Dress Code
Wearing your uniform properly and with pride reflects positively on you and the entire Notre Dame Catholic School community. At Notre Dame Catholic School, we want to create an environment that supports the highest level of academic focus. Since how students present themselves affects their attitude and the respect they earn, everyone is expected to follow the uniform guidelines carefully.
Uniforms must be properly sized, clean, and worn correctly each day. All plaid uniform items and sweaters must be purchased directly from our official uniform company; substitutes or look-alike brands are not permitted. Vendor information can be found on the Notre Dame Catholic School website.
Clothing must fit well and be clean at all times. Students are expected to maintain good personal hygiene. Jackets are not permitted during academic time and should be removed once inside the building.
If an item is purchased elsewhere, it must exactly match the style and appearance of items from our official uniform company. For example, cargo pants or shorts are not allowed, and dress shirts must reflect the approved design and fit.
Uniform Violations
Parents are responsible for ensuring that their children wear the proper uniform every day. If a student is out of uniform without a valid No Uniform Today (NUT) pass, parents will be charged $5.00 per day for the violation. These charges will be billed through FACTS accounts at the end of each month. Uniform violations include any aspect of the uniform, such as incorrect socks or missing belts.
Detailed Dress Code
Boys and Girls:
- Pants/Shorts: Plain or pleated navy twill pants or shorts, purchased from the uniform company or locally.
- Belt: Simple black, dark brown, or navy blue belt must be worn with slacks and shorts.
- Polos: Solid white or light blue polos (short or long sleeve), free of visible logos, may be purchased locally. Polos must be tucked in.
- Shirts/Blouses: Solid white or blue oxford cloth button-down shirts (short or long sleeve). Shirts must be tucked in.
- Undershirts: Encouraged to be worn and must be solid white with no writing, logos, or colors.
- Ties: Navy blue or NDCS plaid ties must be worn, purchased from the uniform company only. Navy blue bowties are also acceptable.
- Sweaters: must be purchased from the official uniform company.
- Sweatshirts: School uniform sweatshirts purchased through the school may be worn on non-Mass days only.
- Shoes: Closed-toe shoes with backs are required. No flip-flops, Crocs, moccasins, Birkenstocks, slippers, shoes with lights, wheels, or heels. Athletic shoes and dress shoes/boots are allowed.
- Socks: Must be worn above the ankle and be navy, black, white, or gray with minimal logos. Socks can be purchased locally or from the uniform company.
- Makeup/Nail Polish: No makeup allowed in grades PS-5. Modest makeup and nail polish allowed in grades 6-8.
- Jewelry: Girls may wear up to two post earrings per ear; no dangling or hoop earrings. Boys may not wear earrings. Simple crucifix, cross, religious medal, or scapular may be worn by all.
- Fragrances: No perfume or heavily scented lotions are allowed at school.
Girls' Dress Code:
- Jumpers: Required for girls in grades K–4. Must be purchased from the uniform company. Length must be no more than 2 inches above the knee.
- Skirts: Must not be rolled at the waist. Length must be no more than 2 inches above the knee. Must be purchased from the uniform company.
- Skorts: May be worn by girls in grades K–8. Must be purchased from the uniform company. Length must be no more than 2 inches above the knee.
- Tights & Leggings: May be navy blue, gray, white, or black. Leggings must be simple and unadorned. Plain white crew socks are allowed year-round. Socks must come above the ankle with minimal logos, lace, bows, or trim.
- Ties: NDCS plaid cross ties must be worn and may only be purchased from the uniform company. Traditional ties and bowties are also acceptable.
- Sweatshirts: School sweatshirts purchased through the school may be worn on non-Mass days only.
Formal Uniform (Mass Days)
- Solid white or blue oxford cloth button-down shirt (short or long sleeve).
- Shirt must be tucked in.
- Standard uniform bottoms and NDCS ties are required.
- A navy blue uniform sweater, purchased from the official uniform company, is required on Mass days.
- Sweatshirts are not permitted on Mass days.
Non-Uniform Guidelines
At the discretion of the principal, non-uniform days will be announced. On these days:
- Clothing must be modest and appropriate for school.
- Clothing must be in good condition.
- Skirts must follow the regular length rule—no more than 2 inches above the knee and not rolled at the waist.
- Nice jeans are allowed, but must have minimal holes, and holes must not be above the knee. Jeans should not be excessively tight, baggy, too long, or worn low.
- Shirts must fully cover the midsection.
- No pajama-type clothing, slippers, or inappropriate graphics.
Dress for Field Trips, Events, & Functions
When representing Notre Dame Catholic School at field trips, academic events, special programs, luncheons, award ceremonies, or for media/photo appearances, students are required to wear the standard school uniform.
If there is a need for a uniform variation, it must be approved in advance by the sponsoring faculty member and the principal.