie (ties must be worn properly throughout the event)

7.10 - Hair and Grooming Standards

Students are expected to maintain hairstyles and grooming practices that reflect cleanliness, modesty, and a respectful educational environment.
  • A.
    Girls.
    Hair should be neat, conservative in style, and consistent with a traditionally feminine appearance. Unnatural hair colors are not permitted.
  • B.
    Boys.
    Hair should be neat, conservative in style, and consistent with a traditionally masculine appearance. Hair must:
    1. Not extend over the eyebrows.
    2. Not cover the ears.
    3. Not touch the shirt collar.
    4. Be maintained in a clean and well-groomed manner.
    5. Sideburns may not extend below the earlobe.
    6. Hairstyles that include shaved lines, patterns, symbols, or designs are not permitted.
    7. Boys may not dye, bleach, highlight, or otherwise alter their hair color.
    8. Beards, mustaches, and other facial hair are not permitted.
  • C.
    Unacceptable Hairstyles.
    Examples of prohibited hairstyles include, but are not limited to:
    1. Mohawks
    2. Fauxhawks
    3. Mullets
    4. Dreadlocks
    5. Highly spiked hairstyles
    6. Tails
    7. Punk-inspired styles
    8. Any hairstyle that distracts from the educational environment
The administration reserves the right to determine whether a hairstyle is consistent with school standards.

7.11 - Makeup and Jewelry

Jewelry, cosmetics, and accessories should be modest and should not distract from the educational environment.
  • A.
    Girls (Kindergarten–Grade 6).
    Makeup may not be worn or brought to school. Body glitter and hair glitter are prohibited. Nail polish is permitted. Artificial or false fingernails are not permitted.
  • B.
    Girls (Grades 7–12).
    Makeup and nail polish may be worn in moderation. Body glitter and hair glitter are prohibited. Jewelry may be worn in moderation.
  • C.
    Boys.
    Jewelry is not permitted except for a wristwatch and class ring. Medical alert jewelry may be worn with appropriate documentation. Makeup and nail polish are not permitted.
The administration and faculty reserve the right to require the removal of any accessory, jewelry, cosmetic item, or hairstyle deemed distracting, inappropriate, or inconsistent with school standards.

7.12 - Body Piercings and Tattoos

MCA seeks to maintain standards of modesty and personal appearance consistent with its Christian mission and values.
  • A.
    Piercings.
    Only female students may wear earrings. Earrings may be worn in the earlobe only, with no more than two earrings in each earlobe at one time. Body piercings of any kind, whether visible or concealed, are not permitted for male or female students.
  • B.
    Tattoos and Body Markings.
    Students may not write, draw, or mark on their skin. Permanent tattoos, temporary tattoos, stick-on tattoos, henna tattoos, and similar body markings are not permitted, whether visible or concealed.
The administration and faculty reserve the right to require the removal of any accessory, jewelry, cosmetic item, or hairstyle deemed distracting, inappropriate, or inconsistent with school standards.