Christian Education Alliance

We recognize that standards of dress vary greatly among families, but our goal is that our students develop a desire to dress in a manner that would be pleasing to God.  While opinions about dress may vary among even Christians, our goal is to teach our students the importance of modesty and restraint with regard to their outward appearance.  Clothes, accessories, and jewelry must not be a distraction or hindrance to the learning process.  Children should avoid drawing attention to themselves via fashions or hair style.  We believe that our clothing is a reflection of our heart, and as a result, modesty is important to our Lord and Savior.  We ask parents to review the dress code at the beginning of each year to ensure that their children comply with it. Please monitor your child’s clothing and accessories to avoid taking up our teachers’ time and possibly embarrassing your child.

Students are required to be clean, neat, and modest in appearance. C.E.A. has established the following standards which are to be met before, during, and after school:

• A student’s mid-section (front or back) should not show at any time including when sitting, standing, bending over or reaching.
• Students are required to be clean, neat, and modest in appearance.  The student’s attire must comply with the dress code upon arrival to campus, even in the parking lot, and must continue to comply until they leave the property after dismissal.
• Tight fitting clothing which draws attention to the body is not permitted.
• Baggy clothing appearing sloppy or dragging the ground is not permitted.
• T-shirts and sleeveless shirts/blouses are not permitted.  Acceptable shirts should not have pictures, numbers, words, printing or a logo greater than one inch in diameter.  C.E.A. Key Club T-shirts may be worn on All-Club Wednesdays.
• Female: Sleeves on blouses are defined as, at the least, draping over the shoulder with no visible bra straps above or beneath. In keeping with our goal of modesty, girls with shirts that gap or are cut too low will be asked to check out an undershirt provided by the office.
• Male:  Students are to wear nice shirts, preferably with collars.  Shirts should be tucked in, with a belt, unless they are banded such as sweaters.
• Slacks and jeans must be neat and presentable (no pajama-style slacks; no patchwork or frayed clothes with holes, tears, ragged edges, etc.)
• A student’s mid-section (front or back) should not show at any time including when sitting, standing, bending over or reaching.
• Male students may wear knee-length, tailored shorts, but not “cut-offs.” Female students may wear nice capri or below the knee pants as long as they are not tight fitting.
• Dresses/skirts must be knee length or below. Longer dresses and skirts having slits must not have the opening higher than the top of the knee.
• Casual athletic clothing (sweatshirt material) in any attire, is not permitted.
• Students may wear up to two rings per hand, a watch and one bracelet; girls may wear no more than two necklaces and one pair of small earrings in the earlobe with a length no greater than one inch. Anklets and toe rings are not permitted. Boys are not permitted to wear jewelry which has traditionally been considered “feminine,” i.e. earrings, necklaces, with the exception of a cross or Christian necklace.
• Hair must be clean, combed, and neatly kept; no “extreme” hairstyles designed to draw attention to the individual are permitted. Female middle school and high school students wishing to lightly highlight their hair are free to do so, but parents should understand that “extreme” changes will not be permitted. Male students are not permitted to highlight/color their hair.  Boys’ hair must be off the collar, off the ears, and above the eye brows.  Facial hair is not permitted and side burns should not extend below the earlobe.
• Make-up is not permitted for students in 3rd through 6th grades.  Older girls are permitted to wear make-up if it is lightly applied. Again, no extremes are permitted.
• Rubber or plastic flip flops with one strap on each side of the foot are not permitted.
• Sunglasses, hats, and bandanas are not to be worn.
• If in doubt, have the clothing item approved before wearing.

Challenging guidelines or boundaries is a temptation that we all face at times.  Parents, it is critical that you reinforce with your children the need for all of us—students and adults alike—to have and to respond to boundaries established by authorities.  Don’t let your children be distracted by the minor issues of which guidelines are set and how they were determined.  Remind them that, as Christians, we are asked to not use our freedom for ourselves, but to “through love, serve one another.’ (Galatians 5:13).  Please use the dress code as a springboard for discussion of these and other character issues (respect for and submission to authorities, importance of maintaining a proper attitude at all times, etc.)  Be pro-active in using this and all opportunities to teach your child Christ-like character.  This is why C.E.A. exists.  While we recognize that tastes in various areas such as dress occur, we are confident the Lord is pleased when we teach our children proper response to such differences of opinion. Thank you for your support in this important area!

NOTE: Any changes in dress requirements (i.e, “Crazy Day,” etc.) will be established by the Board.  In the case of after-school parties and field trips, students are permitted to wear the C.E.A. “spirit shirt” and other apparel that is modest, in good taste, and consistent with a Christian testimony.