All students at Hampton Roads Academy are expected to dress in such a manner as to exhibit good taste, personal cleanliness, and respect for their appearance and reputation. As part of the process of their education and personal development, students are expected to accept responsibility for their attire and appearance. The following rules are to be followed by all students and will be mutually enforced by faculty, staff, and student leaders.

Gentlemen:
1) Fold-over collared shirts or turtlenecks may be worn, tucked-in and appropriately buttoned.
2) Casual and dress slacks with belts, worn at or slightly below the waist; no denim, sweat pants, cargo pants, or overalls. Students may also wear dress shorts of appropriate length and design.
3) Dress shoes, tennis shoes or any type of sandal that is clean, in good repair, and generally appropriate for school life. Shoes must remain on a student’s feet at all times during the school day. Laces and straps on shoes must be tied or buckled.
4) Well-groomed hair, or facial hair, neatly trimmed and pulled back from the face or eyes.
5) Sweaters or sweatshirts (in good taste, no slogans) worn over a fold-over collared shirt or turtleneck.
6) Jackets designed for outerwear, hats, sunglasses, and hooded sweatshirts are not allowed except when outdoors.

Ladies:
1) Skirts, dresses, casual pants or slacks of appropriate length and suitable formality for school; no denim, sweat pants, stirrup pants, jean skirts, or overalls. Students may also wear dress shorts of appropriate length and design.
2) Blouses, shirts and turtlenecks of suitable design and formality for school. All blouses and shirts that are long and hang loosely must be tucked into slacks/skirts and be appropriately buttoned. Blouses with a small hood (not bulky hooded sweatshirts) may be worn. Blouses or tops that consistently show midriff skin are inappropriate for school.
3) Dress shoes, tennis shoes or any type of sandal that is clean, in good repair, and generally appropriate for school life. Shoes must remain on a student’s feet at all times during the school day. Laces and straps on shoes must be tied or buckled.
4) Sweaters or sweatshirts (in good taste, no slogans) worn over a fold-over collared shirt or turtleneck.
5) Jackets designed for outerwear, hats, sunglasses, and hooded sweatshirts are not allowed except when outdoors.

Spirit Days:
Spirit dress days may be arranged by groups and organizations for special events and activities in the life of the school. Spirit dress days must be approved by the SCA, in cooperation with the HRA administration, and will be announced in advance of the planned date.

Special Dress Days:
Special dress attire should follow the announced guidelines for the activity. Generally speaking, coats and ties for gentlemen and dresses, skirts or dress slacks for ladies is the expected standard for formal occasions and certain field trips.

Note: This dress code is not intended to cover all possible situations; common sense and propriety are the best guidelines. Teachers and administrators determine if a student’s dress is not appropriate, and will notify students and parents if there is a problem. As part of the responsibility of being an HRA student, students will be expected to comply with the school’s judgment.