FAQ -- Do You Have a Dress Code?


“Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains to bring it to light.” George Washington

FAQ – Do You Have a Dress Code?

Answer – Yes

Specific elements clothing requirements are stated in the Student/Parent Handbook.

We maintain this dress code for several reasons:

  • Northwestern Outdoor Leadership Institute strives to maintain learning environment that functions well and is free from unnecessary distractions and annoyances. Our students’ emphasis should be on learning not clothing
  • Having good hygiene, good grooming and appropriateness of dress are all core routines and habits of successful people
  • to underscore the our seriousness of purpose by encouraging students to think of their attire as an aspect of their work
  • Proper clothing is as important and the tools used by the tradesmen and is key to success as the skills of leadership is to the statesman
  • to eliminate the self-consciousness and social competition that fashion tends to promote
  • to promote a sense of identity with the school and among the students as a group as well as their future careers

Northwestern Outdoor Leadership maintains three standard of dress

  • In the Field, Farm, or Shop our students will wear what professionals in their field of work wear
  • At Casual Events such as fairs, shows, conferences our students will represent us and themselves through their attire in a professional manner
  • At Presentations our students will wear traditional conservative business attire or the FFA dress uniform
"Always stand on principle...even if you stand alone."
—John Adams
"The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty."
—James Madison