The aim of the dress code is to create an appropriate academic climate. The school believes that standards of neatness and appropriateness in clothing encourage an atmosphere conducive to learning, work and discipline. Furthermore, it is felt that pride in one’s school and oneself is, in part, influenced by appearance. All clothing worn to school must be in good repair.
Recognizing the ever-changing nature of fashion, the school reserves the right to make decisions about the appropriateness of specific clothing and appearance not covered below. The school will not deem appropriate any expressions such as unconventional use of hair coloring, adornments or immodest attire. The cooperation of parents and students in adhering to the letter and the spirit of the code is both expected and appreciated. Students not in dress code will be asked to change into appropriate clothing kept in the office before returning to class.
Students are expected to be in dress code from the time they enter the school building in the morning until the end of work crew in the afternoon.
Appropriate Dress — Boys
- Casual dress pants (no cargo-style pants)
- Dress shorts (after spring break to November 1; no more than four inches above the knee)
- Dress shirts with collar; knit shirts (polo/golf style) with collar; or turtlenecks with full fold-over collars (shirts of all kinds must be tucked in)
- V-neck, crew-neck or cardigan sweaters (no hoods) over a collared shirt (shirt collars must be visible)
- Sweatshirts (no hoods) over a collared shirt
- Shoes, sneakers or dress sandals (no flip-flops or athletics sandals)
Appropriate Dress — Girls
- Slacks or capris
- Skirts, dresses or jumpers (no more than four inches above the knee); collars on dresses are not required)
- Dress shorts (after spring break to November 1; no more than four inches above the knee, front and back)
- Dress shirts with collar; knit shirts (polo/golf style) with collar; or turtlenecks with full fold-over collars (shirts of all kinds must be tucked in)
- V-neck, crew-neck or cardigan sweaters (no hoods) over a collared shirt (shirt collars must be visible)
- Sweatshirts over a collared shirt (no hoods)
- Shoes, sneakers or dress sandals (no flip-flops or athletics sandals)
Inappropriate Dress
The following are considered inappropriate dress: sundresses or spaghetti-strap dresses; shorts, dresses, jumpers or skirts shorter than four inches above the knee; frayed or fringed skirts; athletics shorts; blue jeans or denim skirts; sweatpants or warm-up suits; tank tops; any shirts without fold-over collars; T-shirts or athletics jerseys, including over collared shirts; hooded sweatshirts or sweaters; apparel that does not cover the midriff or undergarments; jean jackets; hats or headwear of any type; no jackets may be worn during the school day; cargo-style pants or shorts; athletic sandals or any flip-flop style of sandals.
PE Clothing
Students should wear modest clothing to PE. In particular, PE shorts must be no shorter than 4” above the knee.
Wednesday Dress
Wednesdays are special at Canterbury. Wednesday dress in High School consists of a light blue, white, yellow or pink, long- or short-sleeved, button-down, collared oxford cloth shirt. In cooler weather, boys or girls may elect to wear a navy blue or white V-neck or crew-neck sweater over their dress shirt.
Boys will wear khaki or navy dress pants, and girls will wear khaki or navy slacks or skirts. Until November 1 and after spring break, students may wear khaki or navy dress shorts. All students must wear belts with slacks or shorts.
Student Council Dress-Down Days
On the first Friday of each month, students may be granted a dress-down day. On these days, students may wear T-shirts or sweatshirts and jeans so long as they are appropriate and in good repair. The granting of dress-down days will be dependent upon compliance with the dress code on days when regular dress code and Wednesday dress are required.
Jewelry and Piercings
Students may only wear jewelry in piercings of the ears.
Jewelry worn in piercings of the nose or other parts of the face is not allowed.
Facial Hair
Boys are expected to come to school clean shaven – no mustaches, goatees or beards.
