Dress Code

Pre-Kindergarten through 8th Grade

Dress Code Policy (4-Year-Old Pre-Kindergarten - 8^th grade)
Our school dress code is designed to provide options for school-appropriate clothing while creating an equitable, modest, disciplined, minimally distracting learning environment consistent with the values of Catholic schooling. We depend on parent cooperation in the enforcement of our dress code and thank you for your continued support. Consistent with our Family Handbook, students will be subject to our discipline policy for their respective grade if in violation. Any deviation to our dress code will be left to the discretion of our teaching staff which may result in a phone call to the parent and require an appropriate change of attire be brought to the school office.

 
MASS DAY DRESS CODE:

At Ave Maria Academy, we cherish our traditions and values, and one of the ways we express these is through our attire on Mass days. We believe that dressing respectfully for Mass not only honors our faith, but also sets a positive example for our students. Please see below for our polic.

• Girls: Khaki bottoms and plain or AMA logo white or navy blue polo top, plain socks and solid white, black, blue or brown shoes.

• Boys: Khaki bottoms and plain or AMA logo white or navy blue polo top, plain socks and solid white, black, blue or brown shoes.
  
  

SHIRTS:

Shirts must be tucked in at all times unless it is a girl’s banded-bottom style. “Brand” logos (Under Armor, Ralph Lauren, etc.) will not be permitted. 

• Plain, solid polo shirts in white, navy, or light blue 

• Plain, athletic-style, moisture-wicking, collared shirt in white, navy, or light blue. 

• Plain banded bottom polo shirts in white, navy, or light blue (girls – does not need to be tucked in). 

• Oxford style shirts in solid white or light blue 

• Shirts may not be doubled

SWEATERS: 

• Plain neck crew, vest or cardigan button style knit in white or navy blue 

• Sweaters of all types should not be oversized or form-fitting.
   

GYM ATTIRE: 

• Plain or Ave Maria Academy logo gray t-shirt or sweatshirt (no hoodie).  

• Plain or Ave Maria Academy logo black athletic pants or seasonal plain black fingertip length shorts. NO other logos, volleyball shorts, spandex, or yoga pants. No stripes. 

• Plain ankle cut tennis shoes in solid white or solid black with no-skid soles. 
  
  The gym uniform should be worn on the appropriate gym day.

  Ave Maria Academy gym wear will be available from Ave Maria PTG/AA. 

HOODIES and JACKETS:

•  All hoodies, sweatshirts, and jackets are considered outerwear and should not be worn during school hours. Crewnecks and quarter-zips that are AMA-branded or solid gray in color are acceptable dress code attire during the day.

PANTS: 

• Dockers-style pants in khaki or navy blue. No rivets, double stitching on seams, or jeans-type back pockets. No yoga pants!

• A brown, navy, or black buckled waist level belt must be worn with pants.  Velcro and magnetic belts may be worn by younger children. 

SHORTS: 

• Worn in August, September, October, April, May, and June 

• Dockers-style shorts in khaki or navy blue. No rivets, double stitching on seams, or jeans type back pockets. 

• A brown, navy, or black buckled waist level belt must be worn with shorts. Velcro and magnetic belts may be worn by younger children. 

• Shorts should be no more than 2” above the knee or not below the knee. 

SPECIFIC TO GIRLS ONLY: 
Skirts/skorts 

• Skirts or skorts in khaki or navy.  If your daughter wears a skirt, please be sure to have her wear shorts underneath so she can use playground equipment.   

• Skirts and skorts should be no more than 2” above the knee and not below the knee. 

Jumpers/Polo Dresses

• Girls in grades K-3 are also permitted to wear a plain khaki, plain navy jumper in place of the skirt/skort. If your daughter wears a jumper, please be sure to have her wear shorts underneath so she can use playground equipment.

• Plain navy polo dresses may also be worn by girls in grades K-3.
  
  SHOES: 

• Shoes must have backs and closed toes.
• Plain brown (solid in color), black (solid in color), or navy (solid in color) leather or leather type of shoe, No heels.
• Brown/tan (one solid color) boat shoes are allowed.
• Plain ankle cut tennis shoes in solid white or solid black with no skid soles. The top of the tennis shoe should not exceed the ankle bone.
• Name brand shoes MUST have the logo in the same (exact) color as the shoe.
• No adornments or embellishments of any kind. Laces must match tennis shoes.
• Velcro closure tennis shoes are acceptable for younger children.
• All boots (shoe type, leather, suede, suede, faux suede, rain, snow, etc.) are considered outerwear and should not be worn during school hours. No UGGS.

SOCKS:

Girls – solid color ankle or calf-length socks, opaque tights, and cable knit tights or knee-high socks in white or navy. Socks should not have designs, logos, or patterns. 
Boys – solid color white, navy, or black ankle or calf length. Socks should not have designs, logos, or patterns. 

Cosmetics, Jewelry, Decorative Accompaniments, and Hygiene: 

• Girls in grades 7 and 8 may wear very light face make-up such as foundation or lip gloss. Eye make-up is not permitted. 

• Clear nail polish only. 

• Proper hygiene and personal neatness are required at all times. 

• Hairstyles should allow for clear classroom vision. Boys’ hair should not exceed ear length. 

• Hairstyles that are designed to make a statement (such as purple or pink hair) are not allowed. 

• Girls are permitted to wear one set of small stud earrings, a watch, and a small single strand necklace in gold/silver with a crucifix or medal.

• Boys are permitted to wear a watch and one small single strand neck chain with a crucifix or a medal.

• Jewelry that is ostentatious or is intended to make a statement is not permitted.  

• Temporary tattoos and face paint are not permitted.  Please remove them before coming to school.  

Smart Watches and/or Cell Phones:

Cell phones, smartwatches, and sports trackers must be turned off and stored in the student’s locker and are not permitted in class or at recess. Parents who need to reach their children should communicate with them through the school office. Students may wear watches that are not internet-connected.

Pro 3 Services (formerly Educational Outfitters), 2101 Greentree Road (412-279-1102 / Pro3services.com) provides uniform items for Ave Maria Academy. Gym Uniforms may be purchased through Pro 3 Services. School Uniforms can be purchased through Pro 3 Services. With the ability to purchase some school uniform clothing in various stores, select styles/colors will vary slightly and not all items purchased at local stores may be acceptable. Pro 3 Services carries all acceptable uniform items for Ave Maria Academy. 

Dress Down Day Attire

Throughout the school year, there may be special “dress down days” to celebrate or recognize certain activities either outside of or inside of the school.  Students do not have to participate in these days.
The following articles of clothing are NOT PERMITTED on these special dress down days:

• Ragged, torn, ripped, or clothing with holes (jeans/tops/shorts)

• Sleeveless shirts, halter tops, sheer material, spaghetti straps, tank tops

• Cargo pants, Yoga pants, cut-off jeans, Spandex, leggings WITHOUT a long shirt, caps, hats, or Crocs

• Low necklines, front or back

• Shirts with any pictures or words advertising or referring to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or sexual situations or double meaning words

• Shorts are not to be shorter than approximately two inches above the knee

The staff will have the final say on acceptable dress.