Basking Ridge Campus: Upper School & Middle School
The clothing that students choose to wear must be neat and appropriate, reflecting the values of The Pingry School.
Suitable tops include sweaters, button-down or polo-style shirts, turtlenecks, collared shirts, blouses, or t-shirts. All tops should be of appropriate covering for the work engaged in at school. Suitable bottoms include pants (not sweatpants or pajama pants), non-athletic shorts, or skirts. Alternatively, students may wear dresses. Dresses, skirts, and shorts should be an appropriate length for the work engaged in at school.
- In addition to footwear, students must wear tops with pants, shorts, skirts, or opaque leggings, or wear dresses.
- Tops and dresses must have fabric in the front, in the back, and on the sides (under the arms). All tops must meet the waistband of the bottom garment and have straps and/or sleeves. Clothing must cover undergarments at all times.
- Clothing may not display lettering. The only writing that may appear on clothing is “Pingry”or the name of a college.
- Hats, caps, sweatshirt hoods, and sunglasses may not be worn in the school building. Head coverings worn for religious reasons are permitted.
- Torn or ripped clothing is not permitted.
- Clothing may not use or depict hate speech targeting groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, or any other protected groups.
- Clothing must not threaten the health or safety of any other student or staff member.
- Clothing may not depict pornography, nudity, or sexual acts.
- Clothing may not depict, advertise, or advocate the use of alcohol, tobacco, or other controlled substances.
Student ID must be worn and visible at all times. Simply carrying a Student ID in a pocket or backpack is not sufficient to comply with this policy.
Students who arrive at school out of Dress Code may be asked to change, receive a warning, and/or face disciplinary consequences.
Dress Code for Special Occasions
Special occasions include concerts, awards ceremonies, Convocation Day, Career Day, etc. On these days students are asked to wear attire more suitable for the occasion, such as jackets and ties, dress pants, dresses, skirts, dress shirts or blouses, and appropriate footwear. Notification will be made in advance when the Dress Code for Special Occasions will be in effect. Students must remain in formal attire until the end of the academic day unless otherwise determined by the Dean of Students.
Dress Code for Relaxed Dress Code Days
On designated days, students are permitted to dress in more relaxed attire. On Relaxed Dress Code Days, sweatpants, athletic pants, and athletic shorts are permitted. Pajamas, hats, and sunglasses are not permitted. Additionally, all tops must meet the waistband of the bottom garment and have straps and/or sleeves.
Short Hills Campus: Lower School
The Lower School Dress Code is grounded in our core values and aligns with our priority to cultivate a care-centered learning environment. More than a set of rules, the Dress Code is intended to support the educational experience by fostering a sense of belonging, encouraging self-respect, and promoting safety and comfort as our youngest students learn and play. It reflects our belief in an inclusive learning environment that honors student identity while maintaining expectations that are clear, age-appropriate, and respectful.
To support the spirit of the Lower School Dress Code, students are expected to follow these guidelines:
- Students should arrive at school neat, clean, and dressed in a way that allows them to participate fully and comfortably in all aspects of the school day.
- Clothing may not display lettering. The only writing that may appear on clothing is “Pingry”or the name of a college.
- No torn or ripped clothing is permitted.
- Undergarments must remain covered at all times, and clothing should be of an appropriate size and length for the activities students are engaged in at school.
- All tops must meet the waistband of the bottom garment and have straps and/or sleeves.
- Students are welcome to wear comfortable, school-appropriate athleisure. This can include full length and full coverage leggings, tailored joggers, and sweatshirts, including sweatshirts with hoods; however, clothing should still reflect a school-ready look (no sports jerseys, sweatpants, mesh running tops, spandex, or mesh shorts).
- Hats, caps, sunglasses, and sweatshirt hoods may not be worn indoors, except on special occasions or designated Relaxed Dress Days. Head coverings worn for religious reasons are always permitted.
- All footwear must be safe and appropriate for play; therefore, flip-flops, high-heeled sandals or shoes, or slippers are not permitted.
- Smartwatches are not permitted unless students have a diagnosed health condition on file with the Health Office stating that they may wear one.
- Any jewelry must be safe for play and PE.
Faculty and administration will support and uphold the Dress Code daily. If a student’s attire does not align with these expectations, parents/guardians will be notified. Our goal is to partner with families to ensure all students feel confident, safe, and ready to learn.
Dress Code for Special Occasions
Special occasions which include concerts, awards ceremonies, etc. may require more uniform attire from the student body. On these occasions, students may be asked to wear more formal attire such as jackets and ties, dress pants, skirts, shirts or blouses, dresses, and dress shoes. Notification will be made in advance for when the Dress Code for special occasions will be in effect.
Please refer to the Family Handbook for Dress Code details, and the Big Blue Bulletin (BBB) throughout the year for Relaxed Dress and Special Occasion dress announcements.