The Polk County School Board has a mandatory dress code for all elementary and middle school students. There are many positive reasons for a school dress code, including:
- A dress code encourages students to express their individuality through personality characteristics and academic achievements, not outward appearances.
- A dress code puts the focus on academics, not fashion, because students project a neat, serious, businesslike image.
- Schools with dress codes have fewer discipline problems because students aren’t distracted.
- Dress codes can reduce expenses for families.
- Dress codes eliminate the visible differences between needy and wealthy children.
- Dress codes eliminate pressure to wear brand-name clothing, “gang colors,” etc.
- Dress codes create a sense of school pride and belonging
Dress Code Information
For Elementary and Middle Schools
The following are general guidelines. Schools may work with their advisory councils to determine what specific clothing items (types and colors) are acceptable for their individual dress codes.
Bottoms: Navy, black or khaki/tan
Walking shorts, slacks, skorts, skirts, and skirted jumpers are acceptable, but must be plain, solid-color twill, corduroy or denim fabric
Tops: White or navy with collar
Knit polo-type, Oxford or woven dress shirts, blouses or turtlenecks are acceptable. Schools may also allow additional colors and school T-shirts. Check with your school for more information.
The Dress Code does not allow for clothing with colored trim, stripes, embroidery, decoration, etc. It also does not provide for overalls (overalls with pants or shorts), sweatpants, knit pants/ skirts, leggings, etc. A small logo is acceptable.
Other dress code rules:
- A belt is required if the garment has belt loops.
- Shirts (including T-shirts) must be tucked in.
- Shorts/skirts must be mid-thigh or longer.
- Shoes must be safe and appropriate.
- Clothes must be the appropriate size, with the waist of garment worn at student’s waist.
- Clothing that is too tight or too loose is not appropriate for school.
School administrators will determine if clothing is appropriate for school and complies with district rules. For more specific information on the student dress code, please refer to the Code of Student Conduct.
Winter Dress Code Information
For Elementary and Middle Schools
Any kind of jacket/coat/cardigan is OK if it meets regular dress code rules, including:
- Trench coats are not allowed.
- Hooded sweatshirts are allowed, but hoods may not be worn during school hours.
- Outerwear may not be disruptive, distracting, display offensive language/symbols, etc.
- School staff may ask students to remove jackets.
Any pullover garment that is worn all day (sweater, sweater vest, sweatshirt) should:
- Have a collar OR be worn with a collared uniform shirt or official school T-shirt underneath.
- Must be solid white, solid navy or a school-approved solid shirt color.
On very cold days, students who walk, bike, etc., may need to wear sweatpants, etc. over their school clothes on their way to/from school. However, any clothing that doesn’t meet dress code requirements must be removed before school begins.
Bottoms: Navy, black or khaki/tan
Walking shorts, slacks, skorts, skirts and skirted jumpers are acceptable but must be plain, solid-color twill, corduroy or denim fabric.
Tops: White or navy with collar
Knit polo-type, Oxford or woven dress shirts, blouses or turtlenecks are acceptable. Schools may also allow additional colors and school T-shirts. Check with your school for more information.
The Dress Code does not allow for clothing with colored trim, stripes, embroidery, decoration, etc. It also does not provide for overalls (overalls with pants or shorts), sweatpants, knit pants/skirts, leggings, etc. A small logo is acceptable.
Other dress code rules:
- A belt is required if the garment has belt loops.
- Shirts (including T-shirts) must be tucked in.
- Shorts/skirts must be mid-thigh or longer.
- Shoes must be safe and appropriate.
- Clothes must be the appropriate size, with the waist of garment worn at student’s waist.
- Clothing that is too tight or too loose is not appropriate for school.
School administrators will determine if clothing is appropriate for school and complies with district rules. For more specific information on the student dress code, please refer to the Code of Student Conduct.