Dress Code Rationale
The Executive Board voted for the student body to have a uniform dress code. The uniform dress code for students as explained in this handbook provides for function, simplicity, respect, modesty, and conformity.
1) Students will dress in a uniform standard of dress that de-emphasizes the competitive nature of fashions and fads.
2) Students will dress for the function of classrooms and physical education.
3) Students will dress modestly.
4) Students will dress respectfully according to standards of dress that will be expected of them in a professional work place or a place of worship.
5) Students will learn to follow rules as stated.
Students will be expected to follow the dress code each day. Any exceptions to the rules must be approved by the principal. It is incumbent upon all the staff to enforce the dress code.
Riverdale uniforms are not acceptable if they have been altered or defaced in any way.
ALL AGE GROUPS: School uniform shirts must be worn under school hoodies.
We ask for the parents’ support in students maintaining a “uniform look.” The school administration reserves the right to initiate policies on new fads and changes in style throughout the school year. We are unable to predict all fashion trends and will adjust the uniform requirements as needed.
Appropriate fitting is important in all clothing. Pants and tops should not be oversized or too tight for the student. Pants should not be tight enough on the hips to be able to see the lines of the undergarments. Hoods will be removed in the classroom. Teachers may ask students to remove any outer garment if it is distracting the students or interfering with class.
Riverdale Academy Uniform Policy 2026-2027
Pants: Khaki or Denim only
Khaki bottoms must be a traditional uniform pant of cotton or cotton blend
No cargo style pants allowed
Holes, Rips, or tears in garments are prohibited
Denim should be a traditional color
Pants must be worn at the waist
May not be tight fitting
Shirts: Current year RA spirit shirt
Solid red, black, or white polo or Rebel man polo
Solid Non-logo red, black, or white Oxford shirts (Undershirts must be white, red, black, or gray)
FRIDAYS ONLY- Students may wear any RA spirit, MAIS, or 4H shirt
Hoodies/Sweatshirts: Hoodies/Sweatshirts/¼ zip must be current year RA spirit hoodies
Solid black, red, gray, or white hoodies/sweatshirts with no visible logo may be worn
FRIDAYS ONLY- Students may wear any RA spirit, MAIS, or 4H shirt
Shorts: Khaki or Denim
Khaki bottoms (no logos) must be a traditional uniform short of cotton or cotton blend
No athletic, dry-fit, drawstrings or mesh shorts allowed
Denim should be a traditional color
Must have a 7- or 9-inch inseam- (boys and girls!) shorts should reach past the tip of the
longest finger
No rough or frayed hems are allowed
Skirts: PK-6TH ONLY unless worn for religious purposes
Khaki or Denim only
Khaki skirts must be a traditional uniform skirt of cotton or cotton blend
No athletic, dry-fit or mesh skirts allowed
Skirts should be of modest length, No shorter than 3 inches above the knee
No rough or frayed hems are allowed
Shoes: All students are required to wear closed-toe and closed-heel shoes (No Crocs or opened-toed shoes)- Shoes must be worn correctly
Outwear: Full zip jackets or Cardigans should be solid black, red, gray, or white
Gameday Attire: This will be issued by the coach of each team and approved by the principal, this may only be worn on game days
GENERAL:
A belt with a buckle must be worn, if needed, by all students in grades 4-12.
School crests are available to be sewn on any shirt (contact the office).
The hoods on hoodies may not be worn in buildings. Uniforms must be worn under hoodies.
Suggestive words, designs, or patches worn on clothing or jewelry are prohibited.
Headgear (caps, hats, etc.) is prohibited on campus except when playing or practicing football, baseball or softball.
Sunglasses, not including prescription glasses, are prohibited on campus, except when playing or practicing baseball/softball.
No long chains attached to students’ clothing.
No visible tattoos at school or any school function.
No body piercing (only exception – girls’ earrings).
SPECIFIC REGULATIONS FOR MALE STUDENTS:
Faces will be clean-shaven.
Earrings and make-up are not acceptable.
Hair must be brushed/combed and neat. No bushy hair. No mullets. No sideburns. No hair past the middle of the ear. No hair touching the back collar. No hair or bangs can hang past the eyebrows. No ponytails. No man buns.
SPECIFIC REGULATIONS FOR FEMALE STUDENTS:
Strapless and spaghetti strap dresses are prohibited.
Split-skirts are not to be split above the knees.
No ear piercings that are bars or gauges.
EXCEPTIONS:
● Picture Day – wear appropriate clothing for your picture – shall follow the general dress code.
● Homecoming week – each of these days you will be provided the style of clothing appropriate. If not dressed in the daily homecoming attire, you shall wear the school uniform.
● Field trips – students may wear appropriate non-uniform dress with consent of the teacher and principal.
The RA Board of Directors has authorized the Head of School to act as final authority on all issues relating to dress code. Any violations of the dress code will result in students sent directly to the office. A parent must either take the student home to correct the violation or bring the correct items needed to the school. The student will be given an unexcused, non-exempt absence for any classes missed and the student will receive a grade of zero for any work missed.