• Dress Code

    South Gwinnett acknowledges that good grooming and personal attire positively affects student achievement and conduct. South’s dress code is designed to reduce the likelihood of distraction or disruption and to maintain an academic focus in the classroom and on campus. Instruction is interrupted when a student has to be seen by an administrator because of inappropriate dress. If in the judgment of the administration or staff, a student is dressed inappropriately, the student will be required to change clothing. Often, the student has to miss instruction time while waiting for a change of clothing to be brought to the school. Time out of class will be regarded as unexcused. South’s administration and staff would like the cooperation of the students and parents in reviewing the student’s dress before the student comes to school to ensure it meets the following dress code guidelines.

  • 1. Head coverings – Headgear are prohibited and must be kept out of sight at school. This includes, but is not limited to caps, hats, hoods, bandanas, wave caps, sweatbands, headbands, sunglasses, headsets, or any other head covering. *Exceptions for religious or medical reasons to be granted by the principal.

    2. Shirts/Blouses/Tops/T-shirts – Blouses/shirts should be constructed so that the tops of the shoulders are covered (no halter tops, strapless tops, spaghetti straps, or bare shoulder tops of any type will not be allowed). Blouses/shirts that expose any portion of the waist, hips or midriff are not allowed. (If you raise your arms to shoulder level and the stomach shows, the top is unacceptable.) Other blouses/shirts that are not appropriate for school include, but are not limited to, low-cut, see through, backless, or tube tops. Jackets are not a substitute for appropriate clothing. (Boys must wear shirts in P.E.) ALL CLOTHING MUST BE SIZE APPROPRIATE.

    3. Shorts/Skirts/Pants – All shorts and skirts must be no shorter than 8 inches from the bottom of the knee. Waistline of shorts/skirts/pants must be on or above the hips with no underwear showing. CLOTHING MUST BE SIZE APPROPRIATE.

    4. Students may not wear trench coats or other long coats that resemble the style of a trench coat to school. Students may not wear blankets, capes or cloaks to school.

    5. Shoes – Health regulations and safety factors require that shoes be worn at all times at school (bedroom/house shoes and SLIDES are not allowed).

    6. Undergarments should not be visible

    7. No pajamas or sleepwear of any kind are allowed to be worn to school. 

    8. Stretch lycra, spandex or nylon tights, leotards, biker pants or underwear worn as an outer garment are strictly prohibited (except in dance class)

    9. Excessively tight clothing is prohibited.

    10. No student clothing shall display words or symbols that advocate or depict violence, hatred, prejudice, tobacco products, drugs, alcohol, sex, Playboy symbols, illegal gang affiliation or other illegal activity expressed or implied. No student clothing or accessories shall be disruptive or have caused past disruption to the school environment. 

    11. Jewelry or accessories that may be used as weapons are not allowed to be worn at school. This includes, but is not limited to, wallet chains, jewelry such as spiked rings, spiked bracelets, animal/dog/cat collars, two or three finger rings that are joined, large belt buckles and bulky chains worn around the neck or waist. Sharp objects that could pose a danger, such as spikes or safety pins, are not allowed on clothing or book bags.

  • 12. Students are not allowed to display clothing or symbols that have been identified by the Gwinnett County Police Gang Taskforce as being commonly identified with gangs. Garments, jewelry, body art and tattoos that communicate gang allegiance are not allowed to be worn at school, and no item may be worn in a manner that communicates gang affiliation. “GRILLS” are not allowed.

    • Gang related attire includes but is not limited to the following: students rolling up one pant leg, long bulky chains and necklaces, gang-styled belt buckles (belt buckles which have Old English script letters and symbols), large oversized pendants on necklace and chains, bandanas, altering clothing from its original form to change the names and/or intended marking on the clothing, sweatbands and/or headbands, and draping articles of clothing, towels, or other objects out of pants pockets or over the shoulder or neck area.

    • This rule is subject to updates as additional wearing apparel becomes identified as gang affiliated or disruptive. You should consult the South web site frequently to be informed about additions or changes to this rule.

    13. All belts must be properly fastened around the waist. The belt should not be excessive in length and should not be hanging from either side of the body.

    14. All students should be dressed in a symmetrical fashion. Students may not wear clothing or accessories in a manner that would distinguish a particular side of their body.

    15. Any student dress/appearance not specifically stated which the faculty or staff deems distracting will not be permitted. It is essential that students respect the learning environment by being appropriately dressed for school. The purpose of the student dress code is not to inhibit any person’s taste in attire, but rather to better facilitate the process of education through reasonable guidelines of “dress” instilling dignity and pride. A student wearing clothing or accessories not described in these rules but which become distracting to the learning environment or identified as gang-attire will receive a written warning in advance of any disciplinary action. 

    16. Exceptions to the South Gwinnett High School dress code may be made by the Principal or his/her designee for specific reasons.

    17. Consequences: Please refer to the Gwinnett County Student/Parent Discipline Handbook.