Uniform Guidelines

General Uniform Guidelines

• In order to maintain consistency of color and style, all uniform items except socks, tights, layering shorts, belts, and shoes must be purchased from TGS uniform suppliers or the TGS used-uniform store. The school’s uniform suppliers are Lands’ End and Tommy Hilfiger. Refer to the Uniform Suppliers page for information on how to order. Certain outer garments may be purchased from the school store.
• All uniform items should be labeled with the student’s name. At the end of each quarter, unclaimed Items in lost and found may be donated or added to the used-uniform store.
• Unless stated otherwise, students are required to be in the proper uniform for that day (i.e., regular or chapel uniform). On occasions such as spirit days or for events such as field trips, modified uniform guidelines will be communicated.
• All uniforms must fit properly, be clean, and be free of tears or holes upon arrival at school.
• Students must dress in accordance with their biological sex.
• The TGS uniform committee has final authority in determining uniform compliance.

Guidelines for Non-Clothing Items (Hair, Accessories, etc.)

• Hair must be neat, clean, and groomed so students’ eyes and faces are visible at all times.
• If a student’s hair is dyed, it must be a natural color and not include add-ons (such as fairy hair) or unnatural colored braids.
• Students are not allowed extreme styles such as Mohawks or designs shaved into the hair.
• Boys are not allowed ponytails, buns, or hair accessories, and hair must be above the collar.
• Girls may wear flat headbands, bows, and ribbons.
• Hats are not permitted in classrooms or in buildings on campus during school hours.
• Students may wear watches as long as they do not make any noises. Smartwatches are not allowed during school hours.
• Boys must be clean-shaven and may not have earrings or other piercings.
• Girls may wear earrings but may not have any other visible piercings.
• Boys and girls may wear jewelry (necklaces, bracelets, etc.) as long as it is simple, appropriate to the overall dress, and not distracting or excessive. Choker-style necklaces are not permitted.
• Makeup (if worn and only permitted for girls) should be simple and tasteful.
• Visible tattoos are not permitted.

Student Responsibilities

At The Geneva School, the uniform is an important part of cultivating order, humility, and a shared sense of community. We recognize that there will be occasions when students need guidance in meeting these expectations, and our faculty and staff are committed to helping each student grow in responsibility and attentiveness.

Common areas where students may need reminders include:

• Boys: keeping oxford shirts neatly tucked in, wearing belts and ties, maintaining appropriate hair length, and being clean-shaven
• Girls: maintaining proper skirt length and wearing appropriate hair accessories and jewelry
• All Students: wearing approved shoes and outerwear (sweater, fleece, or sweatshirt)

For students in K4–6th grade, teachers and administrators will address uniform concerns with care and discretion. When needed, support may include a gentle reminder, access to items from the school’s used-uniform store, removal of non-uniform items, or contacting parents for assistance. These moments are opportunities for students to grow in personal responsibility, with the expectation that they return the following day in proper uniform.

oFor students in 7th–12th grade, uniform adherence is part of developing greater independence and accountability. If a student arrives out of uniform, he or she will be approached quietly, and in a grace-filled way, by a teacher with whom they have a relationship or in between classes by a member of the uniform committee. A conversation will be had to help ensure clarity and consistency about the infraction. A dated uniform card may be given to the student to carry throughout the day. This card will serve as a pass alerting faculty and staff that this issue has already been addressed. In some cases, a student may be asked to change into a different uniform or contact a parent to bring the appropriate item of clothing by second period. The committee will document the occurrence, and students will be expected to make corrections immediately or return the next day in compliance.

When a pattern of repeated uniform concerns arises, additional steps such as demerits or detentions may be used—not as punishment, but as a means of encouraging growth in responsibility and self-discipline.

Ultimately, our uniform reflects a shared commitment to the values and culture of our school. When a student consistently struggles in this area, it provides an opportunity for thoughtful conversations between the student, parents, and school leadership to reaffirm that commitment and support the student’s success within our community.