How much time do you spend planning your outfit for school each morning? If you wear a uniform, probably not much. About 16 percent of U.S. public schools require uniforms, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Uniforms are also the only option for kids at many private schools.
Supporters of school uniforms say they keep students focused on schoolwork instead of fashion. Some people point out that uniforms can boost school spirit and reduce bullying. They argue that kids are less likely to be teased when everyone is wearing the same thing.
But many people say uniforms prevent kids from expressing themselves. Plus, they can be expensive. Buying the required shirts, pants, or skirts can cost up to $500, according to a company called Uniform Market. The cost is one of the main reasons public schools in Akron, Ohio, are moving to end their school uniform policy. In a survey last year, 70 percent of parents in the district voted in favor of the decision.