Why do private schools have uniforms

In addition, opponents argue that uniforms may not be comfortable for all students, which will limit learning as students worry about their appearance. Student comfort is important in order to maximize learning outcomes, and uniforms may stymie academic focus. For example, the uniform standard may require students to wear polo shirts that are tucked into khaki slacks.

Students who are overweight may feel very self-conscious about their bodies. Additionally, female students may feel insecure about their bodies and feel that having a tucked in shirt will bring attention to their developing figures. When students do not feel comfortable in the required school uniform, their focus will shift from learning. Children, especially those in middle and high school, are constantly concerned about their appearance, and wearing a school uniform will not alleviate this concern.

An additional argument put forth by those in favor of uniforms advocates that they decrease violence among students involved in gangs because there will be less chance of identifying gangs members through the clothing colors they wear. Though students may be limited in wearing a particular color, they will find other ways to identify their participation in gangs, from the hairstyles they select to how they wear the required uniform.

For example, students in gangs may all choose the same type of belt to show their unity or shave their hair in the same fashion. Whereas some parents believe that uniforms are more cost-effective than purchasing the latest stylish clothes, other parents argue that the cost of uniforms is steep.

Typically, uniforms are more expensive up-front, as the parent must invest in all of the staples at the beginning of the school year, for example, there are collared or polo shirts of various colors, khaki or black pants, black or brown belts, and shoes, and solid colored sweaters.

Though this is an expense at the beginning, there are only small expenses that need to be made as the school year progresses. On the other hand, many parents argue that uniforms are not economical as they must purchase both a school wardrobe and a casual wardrobe as children do not want or may not be permitted to wear their uniform clothes outside of school.

Students marching in the Huntington School Memorial Day parade in Boston last year, wearing their uniforms. Source: Enterprise News. Uniforms are an equalizer.

Having a standard school uniform also helps parents from lower-income families who feel obliged to keep up with dressing their children in the latest fashions, which can be costly. Uniforms, which change according to the season, also ensure that children are dressed appropriately for the weather.

Mark Oppenheimer wrote on The New Yorker that approximately one-fifth of all public-school students wear school uniforms, and that they are one of the few interventions on which charter-school advocates and anti-charter activists agree. As she walked to the corner to catch the bus, I was reminded of a time when our schools were orderly, our teachers respected, and our children all above average.

Several schools in America who have not made it compulsory for kids to wear school uniforms are instead making their dress codes more stringent. This has resulted in push back from both parents and school children who feel dress codes and school uniform rules promote sexism and racism, restrict creative expression, and cause loss of identity.

This can be difficult for schools to enforce, and infractions can result in varying responses, ranging from verbal reminders to detention and even formal disciplinary action for repeated offenders. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads.

Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Share Flipboard Email. Robert Kennedy. Education Expert. Robert Kennedy has extensive experience in the private school educational setting as a parent, teacher, administrator, and reviewer.

Updated November 11, Featured Video. Cite this Article Format. Kennedy, Robert. Private School Uniforms and Dress Codes. Suggested Attire for an Immigration Interview.

Public School.