Dress Code

CMP Capitol Dress Code 

*LABEL ALL Outer Wear, Backpacks, & Lunch Containers with Student’s Name*

Philosophy

At the California Montessori Project–Capitol, we honor each child as a unique individual and support the development of the whole child: academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. We believe children learn best in environments where they feel safe, respected, included, and free to express their identities.

Consistent with Montessori principles, these guidelines prioritize learning, independence, well-being, and mutual respect over appearance. We recognize that clothing, traditional dress, hairstyles, and personal expression are important aspects of identity and belonging. Our goal is to support a safe and inclusive learning environment where every child can focus on meaningful work, personal growth, and academic success.

General Expectations

As of the 2026-2027 school year, CMP Capitol is adopting a free dress environment that honors student individuality, self-expression, and personal choice. Students may wear clothing that reflects their identity, culture, interests,personal style and that also meets the guidelines below. 

Students are expected to dress in a manner that supports a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment and allows them to fully participate in all school activities. 

Specific guidelines regarding safety, coverage, and clothing content are outlined below.

Clothing

Students may wear clothing of any color, pattern, or style that is appropriate for active participation in school activities and the Montessori learning environment. Small insignias are permitted (ex. brand emblems) and hoods must be removed when indoors.

Clothing should provide coverage from the midriff to mid-thigh, adequately cover undergarments, and be made of opaque material in areas requiring coverage during typical school activities, including sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and movement throughout the school day. Tanks tops without spaghetti straps are permitted. Tube tops are not permitted. Clothing should be in reasonable condition and suitable for learning. Clothing with intentional rips or distressing is not permitted.

To maintain a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment, clothing may not display messages, images, or language that promote violence, illegal activity, substance use, discrimination, harassment, hate speech, political slogans, campaign messaging, or divisive social commentary, sexually explicit content, or that materially disrupt the educational environment. According to CMP’s board policy, all clothing should be neat and in good condition, free of commercialism or distracting media messages. We define commercialism as characters, symbols, or slogans referring to products, companies, movies, video games, television shows, etc. Distracting media messages include, but are not limited to, movie and television characters, derogatory comments or slogans, gruesome or violent pictures and/or obscenities. This type of attire may be a source of distraction, cause some children to focus on externals, and may cause distress for those who are unable to afford rapidly passing fads. We believe by limiting commercialized and distracting media on our campuses, children will feel more comfortable and able to focus on exploring their learning environment.

When questions arise regarding attire, school staff will prioritize student dignity, safety, well-being, and continued participation in learning.

Footwear

Footwear must be safe and appropriate for movement throughout the school day. Shoes with lights, noises, or wheels are not permitted.

Athletic shoes are encouraged for physical activity and outdoor play. Sandals may be worn if they are secure and include a back strap or heel support. High heels, platforms, flip-flops, and other footwear that may create a safety hazard during school activities are not permitted.

Backpacks, Lunch Boxes, Personal Items, and Accessories

Students may bring backpacks, lunch boxes, and other items needed to support their school day. Toys, valuable personal belongings, electronic devices not authorized for educational purposes, Smart watches/other electronic devices, and other items that may be distracting, disruptive, or difficult to supervise should remain at home. The school is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen personal items. All medications need to remain in the office with the required documentation.

CMP Capitol values and respects the diverse identities, cultures, and traditions represented within our community. Students may express themselves through their appearance, hairstyles, accessories, and cultural or religious attire. Personal items and accessories should support a safe, respectful, and focused learning environment. Items that create a safety concern, substantially disrupt learning, or resemble costumes outside of school-approved events will be restricted.

Consistent with California law and Montessori principles, all students will be treated with dignity, respect, and equity.

Responding to Attire Concerns

When student attire presents a safety concern or does not align with these guidelines, staff will address the matter respectfully, privately, and in partnership with the student and family. The focus will remain on student dignity, safety, belonging, and continued participation in learning. Whenever possible, concerns will be resolved with minimal disruption to instructional time and in a manner that is equitable, inclusive, and respectful of individual identity and circumstances.