The students and staff of the Hawthorne Christian Academy form a learning community that is within a much larger, multi-generational community. The Academy is one of the many members of the Hawthorne Gospel Church Community. We therefore should be aware of the standards and expectations of that broader supporting community as we set our own standards. Just as that larger community has expectations in terms of acceptable dress, so too, should our Academy.
It is also the Academy’s viewpoint that the learning and spiritual atmosphere of our school is enhanced by student and staff appearance that is neat, orderly, and in moderation. Clothing that is disorderly, non-functional and excessive in style and appearance does not uphold this conviction. We seek a higher level of purpose, that of honoring our Lord in our appearance as well as in our behavior. The Academy’s standard of dress is intended to honor these convictions without becoming legalistic. The aim is for students and staff to embrace the “spirit” of the standard of dress and not get bogged down in the “letter” of it.
Finally, the Academy also recognizes that Christians can have convictions that differ regarding the application of Biblical principles in the area of dress. If a particular article or style of clothing is not allowed, the Academy is not saying the item is wrong to wear at other times - just not to school. The code is clearly not intended to measure individual spirituality, but rather to serve as a vehicle to promote an appropriate learning and spiritual atmosphere within our school community.
Some Biblical principles which the Academy seeks to promote:
