Dress Code

CMP Dress Code/Policy (Downloadable PDF)

Montessori education emphasizes the inner development of the child’s mental, emotional, physical and spiritual being. As such, we seek to limit an undue focus of attention on external appearances. After much discussion about the relative values of uniforms and individual freedom, CMP-Shingle Springs has adopted the following middle path Dress Code. We believe that your child will be happiest when dressed in casual, comfortable clothing. We also ask that parents volunteering on campus follow the school’s Dress Code in order to be positive role models for our children and to model mutual respect.

The California Montessori Project- Shingle Springs Campus Dress Code:

Clothing:             Logos and graphics are permitted with the exception of the following, but not limited to: references to smoking, alcohol, drugs, sex, violence, politics, religion, and satanic themes.

Bottoms:             Pants, skirts and shorts can be any color in a solid, stripe, polka dot, tie-dye, camouflage, or floral pattern. Clothing must be worn in a way that covers the area from the child’s waist to mid-thigh. Fabric must be opaque (not see through) material. Pants may have two “rips” (one on each leg or two on one leg) which must each fit under a 3”x5” index card and occur below fingertip length. Bottoms should be worn at the waist without “sagging”. Undergarments should not be visible.

Tops:                    Shirts, blouses, and tank tops may also be worn in any color in a solid, stripe, polka dot, tie-dye, camouflage, or floral pattern. Tank tops must cover all undergarments and straps must be at least one inch wide. Spaghetti straps, halter tops, tube tops and any top that exposes the midriff or the back are not permitted.

Dresses:              Dresses must follow the dress code for tops and skirts.

Sweatshirts, Sweater and Jackets:

Shoes:                  Tennis shoes are the preferred style of shoe. Sandals and dress shoes may be worn as long as they are flat and have a back strap (no heels, platforms, clogs, or flip-flops). Shoes should not display flashing lights. Tennis shoes are required for P.E.

Backpacks/Lunch Boxes:

These items should be functional for their purpose.

Physical Education:       

Shorts/sweatpants, shirts, tennis shoes and socks that abide by the Dress Code. Tennis shoes are required for P.E.

Slippers:              Slippers should be simple, quiet, clean and cozy, and they shouldn’t take up a lot of space.

Body Adornment:          

Distracting jewelry, tattoos, hairstyles and make-up are not permitted. Simple jewelry may be worn as long as the teachers and other classmates do not find it distracting. Tattoos, make-up, body glitter and artificial nails are not conducive to the learning environment. Hair color should be limited to colors that occur naturally.

Our goal in implementing this Dress Code is to encourage children to dress respectfully while developing their own individuality. Discussions with the children may surface throughout the year regarding the interpretation of the Dress Code. Each class conducts Class Meetings where students are encouraged to discuss issues of peer pressure, social acceptance, economic value and functionality of products with their peers while developing self-confidence and supporting individuality. Please encourage your child to utilize these Class Meetings for questions or issues that come up with the Dress Code.

Dress Code Enforcement:

First incident:                   Informal notification to parent and child will be provided with a CMP shirt/shorts to wear.

Second incident:              Formal written notice to parents and child will be provided with a CMP shirt/shorts to wear.

Third incident:                  Child must change immediately. Parents will be contacted to deliver a change of clothes.