Student Dress & Appearance

Students in dress code

Philosophy

SAS dress and appearance expectations emphasize neatness, cleanliness, and purpose, while still allowing a wide range of clothing choices. Different occasions, whether work, school, worship, athletics, or play, have varying expectations. Clothing choices should convey a sense of intentionality and respect. Because SAS students spend a considerable amount of time outdoors, we encourage students to dress appropriately for the weather and for outdoor activities. Clothing choices may signify the importance of some occasions, such as Chapel services, or satisfy the specific needs of other occasions, such as athletic practices.

Student Dress & Appearance Expectations

The goal of this section is to help students learn how their appropriate appearance conveys respect for their teachers, their fellow classmates, and the learning environment. With that in mind, students are expected to dress in the manner described below.

Class Dress is worn everywhere on campus on school days from 8:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Class dress is required in PEAK Programs or as specified by the leader or coach. Students should prepare for the possibility of outdoor activities and active learning. 

Bottoms: Unfrayed/unripped khakis/chinos, dress pants, jeans, skirts, dresses, or non-athletic shorts. Shorts, skirts, and dresses must be no shorter than mid-thigh length.

Tops: Collared shirt (polo or button-down type collar), solid colored t-shirt, blouse, or a dress. SAS graphics are always permitted. Tops must cover the abdomen, back, and chest at all times. Tops must have sleeves.

Overwear (outer clothing): graphic-free coats/sweaters/jackets/pullovers/sweatshirts/hoodies. SAS or college-branded sweatshirts and hoodies are permitted. 

Footwear: Closed-toed shoes, Chaco/Teva/Birkenstock-style sport or hiking sandals, and similar footwear are permitted (as long as they are in good repair). No slippers, slides, flip-flops, or Crocs.

In addition, the following six guidelines regarding appearance are expected to be observed at all times except in the residential houses:

  • All clothing must be clean and fit properly, and appropriate for the occasion. Skin-tight or overly large clothing is not permitted.

  • Hats and other head coverings (except those for religious reasons) are not permitted indoors.

  • Visible piercings are limited to the ears and/or a single, small stud or small loop in the nostril. Septum piercings and lip piercings are not to be worn.

  • Faces must be clean shaven.

  • Distracting hairstyles and unnatural hair colors are not permitted.

  • Gauges, face/body paint, and visible tattoos are not permitted.

If a student is found to be in violation of these expectations, they will be sent to the Bishop Bratton Office and will not be permitted to return to class or other SAS activities until they abide by the Student Dress & Appearance Expectations (boarding students go change, day students have appropriate clothes brought to them, etc.). If a prolonged absence from class is unavoidable, a student may be required to wear Formal Dress for a week (see Formal Dress expectations below).

Athletic Teams on Accommodation: With specific permission from their coach, on game days, student athletes are permitted to wear their team uniform or other SAS-branded athletic wear. Team members should all dress the same.

Formal Dress: Formal Dress is worn for special chapel services, formal occasions, academic and athletic celebrations, and other events as prescribed by the Head of School.

Formal Dress will be required on these occasions and any occasion announced by the Head of School, Dean of Students, or Chaplain:

  • Signing of the Honor Code 

  • All Saints' Eucharist

  • Christmas Pageant and Eucharist

  • Ash Wednesday

  • Good Friday

  • Easter Eucharist 

Students may choose one of the following traditions for Formal Dress:

  • Choice 1: Dress or skirt/dress pants with blouse and dress shoes (sneakers, running shoes, Chuck Taylors, Chacos, Tevas, hiking boots, and Doc Martens are not considered dress shoes for SAS Formal Dress)

  • Choice 2: Coat and tie, dress shirt, dress pants, belt, socks, and dress shoes (sneakers, running shoes, Chuck Taylors, Chacos, Tevas, hiking boots, and Doc Martens are not considered dress shoes for SAS Formal Dress)

Spirit of the Dress Code: Because rules cannot be written to describe all clothing styles and options, the school will determine if any questionable article of clothing should not be worn. Students not living within the spirit of the Dress & Appearance Expectations will be given a very specific set of guidelines to be determined at that time. Questions about clothing choices and requirements may be referred to the Dean of Students.