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Program Handbook

Purpose & Mission

Etiquette classes rooted in kindness, respect, and selflessness. 
 
Cotillion Academy of Mount Olive is different from other cotillion programs. First and foremost, C.A.M.O. is taught from Christian values. We find etiquette all throughout scripture. Additionally, our program is affordable. We hope to offer cotillion to all families with a desire to better their children's future through our program. Lastly, C.A.M.O. covers the history, culture, traditions, and social dance skills, while also focusing on modern social skills and future preparation.
  • Carry themselves with confidence
  • Enjoy meeting new people
  • Be an attentive audience
  • Be able to compose polite correspondences
  • Have compassion and empathy for others
  • Cultivate quality relationships
  • Hold engaging conversations with their peers and the adults in their life
  • Be an asset to their home and community
  • Walk in Jesus’ footsteps and be a light in the world

How students will transform...

What to Expect

Doors open 30 minutes prior to class beginning. When you arrive your child will receive a name tag. They will have a quick dress code check (tuck in shirt, take off hat, cover shoulders, etc.). Feel free to socialize or get settled before classes start. Light refreshments will be available. While classes are going on, please keep as quiet as possible and reduce any distractions like phones, walking around, or opening/closing doors. There will be a 5 minute break in between classes for folks to move around, use the restroom, get a refreshment, etc. Once classes are over, you and your child are free to leave. If you have any questions after class, please take a moment to chat with the instructor. Doors will close 30 minutes after classes end.

Rules & Conduct

Doors open 30 minutes prior to the first class start time. We recommend aiming to be early. This is a great time to socialize with other families and classmates. Doors will close promptly at the time class is set to start. This is an open venue, and one's tardiness will be an obvious distraction to everyone else. Disruptions will also delay lessons. We must use our time as efficiently as possible as we have a lot to cover and have back to back classes in some cases. 

Timeliness

Electronic Devices

Students: No student may have a phone on their person. If you would like for them to keep a phone in your absence, the etiquette instructor will keep their phones in a safe location so they have access to the device for urgent matters but are not distracted by it. 

Parents: Please limit your electronic device use during classes. If you need to make a phone call, please step outside of the venue to do so. 
No photos or videos will be allowed during classes. If you would like to take a photo of your child, please take a posed photo away from the other children. If another child is in the photo, please ask that child’s parent for permission first. Please ask permission prior to posting photos of others online.

C.A.M.O. may take professional photos of the events. However, children’s faces will not be taken for the sake of their privacy. If they are needed for marketing purposes, we will always get the permission of the parent prior. If you would like “zero” photos taken of your child, please reach out to us, and we’ll be sure they are not included in any professional photography.

Privacy

Parent Involvement

Pre-C: Parents must stay for the entire duration of classes or camps.

Level I: We recommend that parents stay for the whole duration of classes. Our hope is that parents will help their children implement at home what they learn at cotillion class. They may drop off for camps.

Level II: Parents are not required to stay for classes and are welcome to drop off their teen.
We know children are coming to cotillion to learn manners. Plus, we have children of our own. They can be full of energy and noisy at times. We have plenty of fun, hands-on activities to keep them engaged. This program is the perfect place for children to learn patience, obedience, and respect.

We want to make the best use of everyone’s time and have a conducive environment for all students to learn. Distracting or disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated. If a child misbehaves, we will gently, but firmly issue two behavior warnings to the child directly. If the child continues to misbehave, we will ask them to sit with their parent for the remainder of class. If they are able to control themselves in your care, they are welcome to try again at the next class. However, if they continue to misbehave in your care, we will ask that they leave the venue. If this happens, they will not be able to return back for the rest of the semester. No refunds will be available. We are glad to reevaluate whether the child may return for a future semester.

Student Behavior

Dress Code

Summer Camps

Summer camps are business casual attire. 

Ladies: Skirts, sundresses, pants, and/or short sleeve blouses for girls. Hems must cover the knee when the child sits.

Gentlemen: Collar shirt, solid tee, dress shorts, and/or jeans.

No sleeveless tops, jean shorts, sports/play clothes, graphic/printed shirts, sweatpants, hoodies, bathing suits, clogs, or flip-flops.
 
Regular classes and tea etiquette are church dress/business attire.
 
Ladies:
Dresses or skirts for girls. Pants and jumpers are not permitted.
Dresses must have sleeves of 4 inches or more. Dresses may not be low cut, backless, or have cut-outs. The hem of dresses or skirts must cover the knees when the young lady sits. Heels must not be higher than 2 inches. Flats are recommended. Brimmed hats and fasteners are encouraged for tea services.

Gentlemen:
Collar shirt, khakis, and dress shoes for boys. No hats allowed.

Regular Classes
&
Tea Service

Dinner Service & Balls

Dress Code Violations

Dinners and Balls are semi-formal attire. 

Ladies should wear a modest dress or skirt, dress shoes, and short white gloves.

Gentlemen should wear dress pants, a dress shirt, tie, blazer jackets, and dress shoes. No hats allowed.

If the child does not meet the dress code, the instructor will either help fix any discrepancies prior to class starting or you may be asked to correct the dress code violation for future classes. If you’re not sure if an outfit is appropriate for cotillion, feel free to reach out to the instructor. The most important thing is that your child feels comfortable in what they are wearing, while also dressing their best.

Payments & Refunds

Payment: Completion of registration form and full payment are required to officially hold your child's spot.
 
Course fees: To make our program affordable, we calculate our fees to cover exactly enough of the costs it takes to put on our cotillion. That includes our venue, food, and supplies. Any money left over goes into a “giving fund” or paying for professional services. We are not making any money off of C.A.M.O. personally. 
 

Payment
&
Fees

Refunds
&
Scholarships

Refunds: We can only offer a refund if you find someone to fill your child's spot. Partial refunds will not be issued for missed classes. 
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Scholarships: We hope to make scholarships available in the near future.

F.A.Q.

Is C.A.M.O. a certified cotillion course and will classes be credible towards my child’s future?
Cotillion schools are not certified like traditional learning institutions. They all have their own internal certificate of completion. Through C.A.M.O. your child will be able to proudly claim they have completed the passage of cotillion. Additionally, they are able to use it on future college and job applications.
 
Why is C.A.M.O. not affiliated with a larger cotillion organization?
There are no large Christian cotillion organizations; thus, we wanted to be able to freely tailor C.A.M.O. to our community while upholding biblical values.
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What certifications or experience do C.A.M.O. instructors hold?
Our lead etiquette instructor, Casey Goldey, is completely self-taught and has personal lifelong experience in etiquette.
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What if we are unable to make it to a class or not able to be there for the whole class? 
If you are unable to make it to a class, please let the instructor know as soon as possible. No refunds, even partial, will be allowed. And to limit distractions we ask that you attend the entire class. Always communicate with our team and we’ll do our best to work with you.
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Can I bring other family members to class?
To limit distractions, we ask that only one adult attend classes at a time. We also ask that children over 1 years old not attend. If you do need to bring another child, please help them be as quiet and still as possible so as not to disrupt classes or distract students.
 

Can I stay in my car during classes?

For Pre-C students, we recommend parents stay inside the venue during classes. However, if you need to stay in your vehicle outside the venue, we understand. We only ask you to communicate it to our team.

 

Do I, as the parent, have to follow the dress code?

No, of course not. You are free to wear whatever you like, so long as it is modest. We encourage parents to be the best example for their children, through dress and behavior.

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