IN THIS SECTION

Lower School students participating in a classroom discussion.

Dress Code

Each of the three divisions has its own developmentally responsive guidelines for dress. Mounds Park Academy maintains a dress code and/or uniform in alignment with the school’s mission that creates an environment conducive to learning and collaboration. The policies are intended to minimize distractions, teach students to present a positive, respectful image of themselves, and foster school pride. Please refer to each division-specific addendum for more information about the dress code.

Lower School Uniform Policy

At Mounds Park Academy, Lower School uniforms do more than just simplify mornings. They reinforce an environment of inclusivity, reduce distractions, and keep the focus where it belongs: on learning, building relationships, and the joy of being a child.

Our uniform policy fosters a positive, equitable climate and a deep sense of belonging. By ensuring consistency across every classroom, we help students feel comfortable, respected, and ready to engage each day.

In keeping with our values, our policy is fully gender-inclusive; any student is welcome to wear any part of the uniform. While items may be purchased from various retailers, we have provided a list of suggested providers for your convenience.

During the 2026–27 school year, the Lower School will conduct a collaborative review of our uniform policy. This intentional process will include opportunities for students, teachers, and families to share their input and help shape our future standards.

Starting in 2026-27, MPA-branded uniform items will be available for purchase via two online retailers, replacing the paper order form previously used.

Click here for full details about MPA's Lower School uniforms.

Middle and Upper School Dress Guidance

Philosophy
The Mounds Park Academy Middle and Upper School student dress code supports equitable educational access and is written in a manner that does not reinforce stereotypes. To ensure effective and equitable enforcement of this dress code, school faculty and staff shall enforce the dress code consistently and in a manner that does not reinforce or increase marginalization or oppression of any group based on race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, household income, or body type/size. Our Values All students should be able to dress comfortably for school and engage in the educational environment without fear of or actual unnecessary discipline or body shaming. Teachers should focus on teaching without the additional responsibility of dress code enforcement. Conflicting, inconsistent, and/or inequitable discipline should be minimized whenever possible. The student dress code is designed to accomplish several goals: Maintain a safe learning environment in classes where protective or supportive clothing is required, such as lab science, drama, or PE (athletic attire/shoes). Allow students to wear clothing of their choice. Allow students to wear clothing that expresses themselves and their gender in a way that makes them confident. Allow students to wear religious attire without fear of discipline or discrimination. Ensure that all students are treated equitably regardless of race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, socioeconomic status, or body type/size.
Dress Code
MPA Middle and Upper Schools expect that all students will dress for the school day or for any school sponsored event. Student dress choices should respect the school’s intent to sustain a community that is inclusive of a diverse range of identities. The primary responsibility for a student’s attire resides with the student and their family. The school is responsible for seeing that student attire does not interfere with the health or safety of any student (aprons or smocks may be provided in some cases). Any restrictions to the way a student dresses must be necessary to support the overall educational goals of the school and must be explained within this dress code. Basic Principle Certain body parts must be covered for all students at all times. Clothes must be worn in a way such that genitals, buttocks, breasts, and nipples are fully covered with opaque fabric. Cleavage should not have coverage requirements. All items listed in the “must wear” and “may wear” categories below must meet this basic principle. Students Must Wear A top (shirt, tank top, sweatshirt, etc.); Bottom (pants, jeans, shorts, a skirt, sweatpants, leggings, etc.); and Shoes. Students May Wear Hats (must allow the face to be visible); Religious headwear; Hoodie sweatshirts (wearing the hood overhead is allowed, but the face must be visible); Pajamas; Midriff baring shirts; Ripped jeans (underwear and buttocks may not be exposed); Tank tops (may include spaghetti straps and halter tops); and/or Athletic attire. Students May Not Wear Items with violent language or images; Items with images or language depicting drugs or alcohol (or any illegal item or activity); Items with hate speech, profanity, and/or pornography; Items with images or language that creates a hostile or intimidating environment based on any protected class or consistently marginalized groups; and Any clothing that reveals visible undergarments. However, visible waistbands or straps on undergarments worn under other clothing is allowed. MPA's dress code was inspired in part by the Oregon NOW Model Dress Code and developed in partnership with students.
Enforcement
To ensure effective and equitable enforcement of this dress code, Mounds Park Academy faculty and staff shall enforce the dress code consistently using the requirements below. School faculty and staff shall not have discretion to vary the requirements in ways that lead to discriminatory enforcement. Students will only be removed from spaces, hallways, or classrooms as a result of a dress code violation as outlined in section four above. Students in violation of Section four will be provided two options to be dressed more to code during the school day: Students will be asked to put on their own (or a friend’s) alternative clothing, if already available at school, to be dressed more to code for the remainder of the day. If necessary, students’ parents may be called during the school day to bring alternative clothing for the student to wear for the remainder of the day. No student should be affected by dress code enforcement because of racial identity, sex assigned at birth, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, cultural or religious identity, household income, body size/type, or body maturity. Students should not be shamed or required to display their body in front of others in school. “Shaming” includes, but is not limited to: Kneeling or bending over to check attire fit; Measuring straps or clothing length; Asking students to account for their attire in the classroom or in hallways in front of others, Calling out students in spaces, in hallways, or in classrooms about perceived dress code violations in front of others (faculty or staff will request a private conversation with a student); Accusing students of “distracting” other community members with their clothing. The Mounds Park Academy dress code guidelines shall apply to regular school days, and any school related events and activities. Students who feel they have been subject to discriminatory enforcement of the dress code should contact their division director, assistant director, counselor, the head of school.
Physical Education
Short or long-sleeved t-shirt (weather-appropriate). Any graphics or text must be school-appropriate and not contain offensive or derogatory language, images, or symbols. Athletic style shorts or athletic pants/joggers. Athletic shoes to be left at school in locker. Please choose a non-marking sole.