Dress Code & Expectations

Student leaning against one of the columns in front of the school

Whitfield expects that students dress in way that prepares them for the school day or any school-sponsored activities or events. Further, as members and representatives of the Whitfield community, students are encouraged to express their own unique identities with the understanding that they also need to positively reflect the shared mission and values of the school community.

DRESS CODE: A REFLECTION OF OUR VALUES

At Whitfield, we believe that student attire should reflect both personal expression and pride in being part of our school community. Our dress code encourages students to dress in a way that prepares them for learning and school-sponsored activities, while positively representing Whitfield's mission and values.

We value individuality and understand that students express themselves through their clothing. At the same time, we expect students to follow attire guidelines that ensure a respectful, inclusive, and productive learning environment. Below are the key principles of Whitfield’s dress code:

Core Values

  • Respect & Inclusivity: All students should feel safe and respected without fear of body shaming or discrimination. Religious, cultural, and identity-based attire is welcomed, and our dress code enforcement promotes dignity for all.
  • Readiness to Learn: A student's attire should support their focus on learning without causing distractions or disruptions for others.
  • Task-Specific Attire: Students should dress appropriately for the activities they engage in, whether it's academic classes, physical education, or special events.

Dress Code Guidelines

  1. Basic Coverage:

  • Shirts must cover to the waist, and sleeveless tops are acceptable with straps. Midriffs, cleavage, and undergarments should not be visible.

  • Pants, shorts, and skirts must be worn at the waist, fully covering hips and buttocks.

  • Opaque fabric must cover areas typically concealed by underwear.

  1. Dressing for the Occasion:

  • Physical Education & Athletics: Students must bring a change of clothes for PE and practices, including athletic tops, bottoms, and closed-toe shoes.

  • Special Events: For events such as the Awards Assembly, Graduation, and Grandfriends Day, students are expected to wear more formal attire appropriate for the occasion.

  • Presentations & Exhibitions: Students are encouraged to dress professionally for presentations to support the seriousness of the task.​​​​​​​

  • Science Labs: Closed-toe shoes and appropriately fitting clothing are required for safety.

Preparing properly for a specific task or event includes a student’s choice of attire. For example, students should dress up for events (i.e. Grandparents Day) or presentations, wear closed-toe shoes when necessary for a lab or an extracurricular activity, have proper PE clothes or uniform for athletic activities, etc.

DRESS CODE OVERVIEW