WEB EXCLUSIVE | A new dress code has been implemented for the school year, requiring students to sport collared shirts, khaki pants or jeans, and closed toed shoes. 

“I feel like the dress code this year is much harder to follow than last year,” senior Isabella Mercado said. “I bought collared shirts yesterday because I only have a select few.” 

It also states that athletic wear — including sweatpants, yoga pants and leggings — are not permitted, along with beach wear such as t-shirts, swimwear, and tank tops. 

“In the tradition of Sacred Heart schools around the world, students are known by the professional way they carry themselves and the professional way they appear,” head of School Tony Farrell said. “We want our students to be taken seriously and to come across as capable and competent in and outside of our school walls.” 

Every summer, the administration updates the handbook for the new school year. After  hearing past years’ feedback from students and parents, the intention behind the new dress code was to have a clear set of guidelines for students to follow. 

“Getting dressed would definitely be easier without the dress code because I feel like polos don’t go with the outfits I have,” freshman Ruby Quintos said. “But I also understand it makes us look more put together and unified as a school.” 

Last school year, the dress code consisted of wearing a mask and clothing appropriate for school. Being dress coded was common, but the guidelines for what was deemed appropriate was unclear. 

“The focus of the last two years was just trying to follow COVID safety protocols so the dress code didn’t feel as important,” Farrell said. “Now, with health requirements relaxing, dress code is something we can prioritize.” 

Students face consequences like being sent home or being encouraged to change into school appropriate attire after getting dress coded. 

“It’s important that we look professional but it feels like they are more worried about us wearing collars than our education,” Mercado said. “If teachers are going out of the way to pull people out of class or send them home, that’s a little excessive.”