Uniforms

 

Uniforms are appearing in Montessori schools across the globe. In 2016, The Springs began to test pilot a school uniform for our students.

The following are the uniform requirements for all House Levels. Generally, the uniform is not gender or age-specific (although items are grouped by gender and/or age on the French Toast and Lands’ End websites).

  • Infant House: No Requirements
  • Toddler House: • Approved uniform from FrenchToast.com or Lands’ End School as listed on their respective websites. • All shirts, dresses, sweaters, and jackets must have The Springs crest. o Navy blue, black, white, or gray leggings, shorts, undershirts, etc., must be worn underneath uniform dresses. • The approved pants and shorts colors are navy blue and gray. • Leggings are not to be worn as pants, except for in the case of inadequate sizing from our uniform suppliers. Approval from the Administration is required under these circumstances. • Classroom shoes (see policy below) • Toddler students may opt to wear the PE uniform*. However, the PE uniform and standard uniform may not be combined. • Outdoor shoes should be shoes that children can play in, i.e., no high heels, sandals, or boots should be worn.
  • Children’s House: • Approved uniform from FrenchToast.com or Lands’ End School as listed on their respective websites. • All shirts, dresses, sweaters, and jackets must have The Springs crest. • Navy blue, black, white, or gray leggings, shorts, undershirts, etc., may be worn underneath the approved uniform. • The approved pants and shorts colors are navy blue and gray. • Leggings are not to be worn as pants, except for in the case of inadequate sizing from our uniform suppliers. Approval from the Administration is required under these circumstances. • Children’s House students may opt to wear the PE uniform*. However, the PE uniform and standard uniform may not be combined. • Classroom shoes (see policy below) • Outdoor shoes should be shoes that children can play in, i.e., no high heels, sandals, or boots should be worn.
  • Elementary House: • Approved uniform from FrenchToast.com or Lands’ End School as listed on their respective websites. • All shirts, dresses, sweaters, and jackets must have The Springs crest. • Navy blue, black, white, or gray leggings, shorts, undershirts, etc., may be worn underneath the approved uniform. • The approved pants and shorts colors are navy blue and gray. • Leggings are not to be worn as pants, except for in the case of inadequate sizing from our uniform suppliers. Approval from the Administration is required under these circumstances. • The PE uniform may be worn only on spirit days and designated PE class days*. • Outdoor shoes should be shoes that children can play in, i.e., no high heels, sandals, or boots should be worn. • Classroom shoes (see policy below)

 

Why uniforms?

Many parents may be surprised to consider uniforms at such a young age, but uniforms are helpful not just to the students, but parents and teachers as well.  Most importantly, uniforms eliminate distractions and competition in the classroom.  This frees the child to focus on their classroom activities and develop their inner self. The uniform places children in a “school” frame of mind. Families who have taken advantage of the uniforms report stress-free mornings and relief from unnecessary clothing negotiations with their children.  Children are encouraged to show their individuality not through what they wear, but rather their actions, efforts, and personality.

How do uniforms support the Montessori curriculum?

As mentioned above, uniforms eliminate competition between students, promote concentration by minimizing classroom distractions, and perhaps most importantly, uniforms encourage independence both at school and at home.  Children who wear uniforms know exactly what to wear each day. Children can retrieve their clothes without discussion, make the choices allowed within the confines of the uniform policy and dress themselves. The beauty of the uniform is that they are simple in design and construction so children can manage on their own, both at home and at school.  This is especially helpful for children who are toilet learning as these students benefit from simple, easy-to-manage clothing. Lastly, uniforms promote the concepts of beauty and order, which are fundamental elements of the Montessori philosophy as uniforms are appealing to the eye and create an expected order in the child’s dress. Overall, uniforms provide children another opportunity to experience “freedom within limits,” a defining characteristic of Montessori education.

Where do I get The Springs’ uniform?

Uniforms are available for purchase through French Toast Uniforms at http://www.frenchtoast.com/. The Springs’ school code is QS5ESAK as well as through Lands’ End School at http://landsend.com/. The school code is 900183054. French Toast uniforms offer a more affordable option. However, we have found that French Toast’s products are more prone to shrinkage and less durable. Lands’ End, while slightly more expensive, provide stronger quality and a guaranteed return (even on embroidered products). Please see the Parent Handbook and/or website for a full explanation of the uniform dress code. Additionally, The Springs will host uniform exchanges twice per year (July and January) at which time families may sell back and/or trade outgrown uniforms.

What if I cannot afford the uniform?

One of the reasons we chose French Toast as our uniform supplier is the affordability of their products.  They are no more expensive than clothing from Target, Carter’s, or Kohl’s and are comparable in quality.  French Toast routinely offer discounts and sales as does Lands’ End, especially during the summer months. And since uniforms can be re-worn each day, you don’t need to order too many. Parents who have tried out the uniform have reported that their clothing budget for their children actually decreased. If the cost still seems prohibitive, we will assist you in finding gently used uniforms through our uniform exchange.

 

For more information on our uniform policy please see the Parent Handbook or click here.