NHCS Dress Code & Electronic Device Policies

 Please see below for NHCS’s updated K-12 dress code and electronic device policies for the 2024-25 school year.

Dress Code

NHCS values a culture of belonging where scholars are safe, affirmed, and known. Our dress code supports scholar individual expression while fostering a positive and productive environment. The primary responsibility for scholar attire resides with the scholar and their families. Each school is responsible for seeing that scholar attire promotes a scholarly learning environment and does not interfere with the health or safety of any scholar or contribute to a hostile or intimidating environment.  

The school reserves the right to provide appropriate attire when possible for scholars who are out of dress code and/or hold for the day any item that violates the dress code, such as, but not limited to, sunglasses, buttons, and patches. The Principal or Principal Designee will schedule a meeting with the families of scholars who are frequently out of dress code.  

Dress Code Guidelines

  • Any clothing that allows undergarments to be exposed is not permitted. 
  • Shirts should cover the midriff area. Crop tops, see-through clothing, and any other clothing that exposes the stomach are not permitted.
  • Clothing, patches, buttons, pins, jewelry, backpacks that have any of the following negative or derogatory images are not permitted: sexually suggestive writing/pictures; advocate violence, advertise or promote the use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs; have double meaning wording or obscene language/gestures/slurs.
  • Hats, head coverings (except those intended for religious purposes), caps, gloves, and sunglasses are not permitted. While hoodies are allowed, hoods must remain off throughout the day. 
  • No mini skirts, mini dresses, shorts, pants, etc. that hang below the waistline, sit on the hip or lower, or show underwear. Appropriate length is to the end of the fingertips when arms are directly by one’s side.
  • Leggings may be worn with a shirt long enough to cover the midriff at all times.
  • Footwear must allow for safe movement throughout the building. Footwear must be worn at all times throughout the day.  
  • Indoor slippers are not permitted. Indoor/outdoor slippers and slides are acceptable on any day when scholars do not have Physical Education or Science Lab.
  • Closed-toed sneakers are required to be worn by all scholars on their Physical Education days and designated Science Lab days. 
  • Scholars are encouraged to show their NHCS pride with NHCS branded shirts, sweatpants and sweatshirts. These can be purchased online . Wearing clothing from NHCS clubs and teams, and items that affirm and celebrate each scholar’s identity and the identities of others, is encouraged.

*The administration will give consideration to the appropriateness of the above for “Spirit Days” and special school events.

Electronic Device Policy

At NHCS we understand that many of our scholars have cell phones, headphones, game consoles and/or smart watches, and that parents/guardians rely on their ability to communicate with their scholars for safety reasons during the commute to and from school. Our goal with this policy is to support a safe and positive learning environment and increase scholars’ ability to focus by removing distractions caused by electronic devices. 

If a parent or guardian needs to reach their child during the school day, they should contact reception at (617) 825-0703 and a staff member will be sure to communicate messages to your scholar or any staff member in a timely manner. This is the most direct and effective way to communicate any timely messages to your scholar or any school staff. NHCS also commits to communicating any timely messages to families.

Cell phone use that promotes an unsafe learning environment, including but not limited to bullying, inciting violence, or organizing physical altercations, is a violation of the NHCS Code of Conduct and will result in loss of cell phone privileges, including handing in cell phones to an administrator at the beginning of the day, and may result in additional disciplinary consequences.

Lower School | Grades K1 – 4

Scholars who bring a cell phone or other personal electronic device to school must turn it off completely (not put it on silent or vibrate) upon entering the school building and place the device away inside their backpack until they arrive at homeroom. In order to secure cell phones, smartwatches and electronic devices safely, Lower School scholars must hand their device to their homeroom teacher upon entering class. The devices will be locked up and returned to scholars at the end of the day. All cell phone or smartwatch and electronic device use, including texting, phone calls, taking photos or videos, playing online games, and social media use, are prohibited during school hours and while on school grounds. Cell phone and smartwatch use is also prohibited during after school activities.  

Middle School  | Grades 5-8

Scholars who bring a cell phone, smartwatch, or other personal electronic device to school must turn it off completely (not put it on silent or vibrate) upon entering the school building and place the device away inside their backpack. Cellphones and smartwatches will remain inside backpacks during the school day. All cell phone or smartwatch and electronic device use, including texting, phone calls, taking photos or videos, playing online games, and social media use, are prohibited during school hours and while on school grounds. Cell phone and smartwatch use is also prohibited during after school activities. Devices that are not turned off or that are visible will be turned into an administrator or teacher and returned at the end of the day. 

High School | Grades 9-12

In high school our goal is to create a safe and focused learning environment. We understand that many NHCS high school scholars appreciate the opportunity to communicate during the day regarding after-school jobs and/or family responsibilities. However, our primary objective is to create a learning environment free from distractions. Therefore, cell phone/smart watch use is permitted during specific times of the day, but devices must be turned off (not put on silent or vibrate) upon entering the classroom. Devices must be placed inside bags or backpacks or in another secure approved classroom location–not pockets–and must not be visible or audible. All cell phone and smartwatch use, including texting, phone calls, taking photos or videos, playing games, watching videos, and social media use, are prohibited during class (EXCEPT in specific pre-approved circumstances when being used for academic purposes). Devices that are not turned off or that are visible or audible will be turned into the teacher or an administrator and returned at the end of class. 

Cell phone use will be permitted:

  • before and after school hours 
  • in the hallways during passing periods
  • at after school or sports activities with the permission of the coach, instructor or program director
  • at evening or weekend activities inside the school building
  • at lunch and/or recess
Resources for Families

How to Keep your Teen (Tween) Safe Online

Smartphones Social Media and their Impact on Mental Health

If you have any questions about the dress code please contact your child’s principal:

High school: Emily Weiss,

Middle school: Khoi Tau, 

Lower school: Melissa Freeman,