School Uniforms

The intent of our policy is to contribute to an environment that encourages learning, respects individualism, and promotes a sense of community and togetherness. We are a school that seeks to balance a caring and collective community with a respect for identity. Uniforms allow every student to feel included regardless of his or her family's social or economic background.

A uniform is a reminder that as a part of a larger community, we are never alone and are surrounded by people who know and honor us. Uniforms remind us of our purpose. When you put on a school uniform, just like a doctor, an NFL player, a police officer, or a cook puts on their uniform, you will be reminded that ‘‘I am about to do a special job; I am part of a team.” Uniforms remind us that we are equals – our differences shine through our gifts and talents, not through the wardrobe we wear.

The dress code is not intended to reinforce or increase marginalization or oppression of any group based on race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, household income, or body type/size.

Spirit Wear

Every month, the ACDS Office of Student Life will send out a special link to our Cougar Online Store. The Cougar Online Store carries ACDS athletic wear for students and parents. Cougar Gear is outfitted in Under Armour apparel at below retail prices.

Purchasing School Uniforms

School uniform pants, shorts, skirts, and polo shirts are not required to have the ACDS logo and may be purchased at Land's End or other retailers that carry school uniforms as long as they meet the ACDS uniform guidelines (see below) and are 100% plain.

NOTE: The school uniform items that must have the ACDS logo are:

Pre-K: Red fleece, sweater, or sweatshirt with ACDS logo (from Lands’ End) or Cougar Spirit Wear sweatshirt (from the Spirit Store)
K - Grade 5: Red fleece, sweater, or sweatshirt with logo (from Lands’ End), Cougar Spirit Wear sweatshirt (from the Spirit Store), or an ACDS-branded sweatshirt from Speech & Debate or Athletics
Grades 6 - 8: Navy fleece, sweater, or sweatshirt with logo (from Lands’ End), Cougar Spirit Wear sweatshirt (from the Spirit Store), or an ACDS-branded sweatshirt from Speech & Debate or Athletics
Grades 5 - 8 only: Physical Education (PE) T-shirts and shorts/sweatpants with ACDS logo are required (from Lands’ End). Students may also wear a Cougar Spirit Wear sweatshirt to PE.

ACDS Uniform Store at LandS' End

ACDS School Number: 900164773

Uniform Exchange

ACDS also maintains a complimentary Uniform Exchange full of donated, gently worn uniforms that are free for parents to take as needed to help mitigate the cost of purchasing new uniform. Please come visit our Uniform Exchange on campus (come to the front office for directions).

Uniform Guidelines

Students must wear the clothes (listed below) for their grade level.

General (All Grades)

All clothing: including those worn on “free dress” or off-campus during school-sponsored events, should be in good condition and fit comfortably; the waist of the clothing should not show undergarments. Clothing, jewelry, or other items should not create any kind of safety concern, i.e. untied shoelaces, spiked wristbands, excessively long necklaces or chains, nail extensions, etc.
Shoes: Closed-toe and closed-heel; must fit securely on foot and be suitable for all school activities. No Crocs please. There is no exception on free dress days.
Hair color: allowed in Middle School only.
Jewelry: for safety during PE and recess, earrings must be simple, close to the ear, and may not hang down. Necklaces should be removed during PE. Jewelry should be free of any surfaces that create a safety hazard. If a student chooses to wear jewelry, ACDS is not responsible for lost items.
Make-up: not allowed.
Hats: may only be worn outside.
Free dress days: clothing and shoes must allow students to comfortably participate in all school activities, including recess and PE. Clothing should be respectful of all members of our community. Clothing should cover undergarments, torso, and private parts of the body. Tank tops are not allowed. Leggings are permitted on free dress days.
Religious clothing: religious clothing and accessories are welcome.

Pre-K

Pre-Kindergarten

Tops: Red polo shirts (short- or long-sleeve), may be untucked.
Bottoms:
- Dark blue/navy pants, shorts, skirts, or jumpers in cotton twill, cotton/poly blend, polyester (like golf shorts), or soft cotton with elastic waist.
- Navy leggings may now be worn as part of our uniform at ACDS--without being layered under a skirt/dress/shorts. Leggings may be a more comfortable option for some students. Leggings should be solid navy and not have any decoration or stripes. Please be sure the leggings are not see-through.
- Navy track pants and joggers may also be worn as part of our uniform at ACDS. Pants should be solid navy and not have any decoration or stripes.
Belt: Not required; neutral color such as black, brown, gray, or blue if desired.
Outerwear: Red fleece, sweater, or sweatshirt with ACDS logo (from Lands’ End) or Cougar Spirit Wear sweatshirt (from the Spirit Store).
Raincoats and winter coats (second layer): do not need to have the school logo and should only be worn when a second layer of outerwear is needed (e.g. when cold and/or rainy).
Shoes: Closed-toe and closed-heel; must fit securely on foot and be suitable for all school activities. No Crocs please. There is no exception on free dress days.
Socks: Any socks allowed.
Leggings and tights: In Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten, students must wear shorts (athletic or bicycle) or tights (navy, black, or white + holiday-themed tights ok during a holiday season) under their skirts and jumpers, or wear "skorts."
Navy leggings may now be worn as part of our uniform at ACDS--without being layered under a skirt/dress/shorts. Leggings may be a more comfortable option for some students. Leggings should be solid navy and not have any decoration or stripes. Please be sure the leggings are not see-through.

K-5

Kindergarten - Grade 5

Tops: Light blue polo shirts (short- or long-sleeve), may be untucked.
Bottoms:
- Dark blue/navy pants, shorts, skirts, or jumpers in cotton twill, cotton/poly blend, or polyester (like golf shorts).
- Navy leggings may now be worn as part of our uniform at ACDS--without being layered under a skirt/dress/shorts. Leggings may be a more comfortable option for some students. Leggings should be solid navy and not have any decoration or stripes. Please be sure the leggings are not see-through.
- Navy track pants and joggers may also be worn as part of our uniform at ACDS. Pants should be solid navy and not have any decoration or stripes.
Belt: Not required; neutral color such as black, brown, gray, or blue if desired.
Outerwear: Red fleece, sweater, or sweatshirt with logo (from Lands’ End), Cougar Spirit Wear sweatshirt (from the Spirit Store), or an ACDS-branded sweatshirt from Speech & Debate or Athletics.
Raincoats and winter coats (second layer): do not need to have the school logo and should only be worn when a second layer of outerwear is needed (e.g. when cold and/or rainy).
Shoes: Closed-toe and closed-heel; must fit securely on foot and be suitable for all school activities. No Crocs please. There is no exception on free dress days.
Socks: Any socks allowed.
Leggings and tights:
- In Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten: students must wear shorts (athletic or bicycle) or tights (navy, black, or white + holiday-themed tights ok during a holiday season) under their skirts and jumpers, or wear "skorts." Leggings are allowed ONLY under a skirt or shorts, and they need to be 100% plain.
- In Grades 1 - 8: Tights (navy, black, or white + holiday-themed tights ok during a holiday season) may be worn under jumpers, skirts, or shorts.
  Navy leggings may now be worn as part of our uniform at ACDS--without a skirt/dress/shorts layered on top. Leggings may be a more comfortable option for some students. Please be sure the leggings are not see-through, and are 100% plain.
PE uniforms: Required for Grades 5-8. The uniform consists of T-shirts and shorts/sweatpants which must be logo-branded and purchased from Lands’ End. Students may also wear a Cougar Spirit Wear sweatshirt to PE.

6-8

Grades 6 - 8

Tops: Dark blue/navy or white polo shirts (short- or long-sleeve), may be untucked.
Bottoms:
- Dark blue/navy pants, shorts, skirts, or jumpers in cotton twill, cotton/poly blend, or polyester (like golf shorts); sweatpants (with ACDS logo from Lands’ End or Spirit Store or 100% plain with no brand names, designs, or company logos).
- Navy leggings may now be worn as part of our uniform at ACDS--without being layered under a skirt/dress/shorts. Leggings may be a more comfortable option for some students. Leggings should be solid navy and not have any decoration or stripes. Please be sure the leggings are not see-through.
- Navy track pants and joggers may also be worn as part of our uniform at ACDS. Pants should be solid navy and not have any decoration or stripes.
Belt: Not required; neutral color such as black, brown, gray, or blue if desired.
Outerwear: Navy fleece, sweater, or sweatshirt with logo (from Lands’ End), Cougar Spirit Wear sweatshirt (from the Spirit Store), an ACDS-branded sweatshirt from Speech & Debate or Athletics, or Catalina sweatshirt from the 7th grade trip.
Raincoats and winter coats (second layer): do not need to have the school logo and should only be worn when a second layer of outerwear is needed (e.g. when cold and/or rainy).
Shoes: Closed-toe and closed-heel; must fit securely on foot and be suitable for all school activities. No Crocs please. There is no exception on free dress days.
Socks: Any socks allowed.
Leggings and tights: Tights (navy, black, or white + holiday-themed tights ok during a holiday season) may be worn under jumpers, skirts, or shorts.
Navy leggings may now be worn as part of our uniform at ACDS--without being layered under a skirt/dress/shorts. Leggings may be a more comfortable option for some students. Leggings should be solid navy and not have any decoration or stripes. Please be sure the leggings are not see-through.
PE uniforms: Required for Grades 5-8. The uniform consists of T-shirts and shorts/sweatpants which must be logo-branded and purchased from Lands’ End. Students may also wear a Cougar Spirit Wear sweatshirt to PE.

Lands' End FAQs

Lands' End FAQs

What are the benefits of Lands’ End uniforms? Lands’ End manufactures its products so the quality is consistent from year to year. Lands’ End has a lifetime warranty for all of its products, even those with logos. Lands’ End offers a wide range of sizes to fit all students, including regular, extended, juniors, young men, husky, tall, slim and more. In addition, Lands’ End offers free hemming on unfinished girls’ and boys’ pants.
Where can I find Lands’ End uniforms? Lands’ End uniforms can be ordered online.
Are the logos the same for classroom uniforms and PE uniforms? Classroom uniforms will have a logo with a stylized apple and the school name printed below. PE uniforms have a new, bold cougar logo.
Are there any options for parents? The Lands’ End Spiritwear Store, located as one of the options under Almaden Country Day School, carries a variety of items for parents, grandparents and other family friends. Polo shirts and caps are great booster wear. You can also pick up an ACDS apron or tote bag, so be sure to check the Spiritwear Store!
Are students required to use Lands’ End backpacks and lunch boxes? Not at all. They are on the site as a convenience for parents, especially if they want their child’s name embroidered on the lunch box or backpack.
What preferred school numbers should I enter when ordering ACDS uniform items?

Uniforms: 900164773