If you went to school in the ‘60s, you’ll know that a lot of the rules were much stricter than today’s standards. Back then, schools were much more focused on things like discipline, respect, and conformity. There really wasn’t much room for individuality, and students were expected to follow the rules without any questions or whining. Let’s take a look at some of the strict rules high schoolers in the ’60s had to live by.
Dress Codes Were Non-Negotiable
There was no arguing about the dress code back in the day. For boys, it meant collared shirts, neatly pressed pants, and absolutely no jeans or T-shirts. Girls had it even stricter, often required to wear dresses or skirts that reached below the knee. Pants for girls were almost unheard of, even on freezing winter days.
Teachers and administrators were quick to measure hemlines, and violations could result in detention or being sent home to change.
Hair Length Was Closely Monitored
In the ’60s, the length of your hair wasn’t just a fashion choice: it was a statement. For boys, long hair was considered rebellious and even disrespectful. Many schools required boys to keep their hair short and neatly combed, with rules sometimes specifying no hair touching the collar. Girls were expected to maintain tidy hairstyles, often with hair pulled back or neatly styled.
Separate Gym Classes for Boys and Girls
Co-ed gym classes weren’t the norm in the 1960s. Boys and girls were taught separately, often with very different activities. While boys played competitive sports like football or basketball, girls were more likely to be found doing calisthenics or activities considered “ladylike.”
Even the uniforms reflected this divide – girls often wore skirts or bloomers, while boys had more practical attire.
No Talking in Class Without Permission
If you raised your hand to speak in the 1960s, you had better have a good reason. Talking out of turn was one of the quickest ways to get in trouble. Students were expected to sit quietly and listen unless called upon.
Classrooms were places of order, not discussion, and teachers didn’t tolerate interruptions. Even whispering to a friend could earn you a stern look or a trip to the principal’s office.
PDA Was Strictly Prohibited
Public displays of affection, or PDA, were completely off-limits for high schoolers in the 1960s. Even holding hands in the hallway could land you in trouble. School administrators believed these rules were necessary to maintain decorum and keep the focus on education. Couples often had to sneak around just to exchange a quick note or a smile. Anything beyond that was considered scandalous.
Curfews for School Events
High school dances, football games, and other after-school activities came with a strict curfew. These events often ended early, and students were expected to head straight home afterward. Chaperones were stationed everywhere to ensure no one lingered in parking lots or hallways.
Girls Were Required to Take Home Economics
In the 1960s, it was practically mandatory for high school girls to take home economics classes. These courses focused on cooking, sewing, and managing a household – all skills deemed essential for future wives and mothers. While boys were learning shop or woodworking, girls were being trained to run a home.
The idea of gender-neutral electives was still decades away, and these classes reinforced the rigid gender roles of the time.
Boys Were Expected to Take Shop Class
Just as girls were steered toward home economics, boys were pushed into shop classes. These courses taught skills like woodworking, metalworking, and basic mechanics, preparing them for careers in trades or engineering. There was little room for boys to explore interests outside these “masculine” activities, and choosing something like art or music instead might raise eyebrows.
Attendance Was Everything
Skipping school in the 1960s was more than just frowned upon – it was a serious offense. Perfect attendance was a mark of good character, and any absences had to be justified with a written note from a parent or doctor. Truancy officers were a real presence in some areas, ensuring students showed up every day.
No Slouching or Poor Posture
Good posture was essential if you wanted to be seen as a model student. Teachers were quick to correct students who slouched at their desks or walked with their shoulders hunched. In some schools, girls were even made to walk with books balanced on their heads as part of etiquette training.
No Chewing Gum
Chewing gum in class was considered one of the biggest disruptions, oddly enough. Teachers viewed it as disrespectful and distracting, and students caught with gum could expect swift punishment.
Some schools even banned gum entirely, reasoning that it was better to eliminate the problem than to deal with the mess of finding it stuck under desks and chairs.
Strict Rules on Note Passing
Passing notes in class was a popular way for students to communicate before smartphones, but it was strictly forbidden. Teachers kept a sharp eye out for sneaky handoffs, and getting caught often meant having your note read aloud to the entire class: a nightmare for any teenager.
Assemblies Were Mandatory
When the school announced an assembly, attendance wasn’t optional. Students were expected to file in quietly, sit in assigned seats, and listen attentively. Talking, fidgeting, or showing disinterest during an assembly could land you in serious trouble.
No Makeup or Nail Polish
Makeup and nail polish were often considered distractions for female students. Many schools had strict rules against wearing anything that might draw too much attention. Natural beauty was emphasized, and anything deemed excessive or flashy was prohibited. Girls caught wearing eyeliner or bright nail polish might be sent to the restroom to clean it off.
Detention for Incomplete Homework
Sure, teachers are still pretty strict about homework these days, but it was a whole lot stricter back then. It was often the case that failing to complete it resulted in detention.
Teachers had little patience for excuses, and students were expected to turn in assignments on time. Late or incomplete work was seen as a sign of laziness, and repeat offenders could face harsher consequences.
Boys Couldn’t Wear Facial Hair
In the 1960s, facial hair was often associated with rebellion, so high schools had strict policies against it. Boys were expected to show up clean-shaven, and even the hint of a mustache could result in a warning. Some schools went as far as keeping razors on hand for students who didn’t meet the grooming standards.
Lockers Had to Be Spotless
Even your locker wasn’t free from scrutiny in the ’60s. Schools often required students to keep their lockers clean and organized, with periodic inspections to enforce the rule. Messy lockers could result in a lecture – or worse, a punishment.