School 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 or at a local store using our School Code: S3037.

The uniform has been standardized to achieve professionalism, ease on schools and parents, as well as price breaks with Schoolbelles. Uniform standards are outlined below.

I. Uniform Policy for Ladies

Item	Color	Description	Schoolbelles STYLE #
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 sleeves may not be rolled at any time.	#1770 – Short sleeve #1771 – Long sleeve
Skirts	Gray/Blue Plaid	Length required is mid-knee to below-the- knee. If full kneecap is exposed while standing straight, the skirt is too short. Skirts are to be no shorter than the crease of the back of the knee. This usually requires ordering a size Long. Orders can be placed in store or online, though online orders may get delayed due to shipping time. May also be special ordered, so shop early. Navy or black bike shorts should be worn under skirt.	#3521 – Two kick pleated
Socks	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. 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. No Keds, Sperrys, Vans, Toms, Converse, or similarly styled shoe.	N/A
White Undershirt	White	Undershirts are mandatory, a white or neutral colored tank-top or camisole. Plain white with no patterns or lace showing. Undergarments should never be visible.	N/A
Choir Attire	Black	Black floor-length formal dress. Purchase from StageAccents.com. #5269 Dahlia Girls or #8864 Dahlia Ladies black floor-length formal dress. Solid black dress flats. Dress should be hemmed to touch front toe of shoe. If questions, please ask before hemming.	N/A
Gym Uniform Required	Gray and Navy Blue	Gray mesh t-shirt with gold lettering of the "Saints" logo Navy Blue mesh shorts.	#2007– Closed Mesh Gym Short 7" #2116 – PosiCharge RacerMesh Tee

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 as her worth demands, 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

Item	Color	Description	Schoolbelles Style #
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.	#5208 – Plain
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.	N/A
Belt	Black	Non-woven, leather belt with a simple buckle. This can be purchased at Schoolbelles or from any vendor.	#6307
Tie	N/A	Chesterton stripe	#4827
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.	N/A
Gym Uniform Required	Gray and Navy Blue	Gray mesh t-shirt with gold lettering of the "Saints" logo Navy Blue mesh shorts.	#2007– Closed Mesh Gym Short 7" #2116 – PosiCharge RacerMesh Tee

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 and "More Formal Than Normal" DAYS

Ladies

Semi-formal dress required (dress, tops, skirts)
Dress and skirt length should match uniform skirt length, which is mid-knee
If leggings are worn, they must be worn underneath a skirt or dress that reaches to the knee
When sitting with feet flat on floor, skirt or dress should cover top part of knee
Necklines of modest cut, and no exposed back, shoulder or midriff
Dress shoes (no Keds, Vans, Sperry, Toms or Converse-type shoes)
Sleeveless tops or dresses should have at least 2” of fabric on top of shoulder
No visible undergarments

Gentlemen

Semi-formal dress required (dress slacks, dress shirt, jacket, tie and belts)
No jeans, shorts, sleeveless shirts, t-shirts, athletic shoes or Sperry, Vans, Toms, Converse-type shoes
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 CONCENT PERFORMANCES, COMMENCEMENT, AND GALA

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, which is mid-knee
When shorts are permitted, please adhere to the following guidelines: with arms by your sides, the hem of the shorts must reach below your fingertips
No tight-fitting pants or tops
No midriff exposed
At least 2 inches of fabric on each shoulder for sleeveless attire
No ratty, stained clothing
No undergarments showing at any time

For any questions about uniforms, please contact the school office at office@chestertonorlando.com or call at (407) 627-1250.