DRESS CODE

The philosophy of the Maryville Christian School dress code is to promote an appearance that is honoring to the Lord. The Bible tells us that “man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (I Samuel 16:7).  God knows our spiritual condition by our hearts, but men initially see only the physical body and how it is attired.  Therefore, it is necessary that those who attend MCS present a neat, attractive appearance as a testimony to the God we serve. 

Students are expected to wear conventional, modest clothing to school.  All students of MCS are expected to adhere to this dress code during school, as well as on field trips and other school-sponsored events.  At other activities, such as athletic events, banquets, etc., modesty is the standard that should be followed.

Parents’ full support of this dress code is required.  You do this by the cooperative attitude you display to students and by seeing that your students dress in compliance with this code. 

Areas of dress not mentioned or defined in the below statements will be left to school personnel for interpretation and enforcement.  IF AN ITEM OF CLOTHING RAISES A QUESTION IN YOUR MIND, DO NOT WEAR IT.

Any portion of this dress code is subject to alteration by the school board and administration at any time.

Exceptions to this dress code would be school picture days or other special occasions as announced by the staff (i.e., field day, field trips, etc.).

GRADES PRE-K – 3

In elementary school the theme is action.  We want our students to dress in comfortable, durable clothing which will be suitable for their active days.  We also want students to learn the virtues of modesty and neatness. 

Students will dress in an appropriate fashion suitable to the weather.

All students must wear a shirt that has a collar or turtleneck on Monday – Thursday. 
No part of the midriff may be showing when seated or standing.  Shirts do not need to be tucked in at the waist.  Collared shirts are not required on Fridays.  Students may wear MCS t-shirts, Christian themed t-shirts such as Upward sports, church camp, or Awana, or solid color t-shirts.

MCS or plain hooded sweatshirts (hoodies) are allowed.

Clothing with pictures or writing is not allowed.

Low necklines, tight clothing, bare midriffs, halters, sheer clothing, tank tops, or clothing with spaghetti straps will not be allowed.

Haircut and color should not be distracting or inappropriate. 

Rub-on tattoos or face paintings are not acceptable.

All students must wear tennis shoes every day.  This is a matter of safety and comfort.  Students participate in P.E. or play outdoors daily.  (There will be exceptions on special dress-up days or picture days.)  Students will not be allowed to participate in P.E. without tennis shoes, which will affect their grade.   Tennis shoes with wheels are not allowed.

Shorts may be worn according to the following guidelines:

No cutoffs, all shorts must be hemmed.

Shorts must be no more than two inches above the knee. 

Shorts should not fit tightly.

Pants or jeans must be neat and clean in appearance.  They must not have holes or be excessively worn.  No sweatpants, spandex, or jogging pants will be permitted (except in pre-school).  Students are not required to wear a belt.

Dresses or skirts should come no more than two inches above the knee.  Dresses should have a collar.

Exceptions for the above may be approved by the administration.

GRADES 4-12

1.     All students must wear a shirt that has a collar or turtleneck.  Shirttails must be tucked in all the way around the waist at all times.  No part of the midriff may be showing when seated or standing.  Sweaters may be worn over the collared shirt.  Collared shirts are not required on Fridays.  Students may wear MCS t-shirts, Christian themed t-shirts such as Upward sports, church camp, or Awana, or solid color t-shirts.

        MCS or plain hooded sweatshirts (hoodies) are allowed. 

        Low necklines, form fitting, tight, or sheer clothing are not allowed.  All shirts must have sleeves.

2.    Shorts may be worn according to the following guidelines:

No cutoffs or frayed edges, all shorts must be hemmed.

No athletic or tight shorts will be permitted.

Shorts must be no more than 2 inches above the knee.

3.     Pants must be neat and clean in appearance.  They must not have holes or be excessively worn.    Jeans are permitted, but they must fit properly.  (No extremely tight or baggy pants will be allowed.)  No overalls are permitted. 

4.     All students are required to wear a belt with all pants or shorts that have belt loops.

5.     No sweatpants, pajama bottoms, spandex or jogging pants will be permitted.

6.     Dresses or skirts for the girls should come to the knee.  Dresses should include a collar.

7.     No hats, bandanas or sunglasses will be worn in the school building. 

8.     Clothing with pictures or writing is not allowed.

9.     No undergarments will be showing.

10.   No flip-flops or plastic soccer sandals may be worn.

11.   No tattoos or piercings will be allowed (except girls’ ears).

12.   Shoes must be worn at all times.

13.   Hair must be clean, neatly cut, and be out of the eyes.  Extreme hairstyles, including insignias

        or unnatural dyes and colors are not permitted.  For boys, the back length should be above the

collar of the shirt and the side length should be above the bottom of the ear.  Boys should be clean shaven with sideburns not extending below the bottom of the ears.

14.   PE uniforms must be purchased from MCS.

Exceptions for the above may be approved by the administration.