Dress Code

We recognize that standards of dress may vary greatly, even among Christians. However, our goal is to encourage modesty and restraint so that clothing, accessories, and jewelry are not a distraction to the learning process.  Students should avoid drawing attention to themselves via fashions or hairstyle.  We ask parents to review the dress code at the beginning of each year and ensure that their children comply with it.  Dress Code infractions may result in a phone call to the parent requesting that a change of clothing be brought up to the school. 

C.E.A. has established the following standards: 

  • 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.  For example, skinny jeans are generally too form- fitting for C.E.A. attire.   
  • Baggy clothing appearing sloppy or dragging the ground is not permitted.  Sagging jeans pulled down to the hips are not allowed. 
  • Boys are asked to keep their shirts tucked in with a belt, with the exception of t-shirts and banded sweaters.  
  • Students may wear nice, non-screen printed t-shirts, which are void of numbers, pictures, letters, or logos larger than approximately an inch. In other words, solid color t-shirts, tie-dyed t’s, t-shirts with stripes, etc., are acceptable.  C.E.A. “Spirit Shirts” and C.E.A. Key Club t-shirts may be worn any day of the week. Since modesty is our primary goal we ask that you please retire any form-fitting t-shirts.  
  • Female: Sleeves must drape over the shoulder. No bra straps are to be visible above (in the neckline area) 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. 
  • A student’s mid-section (front or back) should not show at any time, including when sitting, standing, bending over or reaching. 
  • Slacks and jeans must be neat and presentable (no pajama-style slacks; no patchwork or frayed clothes with holes, tears, ragged edges, etc.) 
  • 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 at the top of the knee or longer.  Dresses and skirts having slits must not have the opening higher than the top of the knee. Leggings may be worn under skirts, but skirt length must remain at the top of the knee or below. 
  • Casual athletic clothing in any attire is not permitted (i.e., gym shorts, sweats, soccer shorts, etc.) 
  • Students are asked to keep their jewelry choices simple and minimal. Students may wear up to two rings per hand, a watch, and one bracelet; girls may up to two necklaces and one pair of small earrings in the earlobe.  Anklets and toe rings are not permitted.  Boys are not permitted to wear earrings or 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 eyebrows.  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.
  • For pool parties, one-piece swimsuits or modest “tankinis” are to be worn by female students.  Out of respect for differing family standards, mixed company swim parties will also require that both female and male students wear t-shirts or tank tops over their swimwear.
  • C.E.A. dress code should be followed at all C.E.A. events, including field trips and socials, unless otherwise communicated. 

Challenging guidelines or boundaries is a temptation most individuals face at times. When it comes to clothing, jewelry choices, and hairstyles, we recognize that preferences vary considerably. However, upon enrollment at C.E.A., families agree to comply with the program’s defined guidelines. 

The dress code is a springboard for discussions with your child(ren) regarding respect and submission to authorities. We emphasize not only compliance, but the importance of maintaining a proper and positive attitude while doing so. Students’ respect for established rules and their willingness to submit to authority speaks volumes about their maturity as a Christian.