At Monarch Academy, we believe that school uniforms play a vital role in fostering a positive learning environment. Research consistently demonstrates that schools with uniform policies often experience stronger school culture and improved student academic performance. To uphold these benefits, we have established clear dress code guidelines, designed to ensure an orderly atmosphere conducive to focused learning. We encourage all our students to dress for success, and we appreciate parents’ cooperation in adhering to these standards. Students arriving at school in violation of the uniform policy will be provided with clean, appropriate clothing from our school stock or asked to contact a parent for a change of clothes. The detailed uniform guidelines are outlined below.
Basic Uniform Requirements
For every regular school day, all students are expected to wear the basic Monarch uniform, which includes the following items:
- Pants, Shorts, Skirts, and Skorts: These items should be khaki-colored, ranging from light khaki to brown tones. Denim and navy blue fabrics are not permitted. Pants must be a uniform style, excluding cargo pants or “skinny” pants.
- Dresses and Jumpers: One-piece dresses or jumpers are acceptable in either khaki or navy blue. Leggings worn underneath dresses or jumpers should be white, beige, navy, black, or brown.
- Shirts: Polo shirts, both short and long-sleeved, are required. Navy blue is the preferred color, followed by white or light blue. Only the Monarch Academy logo is permitted on shirts. Long-sleeve turtleneck or crew neck shirts in navy blue (preferred), white, or light blue are also allowed. Navy blue, white, or light blue oxford shirts are acceptable as well. The Wingspan navy blue t-shirt is also part of the uniform options. Ties are optional.
- Footwear: Socks in white, beige, navy, black, or brown are required. Tights in the same color palette are also permitted. Shoes must be closed-toe and can be any color or style, provided they meet the following criteria:
- Uppers made of canvas, leather, or synthetic leather.
- Soft-soled rubber bottoms for comfort and safety.
- Fastenings such as laces, Velcro closures, or elastic pulls to ensure secure fit.
- Boots are allowed but must be covered by pant legs; pants should not be tucked into boots.
- Shoes must not have lights or wheels. Both low-top and high-top shoes are acceptable, but they should not extend higher than the ankle.
Acceptable Additional Items (Indoor Wear)
In addition to the basic Monarch Uniforms, students may wear the following items indoors as needed:
- Sweaters: Sweaters, with or without a hood, must be navy blue. Only Monarch Academy designs are permitted on sweaters.
- Sweatshirts: Sweatshirts, with or without a hood, must be navy blue. Similar to sweaters, only Monarch Academy designs are allowed.
- Layers: During colder periods, students can layer shirts for warmth. All layered items must be navy blue (preferred), white, or light blue, and should not feature designs other than the Monarch Academy logo.
Items Not Permitted as Part of the Uniform
Certain garments are not considered part of the Monarch school uniform and are not to be worn in classrooms without explicit permission:
- Logo sweatshirts (other than approved Monarch Academy designs)
- Sweatpants, jeans, or leggings worn as uniform pants substitutes
- T-shirts (except for the designated Wingspan t-shirt)
- Cargo pants with side pockets
- Sweatpants
- Skinny jeans
- Flip flops, open-toed sandals, high-heeled shoes, or any footwear that lights up or has wheels.
Winter Wear
During winter months, snow boots can be worn to school for outdoor protection. However, uniform pants must be worn over snow boots; pants should not be tucked inside.
General Expectations
We expect all Monarch Academy students to come to school dressed in clothing that is clean, neat, and appropriate for a serious learning environment. Shorts, skirts, and skirt slits should be no more than 2 inches above the knee to maintain modesty and professionalism. Furthermore, upon entering the school building, students are required to remove sunglasses, excessive jewelry, coats, hats, caps, knit hats, bandannas, and outdoor headgear (such as wool headbands). If headgear is repeatedly worn inside the building, it may be confiscated and kept in the office for parental collection.
We strongly believe in the importance of balancing physical and mental activity, and outdoor time for students. Throughout the year, students will participate in outdoor activities, weather permitting (unless it is raining or temperatures are extreme). Please ensure your child is provided with climate-appropriate outerwear and sunscreen as necessary. Snow pants, boots, gloves, hats, and scarves can be stored at school during the winter season for convenience.
