Dress Code
Lower School (K-5th Grade)
TCA seeks to focus attention on personal holiness rather than dress and appearance. As ambassadors of Christ and TCA, students should be sure their clothing and appearance reflects neatness, modesty, cleanliness, gender distinction, and consideration of others in accordance with Christian principles.
TCA assumes that its students are enrolled willingly. This means that the school should and will expect full cooperation with both the letter and spirit of the dress code. No student should attempt to circumvent the plain meaning of the dress code or push it to its limits. Any student who cannot willingly obey the dress code should not enroll at TCA.
Students are expected to observe the dress code from the time they arrive on school grounds until they leave. The dress code applies to ALL sponsored events of the school (banquets, concerts/programs, graduation, special events, etc.) unless other instruction is given by TCA
Administration.
Any student not meeting dress code guidelines will be expected to correct the problem if possible. If necessary, the student will be directed to the office to wait until his/her parent arrives to assist in resolving the issue.
General Clothing & Appearance Guidelines (Note: these guidelines also apply to field trips and dress-down days):
-
Clothing should not be excessively tight fitting or loose fitting and
should be free of any tears, holes, frays or the appearance thereof.
-
Any shirt (such as tank tops, T-shirt, camisole, etc.) worn under a
school shirt must not be able to be seen.
-
Pants and skirts must be worn at the waistline.
-
Girl’s shirts designed to be worn untucked must fully cover the
waistline throughout daily activities.
-
Shirts or dresses must not have low-cut or plunging necklines;
cleavage should be covered at all times.
-
Length of skirts and dresses should be no shorter than the middle
of the kneecap when standing.
-
All dresses and shirts/blouses worn must have at least a short
sleeve. No sleeveless tops are permitted.
-
No leggings or spandex-type clothing may be worn as outer
garments. These may be worn under pants or skirt during cold
weather months (Nov – March).
-
Pants or shorts are not permitted to have writing across the “sitting
area” and should be free of any tears, holes, or frays or the
appearance thereof.
-
Sandals lacking a back strap, flip-flops, athletic sandals, crocs, etc.
are not permitted.
-
Students are not permitted to shave or color eyebrows in part or in
whole.
Hair
-
Hairstyles must be conventional. No extreme or faddish hairstyles
are permitted (spiked, bowl cut, shaved head, punk styles, streaks,
bleaching, etc.).
-
No unnatural coloring (dye, bleach, streaks, etc.) of hair is
permitted.
-
Hair extensions are not permitted to be worn.
-
For both boys and girls: Hair must be kept neat and at a reasonable
length.
-
For boys: hair must be off the ears, collar, and eyebrows.
Girl’s Dress Code
Girl’s clothing must be modest. Tight fitting, low-cut, or revealing clothes are unacceptable. Shoulders and midriffs must be covered. Clothing must not be see-through.
-
Skirts
1. Skirts must be navy, tan, or black and solid color. Skirts
should not be tight or form fitting. They must be able to move
freely over the hips.
2. Length should be no shorter than the middle of the kneecap
when standing. Slits, if present, should not extend above the
knee.
3. Girls who will be using playground equipment should wear
shorts under skirts.
-
Pants / Shorts
1. Pants must be navy, tan, or black and solid color. No stretch
pants, skinny pants, cargo pants (w/ pockets on sides),
denim, or low-rise pants.
2. Full-length pants are required except for the months of August, September, May, and June when shorts or capris may be worn. Shorts or capris must meet the same color and style criteria as full-length pants. Shorts must be no shorter than the top of the knee when standing.
3. For samples of acceptable style of pants see:
â—‹ Walmart, Target, Old Navy flat-front uniform pants
â—‹ Lands End plain-front Chino pants
â—‹ French Toast flat-front pants
-
Shirts / Blouses / Sweaters
1. Polo shirts with TCA logo must be worn and must be
purchased through More Than Words at 261 Oak Ave. in
Torrington or purchased at tcauniforms.com. It is
recommended that first-time buyers do so in-person, as this
allows for clothing to be tried on for correct fit.
2. Shirts made to be tucked in should be tucked in. Polo shirts
may be worn out, but should not look sloppy (too long,
baggy, excessively wrinkled, etc.).
3. All buttons on shirts must be buttoned except the top button.
4. Hooded shirts or sweatshirts are not permitted to be worn in
class except on dress-down days. Outside jackets and
coats are not permitted to be worn in the classroom at any
time but may be worn for outside activities such as recess or
gym. Hooded sweatshirts may also be worn during outside
activities and must be navy, black, or gray and solid color or
may be official TCA spirit-wear. A small logo (in the pocket
area; no larger than 2” in diameter) is acceptable.
5. Sweaters, lightweight fleeces, and non-hooded sweatshirts
may be worn in the classroom during cold weather months.
These should be navy, black, or gray and solid color or may
be official TCA spirit-wear.
-
Shoes / Socks
1. Shoes must have a closed toe and may be black, brown, or
navy. Casual flats are preferred. Backless shoes, slippers,
moccasins, etc. may not be worn.
2. Shoes should not have a heel higher than two inches.
3. Boots with heels no higher than two inches are permitted.
Snow boots may not be worn in the classroom.
4. If socks are worn, they must be navy, tan, or black and solid
color.
5. Tights may be worn and should be navy, tan, or black and
solid color.
6. Students are permitted to wear athletic shoes/sneakers
-
Accessories & Miscellaneous
1. One set of earrings may be worn and only on the earlobes.
No bars or gauges are permitted. Earrings on other parts of
the ear are not to be worn in school or at school-related
functions.
2. No facial or body piercings, with the exception of pierced
ears (see above), are allowed.
3. No more than one ankle bracelet may be worn.
4. Makeup must be conservative and minimal.
5. Hats are not permitted to be worn in the classroom or in the
school building.
6. No tattoos, drawings, or other markings on the skin are
allowed.
7. A single necklace may be worn.
8. No more than one ring is permitted to be worn on each hand.
-
P.E. Days
1. Girls must wear official TCA gym shorts/sweatpants and shirt
which may be purchased through More Than Words at 261
Oak Avenue in Torrington or via tcauniforms.com.
2. Athletic shoes and socks must be worn.
Boy’s Dress Code
-
Pants / Shorts
1. Chino / Docker style pants must be worn and must be navy,
tan, or black and solid color. No cargo, stretch, skinny or
denim pants allowed.
2. Belts worn should not have studs, large buckles, or other
decorations on them.
3. Shorts may be worn during the months of August,
September, May, and June and must meet the same color
and style criteria as long pants.
4. Shorts must be no shorter than the top of the knee when
standing and cannot be excessively baggy.
-
Shirts / Sweaters / Sweatshirts
1. Polo shirts with TCA logo must be worn and must be
purchased through More Than Words at 261 Oak Ave.
Torrington or through tcauniforms.com.
2. Shirts should not be excessively wrinkled and all buttons
should be buttoned with the exception of the top button.
3. Polo shirts do not need to be tucked in.
4. Hooded shirts or sweatshirts are not permitted to be worn in
class except on dress-down days. Outside jackets and
coats are not permitted to be worn in the classroom at any
time but may be worn for outside activities such as recess or
gym. Hooded sweatshirts may also be worn during outside
activities and must be navy, black, or gray and solid color or
may be official TCA spirit-wear. A small logo (in the pocket
area; no larger than 2” in diameter) is acceptable.
5. Sweaters, lightweight fleeces, and non-hooded sweatshirts
may be worn in the classroom during cold weather months.
These should be navy, black, or gray and solid color or may
be official TCA spirit-wear.
-
Shoes / Socks
1. Socks must be worn and must be navy, tan, or black and
solid color.
2. Brown or black casual or dress shoes may be worn. Boots
with heels no higher than two inches are acceptable. Snow
boots may not be worn in the classroom.
3. Students are permitted to wear athletic shoes/sneakers.
iv. Miscellaneous
1. Boys are not permitted to wear earrings or makeup of any
kind.
2. No facial or body piercings are allowed.
3. Hats are not permitted to be worn in the classroom or in the
school building.
4. No tattoos, drawings, or other markings on the skin are
allowed.
5. A single necklace may be worn.
6. No more than one ring is permitted to be worn on each hand.
-
P.E. Days
1. Boys must wear official TCA gym shorts/sweatpants and
shirt which may be purchased through More Than Words at
261 Oak Avenue in Torrington or via tcauniforms.com.
2. Athletic shoes and socks must be worn.
Dress-Down
-
Students will be assigned a weekly dress-down day. This may vary
according to grade. Other dress-down days may be held
throughout the year as well for special occasions or field trips.
When this occurs, notification will be given in advance.
-
On dress-down days students are free to wear the clothing of their
choice, provided it meets the standards set forth in this section and
in the “General Clothing Guidelines” section.
-
No clothing worn on dress-down days should promote
entertainment or products that would contradict Biblical standards
or the TCA Mission/Purpose statement.
-
Jeans/denim are permitted, provided they are not stretch, skinny, or
low-cut jeans.
-
Hooded shirts or sweatshirts may be worn, but hoods must remain
down and are not to be worn over the head during the school day
unless the student is outside.
-
No sweatpants, leggings, camouflage, or pajamas may be worn
unless special permission to wear them has been given by school
administration.
-
Athletic shoes may be worn.
-
All hair and accessories guidelines found in other sections of the
dress code must be observed on dress-down days unless special
permission to do otherwise has been given by school
administration.
Uncovered Dress Code Issues - This dress code is intended to serve as
an overall guide. When situations concerning dress and/or appearance
arise that are not covered by these written guidelines, TCA administration
reserves the right to make the final decision regarding the acceptability of
a student’s dress or appearance.
Upper School (6-12th Grade)
TCA seeks to focus attention on personal holiness rather than dress and
appearance. As ambassadors of Christ and TCA, students should be sure
their clothing and appearance reflects neatness, modesty, cleanliness,
gender distinction, and consideration of others in accordance with
Christian principles.
TCA assumes that its students are enrolled willingly. This means that the
school should and will expect full cooperation with both the letter and spirit
of the dress code. No student should attempt to circumvent the plain
meaning of the dress code or push it to its limits. Any student who cannot
willingly obey the dress code should not enroll at TCA.
Students are expected to observe the dress code from the time they arrive
on school grounds until they leave. The dress code applies to ALL
sponsored events of the school (banquets, concerts/programs, graduation,
special events, etc.) unless other instruction is given by TCA
Administration.
Any student not meeting dress code guidelines will be expected to correct
the problem if possible. If necessary, the student will be directed to the
office to wait until his/her parent arrives to assist in resolving the issue.
General Clothing & Appearance Guidelines (Note: these guidelines
also apply to field trips and dress-down days):
-
Clothing should not be excessively tight fitting or loose fitting and
should be free of any tears, holes, frays or the appearance
thereof.
-
Any shirt (such as tank tops, T-shirt, camisole, etc.) worn under a
school shirt must not be able to be seen.
-
Pants and skirts must be worn at the waistline.
-
Girl’s shirts designed to be worn untucked must fully cover the
waistline throughout daily activities.
-
Shirts or dresses must not have low-cut or plunging necklines;
cleavage should be covered at all times.
-
Length of skirts and dresses should be no shorter than the middle
of the kneecap when standing.
-
All dresses and shirts/blouses worn must have at least a short
sleeve. No sleeveless tops are permitted.
-
No leggings or spandex-type clothing may be worn as outer
garments. These may be worn under pants or skirt during cold
weather months (Nov – March).
-
Pants or shorts are not permitted to have writing across the
“sitting area” and should be free of any tears, holes, or frays or
the appearance thereof.
-
Sandals lacking a back strap, flip-flops, athletic sandals, crocs,
etc. are not permitted.
-
Students are not permitted to shave or color eyebrows in part or
in whole.
Hair
-
Hairstyles must be conventional. No extreme or faddish hairstyles
are permitted (spiked, bowl cut, shaved head, punk styles,
streaks, bleaching, etc.).
-
No unnatural coloring (dye, bleach, streaks, etc.) of hair is
permitted. Acceptable colors for highlights or dying of hair include
black, brown, auburn (not red), and blonde.
-
Hair extensions are not permitted to be worn.
-
For both boys and girls: Hair must be kept neat and at a
reasonable length.
-
For boys: hair must be off the ears, collar, and eyebrows.
-
For boys: sideburns must not extend beyond the middle of the ear
and should be neatly trimmed.
-
Boys must be clean shaven. No facial hair is permitted.
Girl’s Dress Code
Girl’s clothing must be modest. Tight fitting, low-cut, or revealing clothes are unacceptable. Shoulders and midriffs must be covered. Clothing must not be see-through.
-
Skirts
1. Skirts must be navy, tan, or black and solid color. Skirts
should not be tight or form fitting. They must be able to move
freely over the hips.
2. Length should be no shorter than the middle of the kneecap
when standing. Slits, if present, should not extend above the
knee.
3. Girls who will be using playground equipment should wear
shorts under skirts.
-
Pants / Shorts
1. Pants must be navy, tan, or black and solid color. No stretch
pants, skinny pants, cargo pants (w/ pockets on sides),
denim, or low-rise pants.
2. Full-length pants are required except for the months of
August, September, May, and June when shorts or capris
may be worn. Shorts or capris must meet the same color
and style criteria as full-length pants. Shorts must be no
shorter than the top of the knee when standing.
3. For samples of acceptable style of pants see:
â—‹ Walmart, Target, Old Navy flat-front uniform pants
â—‹ Lands End plain-front Chino pants
â—‹ French Toast flat-front pants
-
Shirts / Blouses / Sweaters
1. Polo shirts with TCA logo must be worn and must be
purchased through More Than Words at 261 Oak Avenue in
Torrington or via tcauniforms.com.
2. Shirts made to be tucked in should be tucked in. Polo shirts
may be worn out, but should not look sloppy (too long,
baggy, etc.). Regardless of style, all shirts should be neatly
pressed.
3. All buttons on shirts must be buttoned except the top button.
4. Hooded shirts or sweatshirts are not permitted to be worn in
class except on dress-down days. Outside jackets and
coats are not permitted to be worn in the classroom at any
time but may be worn for outside activities such as recess or
gym. Hooded sweatshirts may also be worn during outside
activities and must be navy, black, or gray and solid color or
may be official TCA spirit-wear. A small logo (in the pocket
area; no larger than 2” in diameter) is acceptable.
5. Sweaters, lightweight fleeces, and non-hooded sweatshirts
may be worn in the classroom during cold weather months.
These should be navy, black, or gray and solid color or may
be official TCA spirit-wear.
-
Shoes / Socks
1. Shoes must have a closed toe and may be black, brown, or
navy. Casual flats are preferred. Backless shoes, slippers,
moccasins, etc. may not be worn.
2. Shoes should not have a heel higher than two inches.
3. Boots with heels no higher than two inches are permitted
and must be black, brown, or navy in color. Snow boots may
not be worn in the classroom.
4. If socks are worn, they must be navy, tan, or black and solid
color.
5. Tights may be worn and should be navy, tan, or black and
solid color.
6. Athletic shoes may be worn but must be navy or black and
solid color (a white sole is permitted).
-
Accessories & Miscellaneous
1. One set of earrings may be worn and only on the earlobes.
No bars or gauges are permitted. Earrings on other parts of
the ear are not to be worn in school or at school-related
functions.
2. No facial or body piercings, except pierced ears (see above),
are allowed.
3. No more than one ankle bracelet is permitted.
4. Makeup and jewelry must be conservative and minimal.
5. Hats are not permitted to be worn in the classroom or in the
school building.
6. No tattoos, drawings, or other markings on the skin are
allowed. Students already having tattoos who are accepted
into TCA will be expected to keep tattoos covered where
possible and to refrain from getting any more tattoos.
7. A single necklace may be worn.
8. No more than one ring is permitted to be worn on each hand.
-
Chapel Days
1. No shorts or capris are allowed on chapel days.
2. Students are permitted to wear their normal daily TCA
“uniform” on chapel days.
3. Girls who opt not to wear their normal daily TCA uniform
must wear either a dress or a skirt and dress blouse on
chapel days. Dress pants may be worn during the months of
December, January, and February. Skirts, pants, blouses,
shoes, etc. must meet general dress code standards.
-
P.E. Days
1. Girls must wear official TCA gym shorts/sweatpants and shirt
which may be purchased through More Than Words at 261
Oak Avenue in Torrington or via tcauniforms.com.
2. Athletic shoes and socks must be worn.
Boy’s Dress Code
-
Pants / Shorts
1. Chino / Docker style pants must be worn and must be navy,
tan, or black and solid color. No cargo, stretch, skinny or
denim pants allowed.
2. Belts worn should not have studs, large buckles, or other
decorations on them.
3. Shorts may be worn during the months of August,
September, May, and June and must meet the same color
and style criteria as long pants.
4. Shorts must be no shorter than the top of the knee when
standing and cannot be excessively baggy.
-
Shirts / Sweaters / Sweatshirts
1. Polo shirts with TCA logo must be worn and must be
purchased through More Than Words at 261 Oak Avenue in
Torrington or via tcauniforms.com.
2. All shirts should be neatly pressed and all buttons buttoned
with the exception of the top button.
3. Polo shirts do not need to be tucked in, however, dress
shirts worn on chapel days must be tucked in.
4. Hooded shirts or sweatshirts are not permitted to be worn in
class except on dress-down days. Outside jackets and
coats are not permitted to be worn in the classroom at any
time but may be worn for outside activities such as recess or
gym. Hooded sweatshirts may also be worn during outside
activities and must be navy, black, or gray and solid color or
may be official TCA spirit-wear. A small logo (in the pocket
area; no larger than 2” in diameter) is acceptable.
5. Sweaters, lightweight fleeces, and non-hooded sweatshirts
may be worn in the classroom during cold weather months.
These should be navy, black, or gray and solid color or may
be official TCA spirit-wear.
-
Shoes / Socks
1. Socks must be worn and must be navy, tan, or black and
solid color.
2. Brown or black casual or dress shoes may be worn. Boots
with heels no higher than two inches are acceptable. Snow
boots may not be worn in the classroom.
3. Athletic shoes may be worn but must be navy or black and
solid color (a white sole is permitted).
-
Miscellaneous
1. Boys are not permitted to wear earrings or makeup of any
kind.
2. No facial or body piercings are allowed.
3. Hats are not permitted to be worn in the classroom or inside
the school building.
4. No tattoos, drawings, or other markings on the skin are
allowed. Students already having tattoos who are accepted
into TCA will be expected to keep tattoos covered where
possible and to refrain from getting any more tattoos.
5. A single necklace may be worn.
6. No more than one ring is permitted to be worn on each hand.
-
Chapel Days
1. No shorts are permitted to be worn on chapel days.
2. Students are permitted to wear their normal daily TCA
“uniform” on chapel days.
3. Boys opting not to wear their normal daily TCA uniform must
wear a button-down, collared, solid-color dress shirt (no
neon colors) and coordinating tie on chapel days. Pants,
shoes, etc. must meet general dress code standards.
-
P.E. Days
1. Boys must wear official TCA gym shorts/sweatpants and
shirt which may be purchased through More Than Words at
261 Oak Avenue in Torrington or via tcauniforms.com.
2. Athletic shoes and socks must be worn.
Dress-Down
-
Students will be assigned a weekly dress-down day. This may
vary according to grade. Other dress-down days may be held
throughout the year as well for special occasions or field trips.
When this occurs, notification will be given in advance.
-
On dress-down days students are free to wear the clothing of their
choice, provided it meets the standards set forth in this section
and in the “General Clothing Guidelines” section.
-
No clothing worn on dress-down days should promote
entertainment or products that would contradict Biblical standards
or the TCA Mission/Purpose statement.
-
Jeans/denim are permitted, provided they are not stretch, skinny,
or low-cut jeans.
-
Hooded shirts or sweatshirts may be worn, but hoods must
remain down and are not to be worn over the head during the
school day unless the student is outside.
-
No sweatpants, leggings, camouflage, or pajamas may be worn
unless special permission to wear them has been given by school
administration.
-
Athletic shoes may be worn.
-
All hair and accessories guidelines found in other sections of the
dress code must be observed on dress-down days unless special
permission to do otherwise has been given by school
administration.
Uncovered Dress Code Issues - This dress code is intended to serve as
an overall guide. When situations concerning dress and/or appearance
arise that are not covered by these written guidelines, TCA administration
reserves the right to make the final decision regarding the acceptability of
a student’s dress or appearance.