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:

○ Walmart, Target, Old Navy flat-front uniform pants

○ Lands End plain-front Chino pants

○ 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:

○ Walmart, Target, Old Navy flat-front uniform pants

○ Lands End plain-front Chino pants

○ 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.