At PCA, we believe uniforms promote unity, discipline, and focus.
They help students prepare for success by removing distractions and creating a shared sense of identity.
Why Uniforms?
Dress Code Philosophy: The Mariner dress code is designed to serve as a guide to parents and students on the proper attire at our school. The biblical principles of Christlikeness, modesty, obedience and respect are the standards applied. As Christians, our goal is to glorify God in everything and to be an example to those around us.
- “Whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” I Corinthians 10:31
- “Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” I Timothy 4:12
- “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2
Clothing should be neat, modest, and appropriate. Clothing should be appropriately sized – not too small and not too large. A student should not be dressed in such a way as to draw attention to his/ her body but to respect and honor God, themselves and others.
Parents and students have the primary responsibility to understand and adhere to the dress code. In all circumstances PCA retains the final authority to determine, in its discretion, whether a student is in compliance with the dress code. If a dress code violation is a modesty issue, the student will be required to change their attire or have a parent bring appropriate clothing. Students will remain in the office until dressed appropriately and any absences from class during this time will be considered unexcused. Repeated violations will be considered defiance and will be handled as a disciplinary issue. The administration reserves the right to amend the dress code as needed to address new fads and styles. Thank you!
Quick Guide & Visual Refresher
Uniform Guidelines: Quick Guide
- Polo-style tops in White, Tan, Gray, Navy, or Light Blue with PCA logo
- Bottoms in White, Tan, Gray, Navy, or neat, solid-color Jean material
- No rips, holes, fraying, or brand logos
- No leggings, yoga pants, or jeggings as pants even if they are jean material
- Skirts and shorts must be modest in length–3 inches above knee
- Leggings may be worn under skirts (not alone)
- Clean, modest, and presentable appearance required
Want All the Details?
Expand the sections below for the full K–12 or Pre-K guidelines.
Basic Guidelines
- Parents/guardians are fully responsible for ensuring that their children are in compliance with the school dress code each day.
- Dress Neatly – That is, shoes tied, no holes/tears in clothes, clothing appropriately sized for the wearer.
- Be Clean – That is, recently washed skin and groomed hair.
- Be Modest – Outlandish or distracting clothing or appearance will not be allowed. Shirts should be an appropriate length so as not to show the midriff, and tight-fitting clothes such as uncovered leggings are not appropriate.
- Wearing Hats – Unless granted permission for special days or events, students are not to wear hats while in the school building. Students who do not comply will have their hats confiscated and not returned until the end of the school day.
Uniform Guidelines
Boys’ Uniforms & Girls’ Uniforms
- Navy, White, Tan or Light Blue, Gray logo polo, oxford or tee-shirt, short or long-sleeved
- Pleated or plain-front khaki, navy, black or gray pants, skirts or shorts, navy plaid pants, shorts, skirts
- Jeans are permitted every day. Jeans should not have rips or holes.
- Shorts and skirts must be no higher than three inches above the knees.
- Sweat/wind pants are only allowed on PE days.
- Girls’ leggings, tights or other similar clothing options may only be worn under ample-length skirts or jumpers. Leggings/tights must be solid school colors (no patterns). This includes Friday’s dress code.
- Friday Dress Code – On Fridays, students are permitted to wear Christian-themed T-shirts. These shirts must display a clear Christian message, such as a Bible verse, faith-based saying, or value aligned with Christian teachings. T-shirts with non-religious themes—including characters, sports teams, logos, or slogans—are not allowed. All other dress code guidelines, including rules for bottoms, remain in effect.
- Logo embroidered or PCA-lettered navy, gray or light blue polar fleece jacket or hoodies
- Logo printed navy or khaki jumper: length must be no higher than three inches above the knees.
- White button up shirt with navy tie or navy bow tie. No logo needed.
NEW: Parents may purchase polo shirts, oxfords, t-shirts, polar fleece jackets and hoodies in navy, gray, white or light blue from any retail store or outlet. Parents are then required to have the official PCA logo embroidered, or screen printed on shirt or hoodie. PCA will notify families of locations that provide embroidery and screen-printing services for our school logo via further down on this page, Remind texts, and/or email.
IMPORTANT: Outerwear worn inside building: Students must have an appropriate jacket, sweatshirt, hoodie or sweater of school colors with logo or PCA lettering to wear inside the building. Coats worn outside only do not need a logo. If coats or hoodies without a logo are worn inside the building, they will be given to the administration for return at the end of the day.
Shoes & Socks
- Socks may be of any shade or style, if they are appropriate in a Christian environment.
- Any shoes, including tennis shoes, crocs, and flip-flops are acceptable unless the teacher gives other instructions. Close-toed shoes are preferred, as they keep students’ feet safe
- No heels or wedges of any kind are permitted.
Uniform purchasing information is available on this page and our Mariners Outfitters.
PERSONAL APPEARANCE:
In the spirit of maintaining a uniform appearance, the following are guidelines for personal appearance:
Facial Hair: Young men are to maintain a professional, well-groomed look with their facial hair so as to minimize distraction.
Hair: For boys and girls, hair should be neat, no unnatural hair dye is allowed except when permitted during Spirit Weekdays.
Piercings: Gauges are not permitted. Only a single pair of earrings or stud piercing in the nose is allowed. At any time, a student may be asked to take this out due to sports rules or safety reasons. No other facial piercings are permitted.
Tattoos: No tattoos shall be visible.
Lunch Box/Bag and Backpack Guidelines
No controversial prints on lunch boxes or backpacks will be allowed. Administration reserves the right to determine what is or is not acceptable.
Preschool students may wear any white, navy or light blue top with khaki, navy, black or gray bottoms. Girls may wear khaki or navy jumpers. All clothing and accessories, with the exception of shoes and socks, must be school colors: white, navy, light blue or khaki. Tops and bottoms (including tights and leggings) may have stripes, polka dots, etc., but they must be in school colors. Preschool students may participate in “Mariner Spirit” Day on Fridays on which PCA spirit wear, Christian t-shirts and jeans may be worn. Shoes must be close-toed for safety purposes, both in the classroom and on the playground. No heels of any kind are permitted for the safety of our preschool students.
Where to Buy Uniforms & Logos
PCA MARINERS OUTFITTERS
Get ready for the school year with our top-quality uniform pieces that combine style, comfort, and durability. We offer a range of options to fit every student’s needs. Shop with ease and convenience, and get ready to sail through the school year with style at Mariners Outfitters!
• Please order by August 10th, to be sure you receive your items by orientation.
LOCAL BUSINESS
A number of businesses provide services that will adhere the official school logo onto your purchased clothing.
Contact: Alexandra DiBella
at 252-349-1593 Text (prefered) or Call
Location: New Bern
Provides embroidery and/or screen printing
PCA logos and more on pre-purchased clothing.
Embroidery $7.50
Screen print (left chest) $5.00
Where do I get a LOGO?
BENDER APPAREL
Purchasing from PCA uniforms through Bender apparel is open for a limited times periodically throughout the school year. A link is included below. There will be additional times throughout the year for ordering please check back for additional times. These items will be made custom for you so all sales are final. Sorry, no refunds or exchanges accepted.
Order Aug. 3rd for delivery the first week of school.
• Outside the time frame of the Bender PCA store link below please call 1.888.222.9542
LANDS' END
Orders from Lands End may happen at any time. These items may be ordered with or without our school logo. Lands’ End will run a number of specials throughout the year so continue to check back for extra savings.
Our Preferred School number is: 900141672
Out of Dress Code? PTO Can Help!
Our amazing PTO is here to support families when the unexpected happens. If a student arrives out of dress code, we’ll help them stay in compliance without disrupting their day. PTO has clean, approved items they may borrow to stay in dress code.
Here’s how it works:
• Students will sign out a clothing item • Must return it clean within 3 school days
• An $8 fee will be invoiced if not returned in time or in good condition
👉 Need help identifying what’s allowed? Download our Uniform Refresher above. 👕
Have questions or want to donate uniform pieces? Contact the office or PTO for details!
This option is designed to support families while upholding our uniform expectations.
What's In vs. What's Out
Approved
Not Approved
important things you should know
Questions And Answers
Yes, as long as they are neat, plain, and free from rips or logos.
Only under skirts or dresses—not as standalone pants.
Yes, but they must be uniform-appropriate in style and length. Athletic shorts or fitted tennis skirts are not permitted.
• You will need to bring them the appropriate uniform.
or
• They may borrow from the PTO Closet and return it within 3 days.
Yes! Gently used donations are appreciated and help other families.
Contact the office or PTO—we often have donated or low-cost items available.