2025 Summer Pre-Cotillion Program Dates:

August 10, 2025

August 17, 2025

August 24, 2025

The purpose of the National League Of Junior Cotillions™ Pre-Cotillion Program is to give young people instruction and practice in the courtesies that make life more pleasant for them and those around them. We offer instruction in social etiquette, designed for grades Kindergarten through Fourth with special focus placed on developing great character. In addition to the usual courtesies, including Greetings, Table Manners, Correspondence, and Appearances, we also offer instruction in the areas of Birthday Parties, Sports Manners, Restaurants (both fast food and formal) and the values of honor, respect, dignity, honesty, and responsibility.

The PRE-COTILLION™ program setting will encourage children to be comfortable together, to make new friends, and enjoy themselves. Through role-playing— practiced with our mascot, Peanuts, the Polite Elephant—hands-on experience and storytelling in a peer group, young ladies and gentlemen are expected to leave the program with the beginnings of confidence and poise that come from knowing the proper things to do.

PRE-COTILLION I—(Grades K-1) offers instruction in the areas of basic manners in the home--appearances, introductions, sports manners and basic table manners, including such things as the proper way to eat soup, using a knife and fork--while introducing words and their meanings, referred to as power words, that will instill common courtesies throughout their lifetimes--thank you, you’re welcome, yes ma’am, no ma’am, yes sir, no sir, please, may I?, I’m sorry, and excuse me. We will have a birthday party for Peanuts—complete with cake, presents, and thank-you notes—taught in a manner that will emphasize the proper courtesies. Class time: 1:15-2:30 pm.

PRE-COTILLION II—(Grades 2-3) offers continued instruction in the areas of introductions, sports manners, and basic table manners—while exploring new areas, including making friends—keeping friends, writing correspondences, and school manners. Fast food manners will be practiced when refreshments are served in a fast food restaurant set-up. During the third class, students will learn dining in a nice restaurant—complete with reservation, maître d’, menus, and tipping. Class time: 2:45-4:00 pm.

PRE-COTILLION III—(Grade 4) While Pre-Cotillion III is designed for this age group, the curriculum is a far more advanced study of common courtesies. It is meant to reinforce the skills that have been learned in the other levels and to prepare the students for Junior Cotillion, where there are more courtesies taught. The students will have study in building character—discovering what makes us who we are, age—appropriate table manners, answering R.S.V.P.’s, telephone etiquette, and manners in public places. Dance instruction will be introduced while learning basic line dance steps. The last class will include a three-course instructional dinner for students. Class time: 4:15-5:30 pm.

All PRE-COTILLION™ sessions are dress-up affairs for which careful grooming is required. Hair should be neatly combed, fingernails clipped and clean, shoes polished, and so forth. No tennis shoes, rubber or crepe soles, please. Ladies should wear knee-length, Sunday dresses or skirts and dress shoes. Gentlemen should wear khaki pants, shirt, and tie (sport coat or sweater is optional).

All classes will be held at Starmount Forest Country Club. Sunday Best Attire Requested.

Tuition: Membership dues for all grades for Pre-Cotillion are $160. We highly recommend that you send in your reservation early as classes are limited and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. A $50 tuition discount will be offered to brothers and sisters of enrolled students.

2026 Winter Pre-Cotillion Program Dates:

January 11, 2026

January 18, 2026

January 25, 2026

The purpose of the NATIONAL LEAGUE OF JUNIOR COTILLIONS™ PRE-COTILLION PROGRAM is to give young people instruction and practice in the courtesies that make life more pleasant for them and those around them. We offer instruction in social etiquette, designed for grades kindergarten through fourth, with special focus placed on developing great character.

In addition to the usual courtesies, including Greetings, Table Manners, Correspondence, and Appearances, we also offer instruction in the areas of Birthday Parties, Sports Manners, Restaurants (both fast food and formal) and the values of honor, respect, dignity, honesty, and responsibility.

The PRE-COTILLION™ program setting will encourage children to be comfortable together, to make new friends, and enjoy themselves. Through role-playing— practiced with our mascot, Peanuts, the Polite Elephant—hands-on experience and storytelling in a peer group, young ladies and gentlemen are expected to leave the program with the beginnings of confidence and poise that come from knowing the proper things to do.

PRE-COTILLION I—(Grades K-1) offers instruction in the areas of basic manners in the home--appearances, introductions, sports manners and basic table manners, including such things as the proper way to eat soup, using a knife and fork--while introducing words and their meanings, referred to as power words, that will instill common courtesies throughout their lifetimes--thank you, you’re welcome, yes ma’am, no ma’am, yes sir, no sir, please, may I?, I’m sorry, and excuse me. We will have a birthday party for Peanuts—complete with cake, presents, and thank-you notes—taught in a manner that will emphasize the proper courtesies. Class time: 1:15-2:30 pm.

PRE-COTILLION II—(Grades 2-3) offers continued instruction in the areas of introductions, sports manners, and basic table manners—while exploring new areas, including making friends—keeping friends, writing correspondences, and school manners. Fast food manners will be practiced when refreshments are served in a fast food restaurant set-up. During the third class, students will learn dining in a nice restaurant—complete with reservation, maître d’, menus, and tipping. Class time: 2:45-4:00 pm.

PRE-COTILLION III—(Grade 4) While Pre-Cotillion III is designed for this age group, the curriculum is a far more advanced study of common courtesies. It is meant to reinforce the skills that have been learned in the other levels and to prepare the students for Junior Cotillion, where there are more courtesies taught. The students will have study in building character—discovering what makes us who we are, age—appropriate table manners, answering R.S.V.P.’s, telephone etiquette, and manners in public places. Dance instruction will be introduced while learning basic line dance steps. The last class will include a three-course instructional dinner for students. Class time: 4:15-5:30 pm.

All PRE-COTILLION™ sessions are dress-up affairs for which careful grooming is required. Hair should be neatly combed, fingernails clipped and clean, shoes polished, and so forth. No tennis shoes, rubber or crepe soles, please. Ladies should wear knee-length, Sunday dresses or skirts and dress shoes. Gentlemen should wear khaki pants, shirt, and tie (sport coat or sweater is optional).

All classes will be held at Starmount Forest Country Club. Sunday Best Attire Requested.

Tuition: Membership dues for all grades for Pre-Cotillion are $160. We highly recommend that you send in your reservation early as classes are limited and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. A $50 tuition discount will be offered to brothers and sisters of enrolled students.

**The 2 pm Class is for NEW students in 5th & 6th Grades; Returning 6th Graders will advance to the Year II, 4 pm Class**

The purpose of the NATIONAL LEAGUE OF JUNIOR COTILLIONS™ is to offer young people instruction and practice in the courtesies that make life more pleasant for them and those around them; to offer them thorough training in standard ballroom dance; and to provide opportunities to practice and enjoy these skills at memorable parties, dances/classes and balls, complete with refreshments, favors, and prizes.

The Junior Cotillion places as much emphasis on etiquette, manners, and character education as it does on dancing. The social and character education components of the program include rules of proper telephone courtesy; acknowledgments of gifts; introductions, receiving lines; participating in group settings; polite conversations; paying and receiving compliments; sports etiquette; first impressions; dress code for all occasions; manners in the home and in public; table manners; formal place settings: styles of dining including American, Asian, and Continental; skills involved in being a guest, hostess or host; and many other areas of social behavior. Other topics covered are the ethics involved in the areas of having honor, dignity, respect, fairness, a caring attitude, accountability, and citizenship. Dance instruction includes steps in the Foxtrot, Shag Swing, Waltz, and Cha Cha, as well as instruction in current line dances.

The Junior Cotillion setting encourages young ladies and gentlemen to be comfortable together, make new friends, and enjoy themselves. After constant practice in a peer group, young ladies and gentlemen are expected to leave the program with the confidence and poise that comes from knowing the proper etiquette in any social situation. Instruction in dancing and etiquette will be given throughout all sessions. The Balls allow formal opportunities to practice all training. The highlight of the year for Junior Cotillion is the Grand Spring Ball. All dance and etiquette training is taught according to grade level.

Appropriate Attire:

Dances/Classes – All Junior Cotillion sessions are dress-up affairs for which careful grooming is required. Hair should be neatly combed, fingernails clipped and clean, and shoes polished and so forth. Dancing requires hard-soled shoes. No open-toe shoes. No athletic shoes or flip flops, please. Ladies should wear conservative Sunday dresses or skirts, short white gloves, and dress shoes for dances. Gentlemen should wear khaki pants, dress shirts, ties and navy or dark blazers.

Holly Ball – Ladies should wear knee-length or longer holiday dresses or skirts, short white gloves, and dress shoes. Gentlemen should wear khaki pants, white dress shirts, ties, and navy or dark blazers.

Grand Spring Ball – The Grand Spring Ball is a semi-formal event for which appropriate dress is required. Ladies should wear knee-length or longer, age-appropriate, white dresses and short white gloves. Gentlemen should wear khaki pants, white dress shirts, ties, and navy or dark blazers or black tie tuxedos (optional).

Tuition:

Membership dues are $350 and include all costs for the training and balls. We highly recommend that you send in your reservation early, as class sizes are limited and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Classes are filled according to the date the tuition is received. There will be no refunds except in the case of extraordinary circumstances such as moving or illness, in fairness to students who are placed on the waiting list. Tuition for Junior Cotillion siblings of enrolled Junior Cotillion students will be discounted by $100.

**The 4 pm Class is for RETURNING Students who completed Year I last season as well as NEW students in 7th-9th**

The purpose of the NATIONAL LEAGUE OF JUNIOR COTILLIONS™ is to offer young people instruction and practice in the courtesies that make life more pleasant for them and those around them; to offer them thorough training in standard ballroom dance; and to provide opportunities to practice and enjoy these skills at memorable parties, dances/classes and balls, complete with refreshments, favors, and prizes.

The Junior Cotillion places as much emphasis on etiquette, manners, and character education as it does on dancing. The social and character education components of the program include rules of proper telephone courtesy; acknowledgments of gifts; introductions, receiving lines; participating in group settings; polite conversations; paying and receiving compliments; sports etiquette; first impressions; dress code for all occasions; manners in the home and in public; table manners; formal place settings: styles of dining including American, Asian, and Continental; skills involved in being a guest, hostess or host; and many other areas of social behavior. Other topics covered are the ethics involved in the areas of having honor, dignity, respect, fairness, a caring attitude, accountability, and citizenship. Dance instruction includes steps in the Foxtrot, Shag Swing, Waltz, and Cha Cha, as well as instruction in current line dances.

The Junior Cotillion setting encourages young ladies and gentlemen to be comfortable together, make new friends, and enjoy themselves. After constant practice in a peer group, young ladies and gentlemen are expected to leave the program with the confidence and poise that comes from knowing the proper etiquette in any social situation. Instruction in dancing and etiquette will be given throughout all sessions. The Balls allow formal opportunities to practice all training. The highlight of the year for Junior Cotillion is the Grand Spring Ball. All dance and etiquette training is taught according to grade level.

Appropriate Attire:

Dances/Classes – All Junior Cotillion sessions are dress-up affairs for which careful grooming is required. Hair should be neatly combed, fingernails clipped and clean, and shoes polished and so forth. Dancing requires hard-soled shoes. No open-toe shoes. No athletic shoes or flip flops, please. Ladies should wear conservative Sunday dresses or skirts, short white gloves, and dress shoes for dances. Gentlemen should wear khaki pants, dress shirts, ties and navy or dark blazers.

Holly Ball – Ladies should wear knee-length or longer holiday dresses or skirts, short white gloves, and dress shoes. Gentlemen should wear khaki pants, white dress shirts, ties, and navy or dark blazers.

Grand Spring Ball – The Grand Spring Ball is a semi-formal event for which appropriate dress is required. Ladies should wear knee-length or longer, age-appropriate, white dresses and short white gloves. Gentlemen should wear khaki pants, white dress shirts, ties, and navy or dark blazers or black tie tuxedos (optional).

Tuition:

Membership dues are $365 and include all costs for the training and balls, plus a five course instructional dinner. We highly recommend that you send in your reservation early, as class sizes are limited and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Classes are filled according to the date the tuition is received. There will be no refunds except in the case of extraordinary circumstances such as moving or illness, in fairness to students who are placed on the waiting list. Tuition for Junior Cotillion siblings of enrolled Junior Cotillion students will be discounted by $100.

The purpose of the National League Of Junior Cotillions Premiere Cotillion Program is to give students the opportunity to learn, practice, and enjoy age-appropriate etiquette and social and character skills.

Golf Etiquette: Outing on the Greens!  The Premiere Program Cotillion Season will debut with a sporting outing on the greens focusing on golf etiquette. Students will learn the basic skills and courtesies associated with the game of golf for both players and spectators.  This event will take place tentatively on Sunday, September 14th; Jamestown Park Golf Course; 4:30-6:30 pm. 

Museum Appreciation Excursion This event will afford students an opportunity to acquire and practice protocol associated with museum appreciation via a fun, interactive, and engaging cultural experience.  A wonderful time will be enjoyed at The Weatherspoon Art Museum; Saturday, October 4th from 10:30 am-Noon.

Job Seeking Etiquette & Holiday Manners Workshop This fundamental career workshop will focus on job seeking etiquette and will cover protocol particulars expected when searching for a job.  We'll also spend time preparing and polishing students for the upcoming holidays, and will equip them with holiday-related courtesies that are certain to impress all season long!  A fun and informative time will be had by students at Starmount on Sunday, November 9th from 5:45-7:15 pm.  

Character, Conversation, & Conduct 101 Seminar The seminar will offer students an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue and reflection around “3 C’s of Modern Importance”.  Students will leave with a heightened awareness and reinforced understanding of their personal responsibility as leaders in these respective areas. This session will take place from 5:45 to 7:15 pm at Starmount on Sunday, January 18th.

Advanced Instructional Philanthropic Luncheon  The event will highlight the importance and role of philanthropy in today’s society. This event will also be structured as an advanced instructional meal, including associated dining etiquette and protocol.  Through an interactive lunch discussion and accompanying exercise, students will understand the impact of giving back and discover how they, too, can become difference-makers.  The luncheon will take place from 12:15-1:45 pm on Sunday, February 1st at Starmount.

Attire--All events are dress-up affairs, with the exception of the golf outing (golf attire requested).  Ladies should wear age-appropriate dresses, blouses/skirts, or pantsuits and dress shoes. Gentlemen should wear dress pants, shirt, tie, jacket, and dress shoes. 

Tuition--Membership dues are $365 and include all costs for the training & outings. We highly recommend that you send in your reservation early, as class size is limited and is filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Seats are reserved according to the date the tuition is received.  There will be no refunds except in the case of extraordinary circumstances such as moving or illness, in fairness to students who are placed on the waiting list. Tuition for siblings of enrolled students will be discounted by $100.

**Schedule Subject To Change

The High School Cotillion Society is a distinguished group, designed specifically for leading High School students. Etiquette and character development topics, which are pertinent to the High School years, will be presented and discussed. The High School Cotillion Society will focus upon personal protocol, professional etiquette, civic stewardship, and social courtesies in exciting and innovative ways.

2025-2026 HIGH SCHOOL COTILLION SOCIETY SCHEDULE:

Meet & Greet Opening Ice Breaker-September 7th

During the Opening Social, students will be warmly welcomed and will participate in fun introductory activities where they will get-to-know their peers. We'll explore the power of making a very favorable first impression while polishing student networking skills. To be held at Starmount Country Club; 5:45-7:15 pm.

Career Planning Seminar-October 5th

This interactive workshop will focus on career pathway fundamentals that are essential to every student. We'll cover what students need to know in order to make good career decisions, discuss how choosing a college major, getting an internship, and preparing to get a job are all intertwined, & we'll talk about how students can identify their skills and find out what kind of work they might enjoy, and much more! To be held at Starmount Country Club; 5:45-7:15 pm.

Transitioning Into The Adult World Workshop-December 14^th

This engaging "real world" workshop will canvass a host of very important topics such as paying bills, registering to vote, submitting tax forms, applying for loans, buying a car, and making a budget--whew! Students can expect to get a real taste of what adulting is like and leave with a keen appreciation of what is to come! Of course, we'll also have lots of fun in this session, too! To be held at Starmount Country Club; 4:30 pm-6:00 pm.

Finding Success: A Skill-Building Business Meeting-January 11th

This event will be structured as a business meeting and will introduce students to "business basics" such as agendas, presentations, meeting minutes, reports, time management skills, team-building skills, negotiation skills, analytical skills, and problem-solving skills. To be held at Starmount Country Club; 5:45-7:15 pm.

Grand Spring Finale & Celebratory Luncheon - March 8th

Our season will conclude with a very special celebration.  To be held at Starmount Country Club; 12:30-2:00 pm.  Standard Cotillion attire requested.

*Schedule Subject To Change

ADDITIONAL HIGH SCHOOL COTILLION SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP PERKS: 

The Director remains available to:

-Coach High School Cotillion Society students in resume and portfolio development;

-Conduct preparatory mock interviews with students pertinent to scholarships, collegiate admission, and job preparation;

-Offer assistance with scholarship and collegiate recommendations and job references

APPROPRIATE DRESS: Most all events are dress-up affairs. Ladies should wear age-appropriate dresses, pant suits, or blouses/skirts, and dress shoes. Gentlemen should wear dress pants, shirt, tie, jacket, and dress shoes. 

TUITION: Membership dues are $365 and include all costs for the training and outings. We highly recommend that you send in your reservation early, as class size is limited and is filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Seats are reserved according to the date the tuition is received. There will be no refunds except in the case of extraordinary circumstances such as moving or illness, in fairness to students who are placed on the waiting list. Tuition for siblings of enrolled students will be discounted by $100.