The standards for elementary school dress reflect “common sense” and a concern for each child’s comfort, safety, cleanliness, and sense of modesty. There is a strong relationship between neat, appropriate attire and a positive learning environment. Apparel or appearance which tends to draw attention to an individual rather than to a learning situation must be avoided. 

To help create the best learning environment for elementary students, the following standards for student dress must be observed in all Knox County Elementary Schools: 

1.     Pants must not sag below the waist and must be at a safe length.

2.     Head apparel, except for religious or medical reasons, must not be worn inside the school building.

3.     Footwear is required and must be safe and appropriate for indoor or outdoor physical activity.

4.     Clothing or accessories may not display offensive, vulgar language or images and must not advertise products which students may not legally purchase.

5.     For students in Grades 3-5, “short shorts”, mini-skirts, and skin-tight outer materials such as spandex are inappropriate attire.

6.     For students in Grades 3-5, shirts, blouses, and dresses must completely cover the abdomen, back, and shoulders, and shirts or tops must cover the waistband of pants, shorts, or skirts with no midriff visible.

The school administration reserves the right to determine whether the student’s attire and appearance are within acceptable limits. In matters of opinion, the judgment of the principal/designee shall prevail.

The principal may allow exceptions for school-wide programs or special classroom activities.

The teachers and the principal will administer appropriate consequences for policy infractions. 

This policy does not preclude individual schools from piloting alternative dress policies or standards with permission from the Superintendent of Schools and the Board of Education after extensive consultation with parents, teachers, and students. Any deviation from the system-wide policy must be submitted to the elementary director for review and recommendation to the Superintendent and the Board of Education.