Dress Code
As students of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Cardinal O’Hara students will follow and adhere to all general policies set forth by the Archdiocese and the local school.
Archdiocese of Philadelphia General Dress Code Policies
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Attention to personal appearance is an important part of the maturation process for young Catholic men and women. The school uniform expresses not only traditional values of economy, neatness, and practicality but also our unity as a community of believers and learners. A person's appearance is a reflection of self-image and is an indication of respect for oneself and others. The dress code promotes pride in personal appearance, pride in representing the student's school community, and pride in being part of the Catholic school system. The dress code and uniform policy affirm the values of modesty and decency in keeping with the teachings of the Church and each local school community. Students are expected to be clean, well-groomed, and dressed appropriately at all times. Regulation school uniforms must be purchased through the official supplier of school uniforms for the Secondary School System, Flynn & O'Hara. Regulation shoes should be purchased from suppliers determined by the local school administration.
The administration at each local school is the final judge of adherence to or violations of the dress code and uniform policy.
- Students must be in full uniform by 7:50 AM. When there is a need to change clothes for school activities or work, students must use designated areas, such as locker rooms or bathrooms.
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Shirts and blouses must be tucked in, not worn outside the pants or skirts.
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If a student has a serious reason for not wearing the full school uniform on a given day, he/she must bring a note from a parent or doctor to the Student Services Office. If the situation is long-term, a note must be on file from the doctor or parent. The Assistant Principal for Student Services assigns the details of substitute dress.
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Sneakers or athletic shoes may not be worn. If the student is unable to wear the school shoe, another dress shoe must be purchased and a note must be on file from the doctor or parent. Examples of inappropriate substitute footwear include (but are not limited to): boots of any kind, sandals, flip-flops, shower shoes, slippers, and other casual shoes. Sneakers for gym class are worn only in the gym and only for the gym class itself.
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Students in Physical Education class must wear the gym outfit determined by the teacher of the course.
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In the case of field trips, spirit days, etc., the administration will determine the dress of the day for students.
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Extreme hairstyles or hair dyes (including two-toned hairstyles) are not permitted for any student, male or female. Gentlemen are not permitted to wear ponytails, mohawks, fauxhawks, or extravagant shaved designs. For gentlemen, hair is to be no longer than the top of the collar. Young ladies may not wear excessive jewelry or make-up.
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No visible tattoos are permitted on any student. No visible body piercings are permitted on any student (except for one pair of earrings for the ladies). This includes piercing of the tongue, eyebrows, lips, and/or nose.
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A student who violates the dress or hair code may receive demerits and could remain out of school for a brief period until the situation has been corrected.
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Students representing the school at official functions must wear the regulation uniform.
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All female students must wear a regulation skirt. These can be no shorter than one to three inches above the knee. In addition to the skirts, ladies will wear an oxford-style blouse and a school sweater. Regulation shoes are to be worn with approved stockings, tights, or knee highs. Only the top button of the blouse is to be unbuttoned.
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Where and when permitted, in the fall and spring months, students may wear a short-sleeved oxford blouse or school-approved polo. Knee highs may be worn instead of the stockings or tights. No sports socks of any kind are permitted. If a t-shirt is worn under the polo shirt or blouse it is to be a solid, white, plain t-shirt with absolutely no printing, writing, or pictures on it.
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The regulation shoe policy remains in effect during the entire school year. Sneakers, sandals, or flip-flops are never permitted.
The following are additional dress regulations specific to Cardinal O’Hara:
