My mind goes back to the 10 degree mornings we had this winter. How did the girls at these "no pants" schools keep warm? Could they wear more than tights under their uniforms?

I've seen this implemented in very strong girls' schools that are not affiliated with any religion. I'm not sure why, other than tradition. I'm sure it's worth discussing with the administration.

Orthodox Jewish, perhaps? Very conservative Catholic? Either way, I agree that if you don't like the no pants rule, you may discover many other policies you dislike.

I understand requiring uniforms. I do not understand why a private school would not allow females to wear pants. Is it a religious thing? Catholics are allowed to wear pants. Maybe just Mennonite women have to wear long skirts? It just seems so sexist to me- have the girls outside freezing or self conscious just so they look feminine to the boys? I just don't understand the point.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:She'll get used to it. If it's a good school, it's worth adapting!

A school that does not allow an elementary-school girl to wear pants is a school that most likely does other things I really wouldn't want. (Not the OP.)

+1

Anonymous wrote:She'll get used to it. If it's a good school, it's worth adapting!

A school that does not allow an elementary-school girl to wear pants is a school that most likely does other things I really wouldn't want. (Not the OP.)

OP, you may be right. St. John's lists pants on its uniform website for girls, but when we went to register, we were told no pants (they changed the uniform). That's for high school. I am more distressed than I would expect -- DD is active and uncomfortable in skirts and I am feeling anxious about the school now. I could wear pants in Catholic school 35 years ago! We have a week to decide to either get over it or go elsewhere.

Call the school and confirm there is no option -- maybe the web site is incomplete and you'll find out there is a pants option. If not, then you need to figure out how serious a problem this is for your DD. For many children who dislike skirts/dresses, they can get used to it. But for some, it is something that can get worse over time. You need to really drill down and evaluate your own situation. Good luck.

Don't they get cold in the winter?

It's not very healthy to wear tights all day long every day

Promise her that she can wear shorts underneath.

She'll get used to it. If it's a good school, it's worth adapting!

We're looking at ES, and no, apparently not..

A lot of them allow pants for MS/HS.

She didn't notice this beforehand?

We are accepted at a school with a uniform...and looking at their website it says that a skirt/jumper is required for girls aka no pants option. Overall we really like the school so not sure this is a huge deal, but DD HATES to wear dresses/skirts and I envision some fights in the future. Why can't girls wear pants? This isn't the 1800s!