Student Dress Code

  • The Cape Henlopen School District respects students’ rights to express themselves through their manner of dress.  All Cape Henlopen School District students are expected to respect the school community by dressing appropriately for an educational environment.  Student attire should facilitate participation in learning and be mindful of the health and safety of students and the adults that supervise them.  The administration at each school reserves the right to determine what constitutes appropriate dress.  Enforcement of this dress code will not reinforce or increase marginalization or discrimination against any group based on race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, household income or body type/size.

Minimum Requirements

  • • Clothing must cover areas from one armpit across to the other armpit, down to approximately 3 inches in length on the upper thighs (see image).  Tops must have shoulder straps.  Rips or tears in clothing should be lower than the 3 inches in length.  Bottoms are to be worn at the natural waist without undergarments being exposed.
    • Shoes must be worn at all times and should be safe for school environment (pajamas, bedroom shoes or slippers shall not be worn, except for school activities approved by the principal or designee).
    • See-through or mesh garments must not be worn without appropriate coverage underneath that meet the minimum requirements of the dress code.
    • Headgear including hats, hoodies, and caps is not allowed unless required for religious, medical, or other reasons as determined by the school administration.
    • Specialized courses may require specialized attire, such as sports uniforms or safety gear.

Additional Requirements

  • • Clothing may not depict, imply, advertise, or advocate illegal, violent, or lewd conduct, weapons, or the use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, or other controlled substances.
    • Clothing may not depict or imply pornography, nudity, or sexual acts.
    • Clothing may not display or imply vulgar, discriminatory, or obscene language or images.
    • Clothing may not state, imply, or depict hate speech/imagery targeting groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, or any other protected classification.
    • Sunglasses may not be worn inside the building.
    • Clothing and accessories that endanger student or staff safety may not be worn.
    • Apparel, jewelry, accessories, tattoos, or manner of grooming that, by virtue of its color, arrangement, trademark, or any other attribute, denotes membership in a gang that advocates illegal or disruptive behavior is prohibited.