Updated June 2026
As a magnet school, all Thoreau scholars are expected to comply with required dress code and personal appearance regulations. These guidelines are meant to establish a unified, focused learning environment and a community of excellence while aligning with District Board Policy 2601-R and the Tulsa Public Schools Student and Family Guide to Success. It is the responsibility of the guardian and the student to support the Thoreau Dress Code.
Students who elect not to conform to the dress and grooming rules set forth by this policy will be subjected to consequences defined by the district’s Behavior Response Plan. Families will have an opportunity to support their student with compliance of the dress code prior to a consequence being issued. Depending on the infraction, students may await this support in the detention or ISD room.
Hoodies and/or hoods are not to be worn during the school day at Thoreau, they must be stored in lockers. Excessively oversized/baggy or excessively oversized/tight clothes are prohibited. All permitted garments shall be clean, in good repair, and shall have no holes worn through, slashes, rips or tears.
PANTS/SHORTS
Khaki or black uniform pants, shorts & capris. No cargo or pant leg pockets. Must be appropriately fitted. Pants and shorts shall be worn at the waist. Sagging and baggy pants are prohibited. Tights, sweatpants or leggings worn as outerwear are not permitted (Ex. LuluLemon, Spandex, Bike Shorts). Shorts must be no shorter than a length of 3” above the knee. Undergarments shall not be visible.
SKIRT/SKORT
Khaki, black, or “Thoreau Plaid”* box-pleated skirts/skorts. Skirts or skorts must be no shorter than a length of 3” above the knee. Undergarments shall not be visible.
SHIRTS
White, black, grey, navy blue or hunter green style with collar, two or three buttons, short or long sleeve, no pockets, only Thoreau logos permitted.
Bare midriffs, immodestly low cut necklines, off the shoulder, or bare backs are prohibited. Garments must be of appropriate length, cut and/or fit to meet these requirements while sitting and/or bending.
SWEATSHIRTS/SWEATER
White, black, grey, navy blue or hunter green sweatshirt allowed, a polo uniform shirt must be worn under sweatshirts/sweaters. When a logo is present, only Thoreau graphics or emblems on sweatshirts/sweaters. NO HOODS OR HOODIES permitted. Students are encouraged to keep a school approved sweater/sweatshirt available in their locker as room temperatures vary in each classroom.
SHOES
Students shall wear appropriate footwear for protection and hygienic reasons while on school grounds, participating in school activities, or on school transportation. Shoes may not be a distraction to classroom learning (flashing lights, noises or wheels). Flip flops/slides, furry shoes, shower shoes, and house shoes are prohibited. Crocs are not permitted.
FRIDAY SPIRIT WEAR
On Fridays, students will be allowed to wear a spirit shirt and replace uniform bottoms with jeans, joggers or jean shorts. Sagging and baggy pants are prohibited. No cargo or pant leg pockets. Jeans must not be ripped above the knee. Undergarments shall not be visible. Thoreau approved spirit wear, all shirts must be clean and undamaged.
ACCESSORIES
Jewelry, accessories, make-up, footwear and hair must follow general safety and not be a distraction in class. Jewelry and other accessories shall not convey prohibited messages as defined in district policy. Visible pierced jewelry will be limited to the ear.
No hats, bonnets, shower caps, or football ski masks are permitted. Headbands & hair wraps will be allowed as part of the school uniform in the following colors: white, grey, navy blue or hunter green. Thoreau plaid is permitted.
Religious and Health Accommodation
Where a bona fide religious belief or health need of a student conflicts with the school dress code, reasonable accommodation shall be provided. Any student desiring accommodation shall notify the school principal in writing of the requested accommodation and the factual basis for the request. Approved coverings worn as part of a student’s bona fide religious practices or beliefs shall not be prohibited under this policy.
Clothing Assistance
It is the policy of the Board that no student will be denied an education due to a bona fide financial inability to obtain clothing that complies with the school dress code. Any student for whom compliance with the school dress code poses a bona fide financial burden may submit a written request for clothing needed, together with a statement of financial need. School principals, or their designees, shall assist families in financial need to obtain clothing that complies with the school dress code.
Thoreau Plaid and Logos
If you are interested in uniforms with Thoreau plaid or logos, you may contact C & J School Uniforms. For all other uniform needs, families are welcome to purchase uniforms within policy at the vendor of their choice.
