Catholic Schools Find Balance in Student Dress Codes

Pius XI High School in Milwaukee adopted a more stringent dress code this summer to increase professionalism while allowing for student individuality. Principal Ryan Kroenke implemented the change after noting that student attire sometimes resembled casual clothing worn at shopping malls rather than the standards expected at a Catholic school.

The new policy requires students to wear either collared shirts or school spirit wear paired with slacks or non-ripped jeans. Kroenke stated the goal was to elevate how students present themselves daily without restricting their ability to express their personalities. Senior Benjamin Tiedge noted that the policy provides certain boundaries while still allowing him to wear jeans and school shirts rather than being restricted to a single uniform style.