Asbury Park Returns To School Uniforms, Part Of Growing State Trend

ASBURY PARK, NJ — Uniforms have returned to Asbury Park schools this year.

For the first time in several years, Asbury Park schools will be requiring all students wear uniforms. This is part of a growing trend of New Jersey school districts to require uniforms.

“We opted to pivot back to uniforms in an effort to focus on improving the climate and culture of our district. This decision was not made lightly. I engaged students in all grades beginning in January 2022," Asbury Park superintendent RaShawn Adams told the Asbury Park Press.

According to their report, the following New Jersey school districts require uniforms: Long Branch, Belleville, Newark, East Orange, Lodi, Passaic and Elizabeth. Secaucus public schools also require uniforms. Orange will start requiring uniforms this year.

"Please be reminded that the Asbury Park School District will require all students in grades Pre kindergarten through 12th grade to wear uniforms," the district posted on its website. "This dress code requirement goes into effect the first day of school, which is September 8, 2022."

The dress code is a Columbia blue top with navy bottoms for elementary school students, a black or white top with khaki bottoms for middle schoolers and a Columbia blue top with khaki bottoms for high school students.