ACA has a primary objective of developing a “community of learners,” dedicated to the highest standards of academics and deportment. As such, a distinctive uniform is a unifying factor within our school community. It is also a visible signature of our school to the larger community, an indicator of our unity and of our pride of purpose. This is one of the most important functions of a uniform: it identifies its wearer as part of a distinctive group with a distinctive purpose. It is a reminder to its wearer of that purpose and of one’s responsibility to that group.

The uniform is the basis of a dress code with a “professional,” business-like standard. Our students should dress their best, look their best, and do their best. All clothing must be clean, neat, reasonably pressed, and in properly fitting condition. If a child is deemed to be wearing inappropriate attire, the parent will be notified and a change of clothing may be required for attendance that day. If in doubt about the appropriateness of an article of clothing, check with the school office before purchasing. Good judgment exercised at home will be a learning activity for the child that will help to avoid embarrassment or wasted time at school. Decisions about the appropriateness of apparel may be referred to the Headmaster, whose judgment will be final. The Headmaster may make specific exceptions to the dress code, as demanded by particular religious customs.

If a student insists on rebelling by trying to beat the dress code, it will quickly become obvious to the faculty and Headmaster. Our desire is not to squash students’ individuality, but to secure their commitment to a community of learners whose purpose, while at school, is not faddish coolness, or outlandishness, but scholarship and character development. We ask not only for the student’s commitment to this concept, but for the parent’s as well. The uniform and dress code of ACA support and reinforce our academic goals. The uniform assists us in staying focused on the true individuality offered by healthy dialogue and the development of the life of the mind for each student.

Other than the dress code requirements for school, there are special requirements for periodic, special events throughout the year, such as the “semi-formal” dress code for concert participation and the all-school awards ceremony. Please see Semi-Formal Event Dress Code for an exact definition of how the Academy defines “semiformal” attire.

Students must stay in uniform whenever they are on campus (including the parking lot) during a school day. This means arriving on campus fully in uniform and leaving campus fully in uniform (correct shoes, shirts tucked in, etc.). Students may only change out of uniform after school with teacher/coach permission to participate in an approved curricular or extracurricular activity that requires an immediate change in dress.

Purchasing Note:  Some components of the uniform will need to be purchased from Anton Uniforms or Dennis Uniforms. Please see the chart that follows.  Used uniforms are also available for purchase.

Required Student Uniforms

Uniform and Dress Code

Bottoms:

• Navy blue dress slacks or shorts with black/brown dress belt (belts are optional for K-1)
• Girls may wear school plaid/navy skort, skirt, jumper (from vendor)
• Dark spandex shorts must be worn under the skirt and jumper.

Tops:

• White/Burgundy short or long-sleeved polo with school crest
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• Navy Blue cardigan with crest- (from vendor)
• Navy Blue knit jacket with crest (from vendor)

Footwear:

• Solid White/Black athletic shoes- no additional colors on sole or laces
• Ankle or Knee-High socks in Navy or White or Black
• Girls may wear navy, black, or white tights or leggings.

Outerwear:

• Jackets without a school crest can be worn to school and at recess but must be free of logos, messages, and pop culture images and cannot be worn in the classroom.

Accessories:

• One bracelet, one pair of small earrings, and one simple watch are allowed. Smart watches are not allowed.
• Hair accessories should be small and match the uniform.

Hair:

• Hair must be a natural color, clean, neat, styled, and out of the face.

Additional Guidelines

Hats and sunglasses may only be worn outside and must be removed when the student enters the building.
Student’s skin should be free of any painted or ink drawings or tattoos of any kind. Students should not draw on themselves or on others. Temporary or permanent tattoos are not permitted; to include pen and ink drawings on the skin.
If an item of dress or appearance is deemed distracting or incongruent with the standards of ACA by staff, the student must alter their dress or appearance in accordance with staff’s directive. Uniform items must be size appropriate, neat in appearance and free of stains, tears, or excessive wear.

If the cost of the uniform presents a financial hardship for your family, please contact the school office for assistance.

Backpacks

Students may bring backpacks and lunchboxes to and from school. These items must be stored on the designated shelving units in the classroom during the school day. Due to small storage spaces, rolling backpacks are not permitted without a doctor’s note. Backpacks and lunchboxes should be free of icons of pop culture (peace signs, cartoon characters, tie-dyed patterns etc.) as well as messages that are offensive or inappropriate to the academy environment.

ACA officials may search and seize property when there is reason to believe that some material or matter is present that is detrimental to the health, safety, or welfare of students.

Non-uniform Dress Code for Special Events

Athletic Practice and Outdoor Field Day Dress Code

Just as ACA provides guidelines for dress code in the classroom, it is important to project the image of professionalism in our athletic attire as well.

All shirts worn for athletic practices and field day should be modest, loose fitting, in good repair (no holes, torn sleeves, etc), should be worn either tucked in or well over the waist of the pants/shorts if not tucked in.  No midriffs may be shown.  T-shirts are preferred—not tank tops, camisoles, or sports bras may be worn as outer garments.  Sleeveless shirts may be worn if modest.

Pants/shorts should be modest, in good repair (no holes, torn sleeves, etc.)  Shorts should be worn at the waist and should be no shorter than mid-thigh, and no-longer than just below the knee.  No short-shorts or long baggy shorts may be worn.  No boxers or undergarments may be visible.

Attire should be free of logos and messages, with the following exceptions: sports team logos (e.g., Diamondbacks, Notre Dame), and apparel brand names (e.g., Adidas, Abercrombie) are acceptable, provided they do not make inappropriate allusions (as do some skateboarding/ snowboarding brands).  These guidelines also apply to sweatshirts and jackets that students may wear.  Footwear should be athletic in nature: no sandals, open-toed, or platform shoes.  Hats and sunscreen may be appropriate, if the students will be in the sun.  Hat styles should follow the same guidelines as above.

Semi-formal Events Dress Code

There are specific, semi-formal dress requirements for special events, including periodic fine arts concerts.

Concert Dress
Concert dress is white and black for both boys and girls.  Boys wear white collared dress shirts with black slacks and black dress shoes.  Girls wear a white blouse with a black skirt or black dress slacks and black dress shoes (open-toed shoes and reasonable heels are permitted).

The semi-formal dress code for young men is: dress slacks (no jeans or patched pocket pants), a collared dress shirt, dark socks, dress shoes (no sneakers or sandals). No dyed hair or hats. Hair should be trimmed appropriately.

The semi-formal dress code for young women is as follows: modest-length skirts or dresses (no shorter than the uniform skirt), or appropriately fitting dress slacks. Bare midriffs and cutouts are not acceptable. Modestly-cut sleeveless tops and dresses are allowed. Girls may not wear strapless, spaghetti-strap, or tank tops. Girls should wear dress shoes. No flip-flops. No dyed hair. Hair should be styled appropriately.