Uniforms

*Note: a new uniform vendor will serve Alberta Classical Academy schools beginning in Summer 2025

Alberta Classical Academy is a distinctive community, bound together by a shared goal of seeking moral and intellectual excellence in a spirit of friendship. Our school uniform is a visible expression of this ideal: our students are part of a united community of learners, whose purpose transcends differences in socio-economic status, ethnic, religious, or racial background. In wearing their uniforms, students experience a sense of pride and belonging, and are reminded of their obligation to represent their school community well.

School uniforms serve several other important functions. They foster an environment that is conducive to learning by removing potential sources of distraction, anxiety, and peer competition. A uniform, properly fitted, worn and cared for, demonstrates respect for others and for oneself. It also helps to develop the student’s sense of propriety — that is, appropriateness in inward feeling and outward conduct, including through the observance of proper rituals and customs. By cultivating good outward habits in dress and decorum, students begin to internalize these habits. Finally, uniforms can encourage students in the development of an authentic personality, defined not through artificial expressions of individuality, but through the cultivation of inner virtues, talents, interests, habits, and traits that comprise genuine character.

Uniform Supplier

In the summer of 2025, we will be transitioning to a new uniform vendor. We will be ending our partnerships with LandsEnd and Inschoolwear, and will hereafter source uniform items from the Canadian supplier TopMarks.

The uniform design will remain unchanged. Until the 2026/27 school year, students may continue wearing uniform items purchased from previous suppliers, provided they remain in a suitable fit and condition. Accessories such as socks, hosiery, shoes, and belts may be purchased through an alternative vendor if preferred.

Enforcement

Students are expected to comply with uniform requirements at all times while on school property. Exceptions will be provided for concerts and performances, co-curricular or extra-curricular activities where a change in dress is required, semi-formal events, casual days, and other approved occasions.

Parents are expected to provide their children with the appropriate uniform attire. Should a student fail to adhere to the uniform policy, as determined by the Principal or Associate Principal, their parent/guardian will be notified, and a change in clothing may be required. As this can interfere with learning and create discomfort for the student, we ask that parents please familiarize themselves with the uniform and grooming policies, and ensure that their children arrive at school in the proper attire each day.

Financial Assistance

Families that require financial assistance in purchasing appropriate uniform items should advise the school administration at least one month prior to the start of the school year.

Boys required uniform (Grades K-4)

Additional notes

All uniform items should be in good repair (no holes, obvious stains, etc.), appropriately fitted, and neatly pressed. Shirts and blouses should be worn tucked in. No midriffs or undergarments may be shown.

Skirts & Jumpers: skirts and skorts should be worn at the waist. The hem of skirts and jumpers should fall just above the knee. When wearing skirts or dresses, students should pair them with tights, leggings, or modesty shorts.

Pants: Girls’ dress slacks should be worn at the waist, and must reach to the lower ankle or to the shoe, but should not drag on the ground. Leggings may not be worn as pants, but may be worn with skirts, and should likewise reach to the lower ankle. Boys’ dress slacks must reach to the shoe but should not drag on the ground.

No jeans or pants with external sewn pockets, rivets, extra zippers, etc. are permitted. Undergarments must not be visible.

Shorts: Shorts should go to just above the knee but not below, and should not be excessively tight or loose fitting. Shorts should be worn at the waist.

Grooming: Hair should be neatly brushed or styled. Girls may wear subtle hair accessories such as bows or headbands, so long as they coordinate with the uniform. Hair must be natural-looking and conservative in its colour and cut (e.g. no unnatural colours or extreme styles). K-8 students may not wear make-up or nail polish. Girls in grades 9 and above may wear conservative, natural-looking makeup and natural nail polish (no acrylics or gels). Girls may wear minimalist, conservative jewelry, such as simple stud earrings, discrete pendant necklaces, friendship bracelets, or similar, but should wear no more than one of each item. Simple digital or analog watches are permitted, but internet-connected devices are not. No other accessories, piercings, body art, jewelry or temporary tattoos should be worn on one’s person, except as required by a religious practice.