Campus Life

Dress Code

The Hill School sets a high standard for students in their dress and appearance to express pride in themselves and their respect for one another. We also believe that different occasions require Academic Dress, while other occasions lend themselves to more casual dress.

Academic Dress will be worn throughout the academic day whenever students are in an academic or public area, Chapel service, meal, required evening performance, or any other designated occasion. Students will wear Academic Dress beginning with breakfast through the final class period of the day, whether or not a student has completed all class obligations.

While the dress code includes some gender-specific expectations, the School recognizes that not all students express their gender in line with their biological sex and thus supports any student’s expression of gender within the spirit of the dress code. It is important that students genuinely adhere to this expectation.

Academic Dress: To be worn at all times during the Academic Day unless specified otherwise by the Deans' Office or Head of School.

  • Blazer or Major-H sweater.
  • Pants or skirt:
    • Pants may be khaki, chino, or corduroy (any color) with a leather belt or Hill School belt.
    • Skirt length must be at least to midthigh.
    • Pant and skirt bottoms should not have holes or be frayed.
  • Button-down Oxford shirt
  • A tie for students who identify as male; students who identify as female or non-binary may wear a tie.
    • Students may not wear the official striped Hill School Tie or scarf until awarded at the Alumni Induction Ceremony.
  • Leather dress shoes with a back.
    • Until Fall Long Weekend and after Spring Long Weekend, students may wear leather dress sandals (not flip flops).
  • Students may wear modest earrings during the Academic Day.

Special Occasions and Other Options:

  • A conservative dress with a blazer may be worn on Wednesday class schedule days and at seated dinners.
  • Necklines must be no more than two inches below the collarbone.
    • V-neck dresses are permitted only if no more than two inches below the collarbone.
    • Strapless and sleeveless dresses are not permitted.
    • Dresses must have backs that do not dip below the shoulder blades.

Winter Term Requirements/Options:

  • A full turtleneck shirt may be substituted for a shirt (and tie, if applicable).
  • If a student wears a winter coat, it is to be worn over the blazer or Major H sweater and not in lieu of it.
  • Winter boots may be substituted for leather dress shoes (also appropriate for inclement weather in other terms).

Prohibited Items:

  • Exposed undergarments, e.g. camisoles and tank tops.
  • Sweatshirts, hoodies, polo shirts, flannel shirts, or t-shirts worn over dress shirts.
  • Denim of any color, including white and black jeans.
  • Spandex, leggings, jeggings, or other form-fitting pants, skirts, or dresses.
  • Sleeveless Oxford shirts (unless covered by a blazer at all times).
  • Moccasins, Toms, or sneakers of any kind. 
  • Tube or bandeau skirts or dresses.
  • Shorts