Proper grooming must be taught with other rules of manners and morals. A dress code is conducive to good study habits. Because GCS is a model school for visiting educators, pastors, and other dignitaries, submission to the dress code is imperative. In addition, discipline problems regarding dress are time-consuming and rob students of instructional opportunities. The quality of his/her appearance upgrades the student’s attitude toward self, environment, and responsibility. Parents are responsible to see that students are following the dress code at all times.
Please refer to the following pages for information regarding the student dress code. If questions arise concerning personal grooming, the staff and administration will be happy to assist the family. The Elementary or Secondary Principal shall make the final decision on all questions relating to dress code and hair.
Dress Code For Field Trips (Elementary Students Only)
Throughout the school year, the student’s class may take field trips to various sites. As a rule, standard school dress code is required for all field trips. However, depending on the nature of the field trip, other clothing, such as field trip t-shirts, may be appropriate, in which case you and your child will be notified.
| Week Day | Elementary | Secondary |
| • Monday | Prep Casual | Prep Casual |
| • Tuesday | Prep Casual | Prep Casual |
| • Wednesday | Chapel Dress | Prep Casual |
| • Thursday | Prep Casual | Prep Casual |
| • Friday | Prep Casual | Chapel Dress |
Chapel Dress is to be worn on chapel days. Oxford shirt, skirts, athletic shoes (elementary students only), chapel shoes (secondary students only) must be worn on chapel day. Females may wear slacks (4 pockets only) or skirts on chapel days. Elementary students may wear shorts on chapel days. No sweatshirts allowed in chapel.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Parents, we strongly urge you to put your child’s name in all pieces of clothing (i.e. P.E. uniforms, shoes, etc.). If lost, this will help get your child’s lost clothing returned.
Dress Code Violation Policy (Secondary Students Only)
The dress code violation policy runs on a 9-week cycle.
• 1st violation - Warning to student
• 2nd violation - Warning letter sent to parents
• 3rd violation - Assigned to Detention after school
• 4th violation - Assigned to Detention after school
• 5th violation - 2 Detentions
• 6th violation - 3 Detentions
• 7th violation - 1 day of suspension
| Clothes | Style | Colors | Guidelines |
| BLOUSES - Chapel dress | Oxford weave or cotton blend with short or long sleeves | Solid colors ONLY | Shirt tails must be tucked in at all times. No form-fitting or midriff revealing shirts allowed. An additional layer may be worn underneath, but must be a solid color with no graphics/print. |
| SHIRTS - Prep Casual | Polo-knit w/collar with short or long sleeves | Solid colors ONLY | Shirt tails must be tucked in at all times. No form-fitting or midriff revealing shirts allowed. An additional layer may be worn underneath, but must be a solid color with no graphics/print. Shirts with small clothing company logos allowed. Not to be worn on chapel days. |
| SWEATERS | Vest, long or short sleeved, crewneck, v/neck, or cardigan | Solid colors ONLY | Not formfitting. Worn over GCS dress code shirt for warmth. |
| SWEATSHIRTS | GCS sweatshirts only | Not formfitting. Worn over GCS dress code shirt for warmth. NO SWEATSHIRTS IN CHAPEL. | |
| SKIRTS-JUMPERS | Pleated | Solid navy, khaki, black, brown or GCS plaid | Skirt length must reach the top of the knee when standing. No straight or slit skirts. No zipper fronts. Shorts or leggings must be worn under skirts and jumpers for modesty in K4-5th grade (recommended for secondary). NO LOW RISE. |
| SKORTS | K4-2nd grade ONLY | Solid navy, khaki, black, brown or GCS plaid | Skirt length must reach the top of the knee when standing. No zipper fronts. |
| SOCKS | Tights crew, ankle, knee high, or quarter | Any color | Socks or tights must be worn at all times for health and safety reasons, must be able to show without removing the shoe and must cover entire sole of foot. Cotton tights are suggested for winter. |
| SHOES - Daily and P.E. | Athletic | Non-offensive graphics or wording | Non-marking soles only. High-tops are strongly recommended for basketball players. No shoes with electronic sounds, wheels, or rollers. P.E. shoes must be worn during P.E. classes, even on chapel days. No Crocs or boots. |
| SHOES - Chapel shoes required for secondary, optional for elementary. | Dress shoes or low heeled loafers | No faddish colors | No sandals, open toe, backless type shoes, clogs, boots or Crocs. |
| SLACKS | Properly fitting Dockers-style | Solid navy, Khaki, black or brown | Slacks must have belt loops and be worn with a belt. No corduroy. No baggy outside pockets. K4-K5 are encouraged to wear elastic waistbands (4 pockets only). No frayed hems. NO LOW RISE. |
| SHORTS | Walking Shorts | Solid navy, Khaki, black or brown | Shorts must be no shorter than 3 in. above the knee. K4-K5 are encouraged to wear elastic waistbands. No baggy outside pockets. (4 pockets only). No frayed hems. NO LOW RISE. |
| BELTS (K4 & K5 belts not required) | Traditional leather type, canvas or cloth | Solid colors ONLY | Belts must be worn. No fringe, chain or studded belts allowed. |
| COATS & JACKETS | Modest style and in good taste | May not be worn in the classroom. Must be kept in the lockers. | |
| HAIR | Modest style and in good taste | Natural | Girl’s hair is to be of a modest style and in good taste. No spiked, shaved, semi-shaved, or multi-colored hair. In general, any unusual cut or color, as determined by the administration will not be allowed. Faddish extremes will not be tolerated. |
| JEWELRY | Modest style and in good taste | No more than one necklace and no more than one earring per ear is allowed. Body/Facial piercing jewelry/spacers are not acceptable. No tattoos (temporary or permanent). | |
| MAKE-UP | Not Permitted Elementary | ||
| Modest - Secondary | Not Permitted in elementary. Make-up must be moderate and in good taste for secondary girls. | ||
| AFTER SCHOOL (Elementary Only) | Reasonable play clothes are allowed in after school care. |
Dress Code items may be purchased from retailers such as JC Penney’s, Dillard’s, Sears, Academy, Wal-Mart, Target, and local consignment shops.
Items in Grace plaid can be purchased from either C & J Uniform Shop or local consignment shops.
*All references to khaki should be understood to mean beige and not green.
Unacceptable Dress For Girls
• jean material in skirts, slacks, shorts, blouses, or jumpers
• sweatshirts that are not GCS or flannel shirts
• skorts (allowed for K4-2nd grade only)
• any clothes not listed
• hats
• bandanas
• leg warmers
• buttons or pins on clothes which are not school related
• gloves or sunglasses during school hours
• form fitting, midriff revealing or untucked shirts
• tattoos (temporary or permanent), body/facial piercing jewelry/spacers
• any item deemed inappropriate by administration
Girls must always wear appropriate undergarments, socks, and shoes at all times.
PLEASE ALSO NOTE: ALL SLEEVES MUST BE EITHER LONG OR SHORT.
Free Dress Days
On designated days, students may wear clothes of their choice within the following guidelines. Jeans and pants must be without rips, tears, frays and be in overall good repair. Shirts should not contain inappropriate language or sentiments. Capris, jeans and knee-length shorts are acceptable; skirts are not. All shirts and blouses must be appropriate and modest: no sleeveless, low-cut or midriff revealing tops. A variety of belts may be worn as long as the student is wearing a belt. No athletic shorts, pants, sweats or sleepware will be allowed. In the event that any clothing item is deemed inappropriate by the administration, corrective measures will be taken which may include a phone call to parents requiring appropriate clothing to be delivered.
Spirit Day Dress
On Spirit Days, students may wear jeans without rips, tears, frays and in overall good repair and the Grace shirt related to the event. If a student does not have or chooses not to wear the appropriate Grace shirt, they need to be in regular dress code.
Senior Privilege Dress Code for Girls (Juniors have this privilege on Mondays)
NOTE: The following dress code applies to SENIORS ONLY on Prep Casual Days
Appropriate: Skirts, Slacks, Shorts, Cargo Pants, Khakis, Sweaters, Blouses
All colors are acceptable
Must be solid colors, not stripes or plaids
Company logos, such as Polo, Hilfiger, etc. are acceptable as long as they are applied by the company making the blouse or shirt
Same shoes as previously described
A variety of belts can be worn, as long as the student has on a belt
Socks must be worn – student’s preference
Seniors are not required to tuck their shirts.
Inappropriate: Blue jeans, T-shirts, Sweats, Spaghetti Straps, Hats/Caps, Chains, Flip flops, Logos applied by the student. Anything offensive or that hints of an immoral or rebellious nature attached to the clothing. It is unacceptable to wear clothing to school that exposes the stomach or lower back, even though this has become very popular.
In general, follow the same guidelines as now regarding what is appropriate morally as it relates to the tightness of the clothing and the unnecessary or provocative exposure of the body.
| Clothes | Style | Colors | Guidelines |
| SHIRTS - Chapel dress | Oxford weave or cotton blend with short or long sleeves | Solid colors ONLY | Shirt tails must be tucked in at all times. No tight-fitting shirts allowed. An additional layer may be worn underneath, but must be a solid color with no graphics/print. Shirts with small clothing company logos allowed. |
| SHIRTS - Prep Casual | Polo-knit w/collar with short or long sleeves | Solid colors ONLY | Shirt tails must be tucked in at all times. No tight-fitting shirts allowed. An additional layer may be worn underneath, but must be a solid color with no graphics/print. Shirts with small clothing company logos allowed. Not to be worn on chapel days. |
| SWEATERS | Vest, long or short sleeved, crewneck, v/neck, or cardigan | Solid colors ONLY | Worn over GCS dress code shirt for warmth. Not tight fitting or midriff revealing. |
| SWEATSHIRTS | GCS sweatshirts only | Worn over GCS dress code shirt for warmth. NO SWEATSHIRTS IN CHAPEL. | |
| SOCKS | Tights crew, ankle, knee high, or quarter | Any color | Socks must be worn at all times for health and safety reasons, must be able to show without removing the shoe and must cover entire sole of foot. |
| SHOES - Daily and P.E. | Athletic | Non-offensive graphics or wording | Non-marking soles only. High-tops are strongly recommended for basketball players. No shoes with electronic sounds, wheels, or rollers. P.E. shoes must be worn during P.E. classes, even on chapel days. No Crocs or boots. |
| SHOES - Chapel shoes required for secondary, optional for elementary. | Any low heeled loafer or tie dress shoes. | Non-offensive graphics or wording | No sandals, open toe, backless type shoes, clogs or Crocs. |
| SLACKS | Properly fitting Dockers-style | Solid navy, Khaki, black or brown | Slacks must have belt loops and be worn with a belt. No corduroy. No baggy outside pockets (4 pockets only). K4-K5 are encouraged to wear elastic waistbands. No frayed hems. NO LOW RISE. |
| SHORTS | Walking Shorts | Solid navy, Khaki, black or brown | Shorts must be no shorter than 3 in. above the knee. Belts must be worn. Shorts must be worn at the waist. No baggy outside pockets. (4 pockets only). K4-K5 are encouraged to wear elastic waistbands. No frayed hems. NO LOW RISE. |
| BELTS (K4 & K5 belts not required) | Traditional leather type, canvas or cloth | Solid colors ONLY | Belts must be worn. No fringe, chain or studded belts allowed. |
| COATS & JACKETS | Modest style and in good taste | May not be worn in the classroom. Must be kept in the lockers. | |
| HAIR | Modest style and in good taste | Natural | No spiked, tails, Mohawks, shaved, semi-shaved, or colored hair. Hair length is to be no longer than the top of the ear and the top of the collar. In general, any unusual cut or color, as determined by the administration will not be allowed. Faddish extremes will not be tolerated. |
| JEWELRY | Modest style and in good taste | No more than one necklace or bracelet at a time. No earrings. Body/Facial piercing jewelry/spacers are not acceptable. No tattoos (temporary or permanent). | |
| AFTER SCHOOL (Elementary Only) | Reasonable play clothes are allowed in after school care. |
Dress code items may be purchased from retailers such as JC Penney, Dillard’s, Sears, Academy, Wal-Mart, Target, and local consignment shops.
*All references to khaki should be understood to mean beige and not green.
Unacceptable Dress For Boys
• jean material in slacks, shorts, or shirts
• sweatshirts that are not GCS or flannel shirts
• any clothes not listed
• hats
• bandanas
• buttons or pins on clothes which are not school related
• gloves or sunglasses during school hours
• any item deemed inappropriate by administration
• tight-fitting or untucked shirts
• tattoos (temporary or permanent), body/facial piercing jewelry/spacers
• any item deemed inappropriate by administration
PLEASE ALSO NOTE: ALL SLEEVES MUST BE EITHER LONG OR SHORT.
Free Dress Days
On designated days, students may wear clothes of their choice within the following guidelines. Jeans and pants must be without rips, tears, frays and be in overall good repair. Shirts should not contain inappropriate language or sentiments. Capris, jeans and knee-length shorts are acceptable; skirts are not. All shirts and blouses must be appropriate and modest: no sleeveless, low-cut or midriff revealing tops. In the event that any clothing item is deemed inappropriate by the administration, corrective measures will be taken which may include a phone call to parents requiring approproate clothing to be delivered.
Spirit Day Dress
On Spirit Days, students may wear jeans without rips, tears, frays and be in overall good repair and the Grace shirt related to the event. If a student does not have or chooses not to wear the approproate Grace shirt, they need to be in regular dress code.
Senior Privilege Dress Code for Boys (Juniors have this privilege on Mondays)
NOTE: The following dress code applies to SENIORS ONLY on Prep Casual Days
Appropriate: Slacks, Shorts, Cargo pants, Corduroys, Khakis, Collared Shirts (Polo’s included).
All colors are acceptable.
Must be solid colors, not stripes or plaids.
Company logos, such as Polo, Hilfiger, etc. are acceptable as long as they are applied by the company making the shirt.
Same shoes as previously described.
A variety of belts can be worn, as long as the student has on a belt.
Socks must be worn – student’s preference.
Seniors are not required to tuck their shirts.
Inappropriate: Blue jeans, T-shirts, Hats/Caps, Sweats, Chains, Flip Flops, Logos applied by the student. Anything offensive or that hints of an immoral or rebellious nature attached to the clothing. Baggy pants hanging below the waist are not acceptable.
In general, follow the same guidelines as now regarding what is appropriate morally as it relates to the tightness of the clothing and the unnecessary or provocative exposure of the body.