Uniform and Dress Code Policy

School Year 2023 - 2024
Girls Global Academy’s uniform and dress code aims to follow best practices, is informed by the research, and is intended to allow our school community to focus on their education. In 2018 the National Women’s Law Center commissioned a report of Washington D.C. ‘s dress code titled: Dress Coded: Black girls, bodies, and bias in Washington D.C. Schools. Schools have overly strict dress code rules, focus on what’s wrong with girls’ bodies, and are based on race and sex based stereotypes. GGA strives to be different when it comes to uniforms and dress code that focus more on education, and allows girls to make choices for themselves.

The scholar Dress Code policy at Girls Global Academy is that ALL trailblazers are expected to wear the required Dress Code (pants, shorts or skirts and Girls Global Academy shirt every day, unless otherwise indicated. Students must wear a top that has a GGA Logo at all times.

Students have a choice of any of these options:

  • GGA Polo Shirt – Dark Purple or Black 
  • GGA T-Shirt – Dark Purple and Green Athletic Shirt 
  • GGA White Short or Long Sleeve Dress Shirt 
  • GGA Sweatshirt 
  • GGA Student Designed Hoodie
  • GGA Zip-Up Fleece Sweater 
  • GGA “Class of” T-Shirt

Girls Global Academy Dress Code

Our goal is to provide simple guidelines to ensure students are ready and prepared for school and represent GGA in the community. We reserve the right to adjust this dress code to ensure our attention is focused on what matters – your student’s education. We will also expect students to dress professionally when they represent GGA in the community.

Bottoms
All types and colors of bottoms are allowed including pants, skirts, and shorts, with some exceptions:

To maintain a professional learning environment, the following items are prohibited:
  • No sleepwear of any type, like pajamas
  • No athletic wear like joggers
  • No leggings or jeggings
Expectations:
  • Jeans are okay, but no rips or tears
  • Shorts and skirts must be longer than mid-thigh
  • Uniform shirts are not to be torn or styled in a way that shows the midriff
Shoes
You choose! All shoes are allowed, with the exception of some shoes for safety:
  • No open toe or open heel shoes
  • No flip-flops or slides
  • No slippers or house shoes
Head Coverings
  • Decorative head coverings, hijabs, wraps, and bandanas are allowed
  • Hats, bonnets, do-rags, and other sleepwear are prohibited
PE and Athletics Uniform:
  • GGA Athletic Shorts (students can wear black leggings under shorts during PE)
  • GGA Athletics T-Shirt (GGA Provides all students with a physical education uniform)

Uniform and Dress Code FAQs

Where can I get uniforms?
  • Purchase from School (See Main Office Staff for Order Form)
  • GGA has contracted with a uniform vendor Risse Brothers. All uniforms are available for purchase online https://www.rissebrothers.com/ and can be shipped to your home. In addition, uniforms can be purchased in person at their facility: 9700 Martin Luther King Jr Highway Suite B, Lanham, MD 20706. (301) 220-19850)
Why does GGA not have a more restrictive uniform and dress code?
GGA’s uniform and dress code aims to follow best practices, is informed by the research, and is intended to allow our school community to focus on their education. In 2018 the National Women’s Law Center commissioned a report of Washington D.C. ‘s dress code titled: Dress Coded: Black girls, bodies, and bias in Washington D.C. Schools. This report tells us that most schools have overly strict dress code rules, focus on what’s wrong with girls’ bodies, and are based on race and sex based stereotypes. Therefore GGA strives to be different when it comes to uniform and dress code that focus more on education, and allows girls to make choices for themselves.
How did GGA decide on this uniform and dress code policy?
GGA’s Co-founders believe that it is important to engage parents and students about what the uniform should look like at GGA. We had conversations with families and students early in the process, solicited feedback from all school community members through a survey, and finally proposed a version of this policy for enrolled parents, families, and students. Through this feedback process the policy was refined and improved and will continue to be refined as GGA grows and learns more from its families and students.
Can I as a parent (or family) limit what my student wears?
Families are encouraged to have conversations and make family based decisions on what you think is appropriate for school. Some families prefer to limit the color and types of pants, while others prioritize choice. GGA encourages families and students to talk about how clothing can impact your identity and the perception others have of you.
How will the dress code be enforced?
Students will be checked for the dress code as they enter the building and in their advisory first period. See Discipline Policy for additional information.
What if I forget my uniform?
All it takes to be in uniform is a uniform top. GGA recommends you keep an extra uniform top in your locker just in case. If you need a shirt we will have extra shirts available; however, a $10 fee will be added to your student’s account and families will be notified of the uniform violation. If you are wearing an item that is out of dress code, you may be required to call a parent/family member to bring the needed item to school.