Dress Code Policy

Rising Entrepreneur Professional Dress Expectations

We believe a student’s appearance reflects their mindset and directly impacts attitude, behavior, and success. Respect for the school community, for learning, and for oneself begins with dressing appropriately. As a school that promotes the eMindset—entrepreneurial thinking, leadership, and professionalism—students are expected to present themselves as future leaders every day.

General Expectations

Students must follow the dress code Monday through Friday, during off-campus functions, Intersession, and summer sessions unless otherwise specified.

All students are expected to:

● Dress professionally in business casual attire aligned with a traditional workplace environment.
● Wear school uniform polo shirts with the school logo (two free shirts are provided to each student).
● Wear appropriate bottoms: pants, shorts, skirts, or skorts that are neat and professional.
● Wear closed-toe shoes with substantial soles (no slippers, slides, or Crocs).
● Keep undergarments fully covered at all times.
● Maintain a clean appearance free from offensive or inappropriate language or images on clothing, jewelry, or accessories.
● Refrain from wearing sunglasses indoors unless medically prescribed.

Prohibited Clothing and Accessories

To ensure safety and minimize distractions, the following are not permitted:

● Ripped jeans, leggings, sweatpants (except during P.E.), pajama pants, or biker shorts
● Red attire of any kind, including hats
● Hoodies (no hoodies may be worn on school property)
○ Hoods are not allowed in class for safety and engagement reasons
● Headwraps, blankets, or outerwear that conceals identity
● Jewelry or accessories with inappropriate or gang-related symbols
● Attire that promotes alcohol, drugs, or other prohibited substances

P.E. Attire
Students may bring appropriate athletic clothing for P.E. classes. They must change back into uniform attire after P.E. concludes.

Professional Attire Accountability

REAL Journey Academies are dress code schools. Students who do not follow dress expectations will be addressed in a progressive and supportive manner:

Step 1: Initial Reminder – Growth Opportunity
The student receives a verbal reminder and a phone call is made to the parent/guardian. A “loaner” uniform may be provided if available. This step is treated as a coaching opportunity to reinforce expectations.

Step 2: Formal Warning – Accountability Check-In
The student receives a written notice and another parent/guardian call. A “loaner” may be provided if available. The student will also participate in a reflection meeting with an administrator to discuss support strategies for maintaining professional appearance.

Step 3: Partnership Meeting – Support and Action Plan
A conference is scheduled with the parent/guardian.A change of clothes must be provided. If a change of clothes cannot be provided by the parent/guardian, a loaner will be issued by the school (if available). Together, the school and family will develop an action plan to ensure consistent adherence moving forward.

Note: Continued misalignment with professional dress expectations may result in further accountability measures in accordance with the Parent/Guardian Agreement.

Loaner Uniform Program

We believe in fostering a culture of personal responsibility and professional presentation. To support students in meeting our appearance standards while also promoting accountability, the following Loaner Uniform Program has been established:

Program Overview
● Students are permitted up to three (3) documented instances where a loaner uniform will be issued due to non-compliance with the dress code.
● A phone call home will be made each time a loaner is issued to ensure clear communication and collaborative problem-solving.

Loaner Return Policy
● All loaner items must be returned on the same day in good condition.
● If a loaner is not returned or is damaged, a replacement fee will be assessed in accordance with the terms of the Parent/Guardian Agreement.

Accountability Statement
Parents, guardians, and students acknowledge that participation in the loaner program is a short-term support, not a substitute for meeting the school’s professional dress standards. Repeated reliance on loaners does not align with our eMindset values of leadership, responsibility, and readiness for future success.