Dress Code
Preschool (PreK3 & PreK4):
No uniform dress code
​
Lower School (K-5th) - Pages 28-33 of the Lower School Handbook:
Lower School (K-5th) Dress Code Policy
a. 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.
b. 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.
c. 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.
d. 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.
e. General Clothing & Appearance Guidelines (Note: these guidelines also apply to field trips and dress-down days)
i. Clothing should not be excessively tight fitting or loose fitting and should be free of any tears, holes, frays or the appearance thereof.
ii. Any shirt (such as tank tops, T-shirt, camisole, etc.) worn under a school shirt must not be able to be seen.
iii. Pants and skirts must be worn at the waistline.
iv. Girl’s shirts designed to be worn untucked must fully cover the waistline throughout daily activities.
v. Shirts or dresses must not have low-cut or plunging necklines; cleavage should be covered at all times.
vi. Length of skirts and dresses should be no shorter than the middle of the kneecap when standing.
vii. All dresses and shirts/blouses worn must have at least a short sleeve. No sleeveless tops are permitted.
viii. 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).
ix. 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.
x. Sandals lacking a back strap, flip-flops, athletic sandals, crocs, etc. are not permitted.
xi. Students are not permitted to shave or color eyebrows in part or in whole.
f. Hair
i. Hairstyles must be conventional. No extreme or faddish hairstyles are permitted (spiked, bowl cut, shaved head, punk styles, unnatural colors, streaks, bleaching, etc.).
ii. No unnatural coloring (dye, bleach, streaks, etc.) of hair is permitted.
iii. Hair extensions are not permitted to be worn.
iv. For both boys and girls: Hair must be kept neat and at a reasonable length.
v. For boys: hair must be off the ears, collar, and eyebrows.
g. Girl’s Dress Code
i. 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.
ii. 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.
iii. 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:
a. Walmart, Target, Old Navy flat-front uniform pants
b. Lands End plain-front Chino pants
c. French Toast flat-front pants
iv. 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. (order forms are available to download from tcact.org)
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 moths. These should be navy, black, or gray and solid color or may be official TCA spirit-wear.
v. 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
vi. 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 ankle bracelets are 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.
7. A single necklace may be worn.
8. No more than one ring is permitted to be worn on each hand.
vii. P.E. Days
1. Girls must wear the TCA logo gym t-shirt, gym crew sweatshirt, gym shorts, and gym sweatpants (which must be purchased through More Than Words at 261 Oak Avenue in Torrington).
2. Athletic shoes and socks must be worn.
h. Boy’s Dress Code
i. 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.
ii. 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. (order forms are available to download from tcact.org)
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.
iii. 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.
v. P.E. Days
1. Boys must wear the TCA logo gym t-shirt, gym crew sweatshirt, gym shorts, and gym sweatpants (which must be purchased through More Than Words at 261 Oak Avenue in Torrington).
2. Athletic shoes and socks must be worn.
i. Dress-Down
i. Every Friday is a dress-down day at TCA. 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.
ii. 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.
iii. No clothing worn on dress-down days should promote entertainment or products that would contradict Biblical standards or the TCA Mission/Purpose statement.
iv. Jeans/denim are permitted, provided they are not stretch, skinny, or low-cut jeans.
v. 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.
vi. No sweatpants, leggings, camouflage, or pajamas may be worn unless special permission to wear them has been given by school administration.
vii. Athletic shoes may be worn.
viii. 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.
j. 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 (6th-12th) - Pages 33-39 of the Upper School Handbook:
Upper School (6th-12th) Dress Code Policy
a. 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.
b. 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.
c. 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.
d. 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.
e. General Clothing & Appearance Guidelines (Note: these guidelines also apply to field trips and dress-down day. i. Clothing should not be excessively tight fitting or loose fitting and should be free of any tears, holes, frays or the appearance thereof.
ii. Any shirt (such as tank tops, T-shirt, camisole, etc.) worn under a school shirt must not be able to be seen.
iii. Pants and skirts must be worn at the waistline.
iv. Girl’s shirts designed to be worn untucked must fully cover the waistline throughout daily activities.
v. Shirts or dresses must not have low-cut or plunging necklines; cleavage should be covered at all times.
vi. Length of skirts and dresses should be no shorter than the middle of the kneecap when standing.
vii. All dresses and shirts/blouses worn must have at least a short sleeve. No sleeveless tops are permitted.
viii. No leggings or spandex-type clothing may be worn as outer garments. These may be worn under pants or skirts during cold weather months (Nov – March).
ix. 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.
x. Sandals lacking a back strap, flip-flops, athletic sandals, crocs, etc. are not permitted.
xi. Students are not permitted to shave or color eyebrows in part or in whole.
f. Hair
i. Hairstyles must be conventional. No extreme or faddish hairstyles are permitted (spiked, bowl cut, shaved head, punk styles, unnatural colors, streaks, bleaching, etc.).
ii. 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.
iii. Hair extensions are not permitted to be worn.
iv. For both boys and girls: Hair must be kept neat and at a reasonable length.
v. For boys: hair must be off the ears, collar, and eyebrows.
vi. For boys: sideburns must not extend beyond the middle of the ear and should be neatly trimmed.
vii. Boys must be clean shaven. No facial hair is permitted.
g. Girl’s Dress Code
i. 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.
ii. 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.
iii. 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:
a. Walmart, Target, Old Navy flat-front uniform pants
b. Lands End plain-front Chino pants
c. French Toast flat-front pants
iv. 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. (order forms are available to download from tcact.org)
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.
v. 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 in grades 6-8 are permitted to wear athletic shoes/sneakers.
7. For high school students, athletic shoes should only be worn for P.E. classes, sports activities, and dress down days.
vi. 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 ankle bracelets are 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.
vii. 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.
viii. P.E. Days
1. Girls must wear the TCA logo gym t-shirt, gym crew sweatshirt, gym shorts, and gym sweatpants (which must be purchased through More Than Words at 261 Oak Avenue in Torrington).
2. Athletic shoes and socks must be worn.
h. Boy’s Dress Code
i. 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.
ii. 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. (order forms are available to download from tcact.org)
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.
iii. 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 in grades 6-8 may wear mostly black or dark blue athletic shoes/sneakers (small colored logo and/or colored soles are permitted)
4. For high school students, athletic shoes should only be worn for P.E. classes, sports activities, and dress down days.
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. 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.
v. 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.
vi. P.E. Days
1. Boys must wear the TCA logo gym t-shirt, gym crew sweatshirt, gym shorts, and gym sweatpants (which must be purchased through More Than Words at 261 Oak Avenue in Torrington).
2. Athletic shoes and socks must be worn.
i. Dress-Down
i. Every Friday is a dress-down day at TCA. 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.
ii. 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.
iii. No clothing worn on dress-down days should promote entertainment or products that would contradict Biblical standards or the TCA Mission/Purpose statement.
iv. Jeans/denim are permitted, provided they are not stretch, skinny, or low-cut jeans.
v. 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.
vi. No sweatpants, leggings, camouflage, or pajamas may be worn unless special permission to wear them has been given by school administration.
vii. Athletic shoes may be worn.
viii. 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.
j. 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.