uniforms

appearance code

  1. Uniforms are to be worn during school hours, activities before and after school (i.e. Science Olympiad practices), school sponsored events, most class trips, 8th hours, Saturday Schools, or other school functions. Any exemptions must be approved by the administration. PE classes and athletic activities have specific attire also.
  2. For all programs (except the elementary Christmas program) students must wear uniforms (no specific color or style required).
  3. Jackets and hats must not be worn in the building; uniform sweatshirts are available for warmth.
  4. “Non-uniform” items such as T-shirts, turtlenecks, tank tops, or leggings are allowed to be worn under the uniform tops/bottoms, including vests.  The “non-uniform” items must adhere to the following rules.
      • No loud colors or loud patterns that draw attention to the individual or detract from the uniform colors itself will be allowed.
      • No words/logos may be seen on any area that is visible under the uniform item.
      • No hooded tops are allowed to be worn under uniforms.  This includes hooded sweatshirts, hooded T-shirts, and hooded dress shirts.
      • Sweatshirts and sweaters must remain substantially zipped or buttoned at all times when any non-uniform items are worn under them.  Dress shirts may have the top two buttons opened.
      • Any “non-uniform” top worn under a sweater vest must have sleeves.
  5. In keeping with our desired modesty length, all skirts must come within two inches of the floor when kneeling. It is parents’ responsibility to order extra length for skirts or have skirt hems lowered, if needed.
  6. Shoes/sandals must be worn at all times. For safety reasons, closed-toe shoes are required in grades K – 6, as well as certain high school classes (Chemistry, Woods, PE, Metals).
  7. No unusual or shocking hairstyles are permitted, including the dyeing or bleaching of hair to unnatural colors, as determined by the Administration.
  8. No fads, including tattoos and display of undergarments, which draw or seek undue attention are allowed.
  9. Accessories, such as scarves, necklaces and belts, are acceptable.

Boys

  • No earrings, nail polish, or other items considered feminine may be worn.
  • No over-the-collar hair lengths are permitted.
  • A shirt must be worn at all times.

    Girls

    • Earrings: No earrings is the preferred standard.  Not more than one earring per ear (ear lobe only!) is permitted.  While wearing an earring, the earring must be able to be covered with a dime (high school).  Studs only (elementary).  Jewelry may not be worn during any PE classes.
    • Make-up: Only clear nail polish and lip-gloss is allowed.

      Enforcement

      1. Students must arrive at school and leave school wearing their uniforms, and wear them the whole day.  Students may not go to class if they do not have a uniform on.   The classes which they miss will count as unexcused absences.
      2. Students are required to be in a proper uniform throughout the school day.
      3. Notices of dress code violations will be sent to the Administration who will keep record of multiple offenses.
      4. Parents of students who are not in proper uniform will be notified by the Administration (elementary).
      5. Uniform infractions in the high school earn alternative discipline (first infraction), and increasing discipline with each additional infraction.
      6. The student will not receive an excuse for tardiness to class as a result of time needed to correct dress code violations.

      The school reserves the right to final interpretation in both the stated personal appearance code and any other similar violations that go against the intent of the code. 

      Uniform Purchases

      Uniforms must be purchased through GCA’s uniform supplier – Land’s End (www.landsend.com).  Land’s End offers more items than are approved by GCA.  Parents need to search for our school “Grace Christian” or Preferred School Number 900195876 under the “Find Your School” tab on the Land’s End website to view and order GCA-approved uniform items.

      Lands’ End frequently offers sales throughout the year; parents can sign up on their website to request email notification of their promotions.  Boys pants that are identical in style/color may be purchased from Old Navy.

      Orders will be shipped directly to your house.  Free shipping is offered for orders greater than $99.  Returns can be made to the Land’s End store located in Grand Rapids free of charge, or if the parents choose to pay shipping, can be mailed back to Lands’ End.