When Dunwoody High School students walk through the doors on Wednesday, August 5, the rules about what they're wearing will look different. The new districtwide dress code uses no gender-specific language, applies the same standards to every student, and was written to avoid singling out particular cultures or religions. And pajamas? Still a hard no.
The DeKalb County School District published its revised dress code for the 2026-27 school year on Tuesday, July 21, through the Dunwoody High School PTSO website. The policy applies districtwide across DCSD's 135 schools and more than 92,600 students.
According to the PTSO announcement, the new code was developed through a collaborative effort involving students, parents, staff, and community members, combined with research into dress code policies across metro Atlanta and other states. Dr. Kishia K. Towns, identified in the document as the district's chief of wrap around support and intervention, led the effort.
What students must do
The updated rules require opaque clothing that covers all undergarments, whether sitting or standing. Students must wear shoes at all times, and footwear that interferes with movement or safety is prohibited. Protective gear is required for specific programs, classes, or activities.
What's off-limits
The policy prohibits pajamas, sleepwear, house shoes, and bedroom slippers. Headgear of any kind is prohibited, with exceptions for religious practices, medical conditions, disabilities, and specific school activities.
Clothing, jewelry, tattoos, or piercings that promote gangs, drugs, alcohol, or tobacco are also banned. So are items with offensive, vulgar, violent, or sexually explicit content, and anything derogatory toward a person's ethnic background, race, national origin, religious belief, sexual orientation, or disability.
What the district says changed
According to the PTSO document, the biggest shift is structural: the new code contains no gender-specific language, meaning the same rules apply to every student regardless of gender identity. The policy document also states it was written to avoid targeting students from specific cultures or religions.
Administrators retain discretion to determine whether attire is disruptive or poses a safety hazard, and can grant exceptions for medical, religious, or disability-related reasons.
Training and rollout
School administrators will receive training on the updated code during July 2026. Teachers will walk students through the changes during the first weeks of school.
The full 2026-27 DCSD Code of Student Conduct, including the revised dress code, will be available at all schools and on the district website at dekalbschoolsga.org.
What DHS families need to know next
Dunwoody High School's open house is Wednesday, July 29. Registration is Saturday, August 1. The first day of school is Wednesday, August 5. Families with questions can contact their school's administrative office.
