WHY SCHOOL UNIFORMS?

We all want to belong, to be included and feel accepted. This is especially true in school where peer pressure
can be the largest challenge of going to school. Students benefit from wearing a uniform to school, the most
important way being the direct benefit of reducing social distractions and pressures due to appearance. Fashion
differences create social divides and distractions. School uniforms are the great equalizer. Peer pressure and
bullying are reduced. Everyone starts off equal. You can be judged on who you are and not on what you wear.

School uniforms promote the values of order and discipline. They allow students to focus on learning and social
acceptance. They help students develop the habits of success.

Students aren’t the only ones that benefit from a school uniform. Parents and the school benefit as well.

How do parents benefit? Many parents who haven’t yet experienced having a child wear a uniform to school
think that the uniform will be expensive. That is often the opinion before their first visit to the uniform store.
However, speak to that same parent after their first visit and particularly a year later and that opinion invariably
has changed. First, the parent isn’t faced with the high cost of purchasing fashion wear. Second, many uniform
items last more than one year so that purchases for successive years most often involve purchasing only a
limited part of the uniform. Uniforms are easy to care for and are manufactured for durability. They are also
manufactured with comfortable fabrics and in sizing that will accommodate all students.

As important as the cost aspect is to families, most parents will say that one of the biggest benefits of a school
uniform apart from reducing the impact of social pressures on their child to wear the newest trend is the
amount of time and stress that the uniform saves in getting ready for the school day, including eliminating
concerns about whether the outfit is appropriate for school. Simply put, everyone knows what the rules are and
the stress level goes down. While parents benefit in these ways, so correspondingly do the student and teaching
staff at the school.

How does the school benefit? The uniform engenders a sense of identity and comradery and pride in the
institution and the school community. Conflict amongst students is reduced and an environment of inclusion
and equality is promoted. Less conflict and discrimination means greater ability to focus on academic
performance. There is reduced likelihood of conflict or violence between different social groups identified by
appearance. There is less likelihood of theft of expensive fashion items. Security is enhanced as intruders are
easily and immediately identifiable. While the school benefits in these ways, so correspondingly do the parents
and the student.

There are many different types and styles of school uniforms. They all promote equality. They all promote
security, inclusion and community. They all promote learning.

Uniforms are a statement. Students who wear a uniform are a visual statement of the values of the school. He
or she is saying I am part of this school, I adhere to the school’s values, conduct and beliefs and I belong. I am
included and I am accepted here.

Patti Koenig

Founder
Cambridge