Mount Vernon High School Releases Dress Code Video

As parents and students get ready for the first day of school by organizing supplies and clothing, Mount Vernon High School urges parents and students to recall the school's dress code outlined in the video posted here.

The guidelines for appropriate school clothing are from the Fairfax County Public School’s 2012–2013 Student Rights and Responsibilities, but MVHS has a specific dress code detailing approved modifications specifically for the school.  

"We believe that attention to appearance and a student's attitude toward self and school are related. Proper grooming and appropriateness of attire are a part of learning for all students," Principal Nardos King said in an email sent to parents. "However, we recognize that students' mode of dress and grooming is a manifestation of their personal style and individual preference. We believe that students and parents can freely choose apparel that demonstrates individuality, as well as maintains the standards of appropriateness for school."

Students are expected to comply with the school dress code on the first day of school and throughout the school year on a daily basis.  Any student who is in violation of the dress code will not be allowed to attend class unless the violation is corrected. Parents or guardians will be contacted when students are not meeting dress code and may also be asked to bring a change of clothing for the student.

Mount Vernon High School's dress code is as follows:

Any clothing that interferes with or disrupts the educational environment is unacceptable. Clothing with language or images that are vulgar, discriminatory, or obscene or clothing that promotes illegal or violent conduct, such as gang symbols, the unlawful use of weapons, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or drug paraphernalia, or clothing that contains threats is prohibited.

Clothing should fit, be neat and clean, and conform to standards of safety, good taste, and decency. Clothing that exposes cleavage, private parts, the midriff, or undergarments, or that is otherwise sexually provocative is prohibited. Examples of prohibited clothing include, but are not limited to:

• sagging or low cut pants
• pants that have holes three inches above the knee
• skirts/dresses/shorts shorter than three inches above the knee
• spandex, leggings or legging-like pants that are not covered by a shirt, dress, skirt or shorts that is no more than three inches above the knee
• low cut necklines that show cleavage, tube tops
• spaghetti straps
• halter tops
• backless blouses or blouses with only ties in the back
• studded belts
• chain belts, clothing constructed of see-through material
• pajamas (to include bedroom slippers)
• and head coverings including any scarves, bandannas, caps, and hats, unless required for religious or medical purposes.