School Dress Code 

VLCS enforces a strict dress code whenever students are on campus, including during the after-school program. Students must also adhere to the dress code when representing VLCS off-campus. VLCS students show their individuality through character and leadership.  

Dress Code Violations: If a student violates the dress code, they will be issued a dress code warning. Parents may be called to bring a clothing change to school that complies with our dress code. The student may receive a one-day suspension on the fourth dress code warning.

Clothing

All garments must fit appropriately and be in good repair.  Except for outerwear, all visible garments (including layered tank shirts and leggings) must conform to the policies below as they pertain to shirts and pants/bottoms.  Undergarments are not to be visible at any time.

  • Shirts: They must have a collar and may be button-down or polo styles with short or long sleeves. They may not be see-through. Approved colors include black, blue, yellow, white, or gray. The colors must be solid. *Shirts may not be tied/knotted; for example, they may not be tied at the shoulders or waist. Spaghetti straps and off the shoulder tops are not allowed. No crop/short tops or other exposure of the midriff.

  • Pants/Bottoms: These may be pants, capris, leggings, shorts, skorts, skirts, dresses or jumpers (collared shirts must be worn underneath). Pants may not be see-through. Approved colors include blue, black, gray, yellow, khaki/tan, white, and denim. Pants/Bottoms must be a solid single color and be free of excessive embellishments and rips. No pajama pants. 

  • Shorts must have at least a 4 inch inseam. Biker shorts are not allowed to be worn on their own, only under dresses/jumpers. Skirts/skorts/jumpers/dresses must be as long as the fingertips when arms are resting at their sides - whether or not they are worn with shorts, leggings or tights. Shorts may not be frayed, or “cut-off”.  Pants must be in good repair, free of purposeful or excessive tears, and sit at the waist - no sagging. Leggings may also be worn with shorts, skorts, skirts, or jumpers.

  • Socks, tights, and leggings approved colors include white, blue, black khaki/tan, gray, and yellow. Colors must be solid, and socks must be matching pairs. Sweaters and hoodies must be black, blue, yellow, white, gray, or khaki/tan. Hoods are not allowed to be worn indoors. Please wash the hoodies/sweaters often. If it is worn in the classroom, it must match our dress code. If they are not dress code colors, students may be asked to remove them while in class.

  • Shoes: May be of any color.  All shoes must be closed-toe with a back. Open-toe sandals or similar-style clogs, like UGG slippers/ Birkenstocks, are not permitted. High heels, wedges, and shoes with cleats, spikes, or wheels are prohibited. Flats ONLY. For safety reasons, we do not allow CROCS.

Accessories

  • Although hats and sunglasses are allowed outside, they may not be worn inside. VLCS is not responsible for the loss of any glasses worn by students. Full-face beanies/hoodies/masks are not allowed. 

  • Pant chains, cloth belts, excessive jewelry (including bracelets that cover more than ¼ of the arm), animal collars, ears, tails or spikes are not allowed. 

  • In grades 7 and above, hats may be worn during the school day and in class. Students will be expected to wear their hats facing forward and firmly on their head. Students will always remove their hats for the Pledge of Allegiance/ National anthem. Hoods are not allowed to be worn up on the head during class / indoors. An adult or teacher reserves the right to ask a student to remove their hat at any time.

Hair and Makeup

  • Hairstyles and hair color must be appropriate to the learning environment.  Except School Spirit Days and Dollar Dress Days, unnatural hair colors (purple, pink, bright red, green, blue, etc.) are not permitted.

  • Makeup: Students in grades 7 and above are permitted to wear makeup, which must be appropriate to the learning environment. Makeup products are not allowed on campus.  Students in grades six and lower are not permitted to wear makeup at school or bring makeup on campus. Your inner beauty never needs makeup. 

  • Body Art: we believe your individuality is shown through character and leadership. The following are not allowed unless it is for a religious/ceremonial reason: tattoos (permanent or temporary), henna, piercings (ears/nose are ok with exceptions), and stick-on false nails. Acrylic nails must be kept at a short length.

  • Jewelry: Small to medium-sized earrings (studs, hoops, small dangles) are generally permissible. Jewelry deemed excessively large, heavy, or those that could easily be snagged or pulled (especially in physical education or lab settings) are discouraged for safety reasons.

School Spirit Days and Dollar Dress Days

Themed Days: Students can dress according to a given theme (e.g., Pajama Day) Red Ribbon Week, etc.  


Dollar dress day/ Free Dress Day: Students can donate to the monthly cause and wear clothing of their choosing that follows the outlined dress code above, minus the collar requirement. Dollar Dress Day is not mandatory but a fun way to give back to the community.   Proceeds from the Dollar Dress Days will benefit outside organizations, Valley Life Charter School students, or community agencies/charities. For free dress days, students should follow all applicable dress code guidelines, but are not required to wear a polo. 


School Spirit Days:  Will be every Friday. Students may wear VLCS Spirit wear or other shirts  earned by participating in a VLCS event, such as the OSB, Field Trips, VAPA, Peach Blossom, or other school events or they need to be in dress code with a collared shirt.

*Apparel, jewelry, accessories, or manner of grooming that, by virtue of its color, arrangement, trademark or any other attribute, denotes membership in a gang that advocates illegal or disruptive behavior is prohibited. Clothing used to show political affiliation,sex, alcohol, drugs, or inappropriate activity is prohibited;  

Students will only be removed from spaces, hallways, or classrooms as a result of a dress code violation as outlined above. Students in violation of the dress code will be provided three options to be dressed more to code during the school day: 

○ Students will be asked to put on their own alternative clothing, if already available at school, to be dressed more to code for the remainder of the day.

 ○ Students will be provided with temporary school clothing to be dressed more to code for the remainder of the day, if available. 

○ If necessary, students’ parents may be called during the school day to bring alternative clothing for the student to wear for the remainder of the day.