I attended a private, Catholic high school for girls. If anyone out there is considering sending their daughter to a school like this, be aware that rebellion and deceit are subjects of the unwritten curriculum. Plus your daughter will be surrounded by many other girls whose families can actually afford to send them there, and those girls have credit cards and cars. I�m just warning you.

There are pros and cons to this type of high school experience. I could ramble on and on about them, but I think actual excerpts from my high school�s handbook speak volumes on the subject.

PRO

The English department offers the finest training in reading comprehension and writing mastery available anywhere. Yearly unsolicited accolades come from former students as well as their college professors regarding the singular skill of the "****** trained writer."

CON

Dress Code

. All students must be dressed appropriately and modestly, as conforms to the mission of ******. Skirts, dresses and only dress khaki pants may be worn. A general check of the dress code shall take place daily during homeroom. If the administration/faculty feels a student�s clothing is inappropriate, she must change. Each subsequent infraction of the dress code not only results in change of clothes, but the student receives automatic detention. Final decisions in matters of dress code shall be made by the principal.

. If the skirt or dress falls above the knee, it is to be worn with stockings or tights that completely cover the leg. Thigh-highs (to cover legs) are not permitted. Skirt length shall not be shorter than mid-thigh. Skirts that are tattered, frayed or generally sloppy in appearance are not suitable.

. If a student wears khaki pants, she must have a collared shirt or blouse and wear shoes, not sneakers. Pants may only be khaki color and dress cut, no wide leg. This should be a dress up look; therefore, no sweatshirts may be worn with pants. In addition, stretch khakis are not permitted. Dress khakis such as Dockers are an appropriate pant. A jean-cut or jean-look is not acceptable.

. Students should avoid clothing that is too short, too tight, too revealing or is in bad need of repair.

. No split skirts, skorts or one-piece pant outfits (long or short) are permitted

. No tank, crop, spaghetti straps, strapless, controversial or �R� rated tops are permitted.

. Any garment, top or bottom, from which underwear shows is inappropriate for school.

. Footwear should be appropriate for school. Students may wear sandals, but the following are not permitted: backless sandals, sports sandals, clogs, tevas, and mules. Platform shoes with excessively high heels, which would be dangerous in corridors and stairways, are discouraged for school wear.

. Outerwear, including hats, may NOT be worn during school hours. This includes coats, jackets, windbreakers, ski vests, hats and mittens.

. Bizarre hair color or style, shaved or partially shaved heads, excessive make-up or ornaments worn in any part of the body that is pierced, with the exception of ears, is inappropriate for school. Visible tattoos are not permitted in school.

. Any article of clothing, jewelry, or accessory that promotes drinking, drugs, tobacco or lifestyle contrary to the gospel values is inappropriate for school.

. On dress down days, the following will NOT be permitted: jeans with holes or frayed bottoms, windpants, sweatpants, lycra, spandex, leggings.

. Proper dress code also applies for school -sponsored functions.

When I attended, pants were not allowed. And I once got detention for a lack of socks/stockings.

I wasn't going to go to my 20 year reunion, but I think I might, just so I can wear one of these shirts. Oh, the preppy little Land's Enders will just LOVE me.