The Bullis Uniform
The uniform is an important part of Bullis School life. It reduces superficial comparisons between among people and emphasizes the common experience that we share as members of this school community. It contributes to a sense of campus decorum and simplicity. Abiding by uniform guidelines conveys a respect for others and for self that underlies the Bullis philosophy.
- Students are to be in uniform from the time they arrive at school until the end of the school day. At all times, students are expected to dress appropriately and within the spirit of the Bullis uniform. Modifications to the uniform for religious or health reasons must be requested through the appropriate division principal or the dean of students in the Upper School. All clothing must fit properly and be neat, clean and in good repair.
- Boys are to be clean-shaven. Extreme hairstyles inconsistent with the expectations of the Bullis uniform are not permitted. Boys’ hair should not fall below the top of the shirt collar.
- Any Lower or Middle School girl or Upper School boy student may wear unobtrusive earrings. Boys in the Lower School or Middle School may not wear earrings. Students may not adorn their uniforms or bodies with unusual jewelry, accoutrements or piercings. Students may not wear baseball hats or other head wear during the academic day. Students may wear winter hats outside during the winter months.
- Students wearing clothing deemed to be in violation of the Bullis uniform will not be permitted to attend class and may be penalized, disciplined or sent home to change. When a teacher confronts a student to correct a dress code violation, the student is expected to comply immediately. Questions regarding interpretation may be discussed at a later time.
The Bullis School Store carries Bullis ties. Girls’ skirts, kilts and jumpers are available at Campus Outfitters, 815B Rockville Pike, in the Wintergreen Shopping Center, 301-345-0700.
Lower and Middle School Uniform Requirements
Shirt:
- Solid white or light blue short- or long-sleeved button-down Oxford shirt, tucked in at all times.
- Necktie required for boys wearing Oxford shirt—one of two Bullis ties. Top button must be buttoned.
- One-button rule applies for girls (all but one button at the top must be buttoned).
- Lower School girls may wear navy or white turtlenecks with jumpers.
Warm Weather Alternative (available in September, October, April, May, June):
- Solid white or navy short- or long-sleeved pique polo shirt with two- or three-button placket and banded sleeves. No cap sleeves. Shirts must be tucked in at all times.
- Solid (no logos) short-sleeved undershirts visible only at the neck (optional). No turtlenecks.
- Brand insignias are acceptable, but no worded advertisements except for Bullis polos.
- One-button rule applies.
Blazer or Sweater (optional):
- Navy blazer or solid navy, yellow, white or gray sweater (no turtleneck or hooded sweaters).
- Jackets may be worn between buildings but removed before entering classrooms.
- The navy Bullis-approved crewneck sweatshirt, sold at the school store, is the only sweatshirt permitted during the academic day.
Pants:
- Navy, khaki or gray plain-front or pleated (boot cut or straight leg) dockers/chino style pants worn at the waist.
- Belts must be worn if pants have belt loops but must not be worn without belt loops.
- No external pockets, no rivets, no stretch or tight fitting pants; no cargo, capri or jean-style pants.
Warm Weather Alternative (available in September, October, April, May, June):
- Lower Schoolers may wear khaki-colored walking shorts (long shorts with belt loops). Shorts must be no shorter than four inches above the knee.
Girls’ Skirt:
- Bullis plaid skirt or kilt, no shorter than four inches above the knee. Items worn under the skirt must not be visible.
- Lower School girls may wear Bullis plaid jumper.
Socks or Tights:
- Socks (or tights for girls) must be worn at all times.
- Any socks may be worn with pants.
- Socks or tights worn with skirts or shorts must be solid white, gray or navy.
Shoes:
- Solid brown or black leather shoes with closed toes and backs. Any stripes or logos must be the exact color of the shoe. No boots, or platform shoes. or sneakers/running shoes.
- All laced shoes must be tied, and pant legs must be worn over the shoe.
- Lower and Middle Schoolers must wear shoes with heels one inch or lower.
Upper School Uniform Requirements
Shirt:
- Solid white, light blue or light yellow, long-sleeved button-down Oxford shirt, tucked in at all times.
- Necktie required for boys wearing Oxford shirt—one of two Bullis ties. Top button must be buttoned.
- One-button rule for girls (all but one button at the top must be buttoned).
- Seniors may wear navy or white turtlenecks.
Warm Weather Alternative (available in September, October, April, May, June):
- Solid white, navy or light yellow short- or long-sleeved pique polo shirt with two or three button placket and banded sleeves. No tie. Shirts must be tucked in at all times.
- Solid (no logos) short-sleeved undershirts visible only at the neck.
- Brand insignias are acceptable, but no worded advertisements except for Bullis polos.
- One-button rule applies.
Blazer or Sweater (optional):
- Navy blazer or solid navy, yellow, white or gray sweater (no turtleneck or hooded sweaters).
- Jackets may be worn between buildings but removed before entering classrooms.
- The navy Bullis-approved crewneck sweatshirt, sold at the school store, is the only sweatshirt permitted during the academic day.
Pants:
- Navy, khaki or gray plain-front or pleated (boot cut or straight leg) dockers/chino style pants worn at the waist.
- Belts must be worn if pants have belt loops but must not be worn without belt loops.
- No external pockets, no rivets, no stretch or tight fitting pants; no cargo, capri or jean-style pants.
Girls’ Skirt:
- Bullis plaid skirt or kilt, worn no shorter than four inches above the knee. Items worn under the skirt must not be visible.
Socks or Tights:
- Socks (or tights for girls) must be worn at all times.
- Any socks may be worn with pants.
- Socks or tights worn with skirts must be solid white, gray, navy, black or non-patterned skin tone.
Shoes:
- Solid brown or black leather shoes or boots with closed toes. Any stripes or logos must be the exact color of the shoe. No platform shoes shoes. or sneakers/running shoes.
- All laced shoes must be tied, and pant legs must be worn over the shoe or boot.
