Wake County's first single-sex schools setting high student dress standards

The Wake County school system's first two single-gender schools are also unique in having strict dress codes, including school uniforms.

The Wake Young Men's Leadership Academy's dress code requires students to wear ties with a school uniform being optional. The Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy goes further in its uniform policy, requiring students to wear uniforms with the school's logo.

The men's academy has a link off its homepage to a YouTube video showing students how to tie a Windsor knot. During Thursday's open house, media specialist Chris Howell gave students lessons on how to tie a tie.

The more rigorous dress standards are part of the leadership theme of both schools, which will eventually serve grades 6-12.  

"It gives him a professional look," said Sharesa Wilkins, whose 12-year-old son, Travin, will attend the men's academy. "He's not just putting on a sweatshirt to come to school. It's preparing him for a career in the workforce and preparing him for professional situations."

The school system's student dress code policy is based on listing items that are banned. Individual schools often add specifics to the general guidelines.

But it's extremely rare in Wake for schools to have strict dress codes and the higher standard of uniforms. What makes it easier for the leadership academies is that they're both new and are application-only schools.