Mandatory Uniforms for Elementary and Middle Schools

As part of an overall reform agenda to increase standards in dress, behavior and achievement, in 1994 the Long Beach Unified School District was the first large urban public school district in the United States to implement school uniforms. School uniforms are required from Kindergarten through 8th grade in 60 elementary schools and 15 middle schools. Wilson Classical High School initiated school uniforms as part of their efforts to raise standards. There, students sign a code of conduct, committing not only to excellence in behavior and academics, but also to uniform dress.

In the five-year period following the implementation of the school uniform initiative, the District had dramatic improvement in a number of areas- crime rate which dropped 86% and attendance was at an all time high on the K-8 school campuses. More children came to school and were able to study in safer and calmer environments.

• News articles related to the LBUSD School Uniform Policy.