Student Dress Code
Dover High School Student Dress Code
Effective August 2025
Rationale & Overview
At Dover High School, we believe that preparing students for success means helping them present themselves professionally in all settings, including school. Research and professional feedback consistently show that appropriate and respectful attire can positively impact academic focus, school culture, and student confidence. Just as workplace environments require standards of dress, so too should a school that seeks to prepare students for college, careers, and leadership roles.
Students are expected to be dressed in a manner that is:
-Professional and appropriate for a school setting.
-Respectful of themselves, others, and the learning environment.
-Safe and free of disruptive or offensive messaging.
The Dress Code is designed to allow students to express their individuality and outline expectations that balance student expression with our shared responsibility to maintain a respectful, productive, and inclusive academic environment that supports safety and security.
Shirt & Top Guidelines
To maintain an inclusive and respectful learning environment, all shirts and tops must:
-Fully cover the chest, torso/stomach, and back when standing, sitting, or moving.
-Cover all undergarments, including bra straps.
-Be made of non-see-through material unless layered for full coverage.
Examples of shirts that meet expectations include:
Full-length t-shirts, polos, blouses, racerback tanks, sweaters, and sweatshirts.
Shirts that do not meet expectations include:
-Shirts that expose the chest, back, or undergarments. Including cropped shirts that expose the chest, torso/stomach, or undergarments. (Example: scoop back tanks, athletic undergarments, shirts with large arm holes).
-See-through fabrics
-Clothing with profanity, hate speech, drug/alcohol references, violence, or sexual imagery.
Bottom Guidelines
To maintain an inclusive and respectful learning environment, all bottoms must:
-Provide full coverage of the buttocks and genital area when standing, sitting, or moving.
-Be worn at the waist or hips, covering the undergarments.
-Be safe for daily school activities (no tripping hazards or excessively baggy fit).
Examples of bottoms that meet expectations include:
-Pants, jeans, joggers, leggings, shorts, skirts, and dresses.
-Athletic wear or traditional cultural attire (e.g., kilts, sarongs).
-Shorts and skirts must extend below the student's fingertips when arms are fully extended at their sides and fully cover the buttocks when standing or sitting.
Bottoms that do not meet expectations include:
-Pants, shorts, or skirts that sag below the waist or expose undergarments or buttocks.
-Clothing that is too tight or too short to provide proper coverage.
-Excessively baggy or long pants that create a safety hazard.
General Dress Expectations
-Footwear must be worn at all times and should be safe for school activities.
-Certain classes (PE, labs, CTE) may require special safety attire.
-Hats, hoods, face coverings, and sunglasses that obscure identity are not permitted indoors unless for medical or religious reasons.
-Clothing, accessories, or colors affiliated with gangs or hate groups are not permitted.
-Students may not wear or carry recording devices in or on clothing (e.g., smart glasses like Meta Glasses).
Inclusive & Equitable Principles
-This dress code applies equally to all students, regardless of gender, body type, race, religion, or background.
-DHS will make reasonable accommodations for religious, medical, or cultural attire. Any other exception deemed necessary by a school administrator on a case-by-case basis.
-No student will be removed from class unless the clothing poses a safety issue or causes a significant disruption. Students will be offered a chance to change clothing or wear a loaner garment if available.
Dress Code Violations
Violations will be handled respectfully and in a way that preserves the student's dignity.
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The Building Principal (or designee) will make the final decision on what constitutes a violation. Repeated non-compliance will be addressed using progressive discipline aligned with school policy.
Enforcement Guidelines
-Dress code enforcement must be private, non-punitive, and educational.
-Students will never be publicly called out, body-shamed, or removed from class unnecessarily.
-All staff will receive training on consistent, bias-free enforcement practices.
Community Input and Review
This policy is subject to annual review. Feedback from students, parents, staff, and community members will be collected to ensure the dress code remains fair, inclusive, and reflective of our school’s values.
Summary
The DHS Dress Code is intended to support a professional, safe, and inclusive learning environment. By encouraging students to dress with purpose and professionalism, we help prepare them for future success. We ask for the cooperation of all students, parents, and staff in upholding these expectations for the benefit of our school community.