Elevate: A High School Cotillion & Professional Development Program

Confidence. Character. Communication.
Elevate is more than an etiquette class—it's a dynamic leadership and life-skills experience designed to help 10th -12th grade high school students develop the confidence and professionalism they need to succeed in school, college, careers, and everyday life.
Through engaging social experiences, hands-on activities, and interactive workshops, students learn the timeless skills that set exceptional young adults apart:
- Professional introductions and confident handshakes
- Strong eye contact and conversation skills
- Social and business etiquette
- Appropriate dress for different occasions
- Dining etiquette and table manners
- Respect, courtesy, and personal presentation
- Poise in social and professional settings
Parents consistently tell us these are the skills they wish every young person learned before entering college and the workforce. Students were asking for a course that meets on multiple sessions to build stronger connections and networking skills. So, will all that in mind, we have created a new high school offering to meet those needs. Elevate, is our new high school course, which we know students will enjoy and parents will appreciate.
We have expanded our normal high school etiquette and training experience to form Elevate: A High School Cotillion & Professional Development Program, that all 10th -12th grade students are sure to benefit from attending. Let’s Elevate Together!
Why Parents Will Appreciate Elevate
Today's students need more than academic success—they need the confidence to interview for scholarships, network with mentors, make lasting first impressions, and navigate social situations with ease.
Elevate provides a welcoming environment where students build:
- Self-confidence and independence
- Leadership and communication abilities
- Social awareness and emotional intelligence
- Professional habits that last a lifetime
Our program combines traditional etiquette with modern professional development, creating a practical experience that students actually enjoy.
Elevate sessions will be held at various locations based on the topic and activity planned for each meeting. Each session will focus on developing etiquette, communication, and social skills through structured learning and practical engagement.
2026-2027 Season Schedule
Session One: Welcome Social & First Impressions
Theme: Country vs. Country Club (See Dress Code Below)
Date: Sunday, September 20th, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Bentonville Community Center – Hickory Room
Dress Code: Student Choice on our first meeting! Semi-formal to Country Casual to embrace our theme!
The season begins with an energetic social gathering designed to help students feel comfortable while building essential confidence skills. This theme was chosen by one of our high school students, and we think it will be a fun way to start the discussion of our topic of dressing appropriately for different occasions!
Students will learn:
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- Professional introductions
- The art of a confident handshake
- Eye contact and body language
- Conversation starters and active listening
- Responding to invitations and RSVP etiquette
- Appropriate dress for various types of occasions
- Sports coat, tie, and bow tie etiquette
- Partner dancing basics including Cha-Cha, Tango, and Country Line Dancing
Takeaway: Students leave with practical tools for making strong first impressions in school, social settings, interviews, and future careers.
Session Two: Museum Experience & Cultural Etiquette
Date: October 22nd, 2026
Location: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, 600 Museum Way, Bentonville 72712
Time: 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Dress Code: Casual
Students will enjoy a guided cultural tour experience while learning the etiquette and expectations associated with museums and community events.
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- Museum etiquette
- How to engage with art and cultural experiences
- Making the most of educational outings
- Appreciating opportunities for lifelong learning
- Interactive exploration of one of the region's premier museums
Takeaway: Students gain confidence navigating educational and cultural experiences.
Session Three: Culinary Experience & Four-Course Dinner
Date: Evening of November 14 or 15 (Final date and location to be announced soon )
Duration: 2.5 Hours
Dress Code: Semi-Formal
Our etiquette dinners are always a highlight experience! Students will enjoy an elegant dining experience to practice fine dining skills and learn as we walk through multiple courses.
Students will master:
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- Formal table settings
- Napkin and utensil etiquette
- Four-course dining procedures
- Being an exceptional guest or host
- Grace and confidence in formal social settings
- Conversation and courtesy during meals
Parents are often amazed at the transformation they see by the end of this event as students demonstrate poise, confidence, and polished manners.
Session Four: Preparing for College Admissions & Building Your Personal Brand
Date: Sunday, January 10th, 2027
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Bentonville Community Center – Hickory Room
Dress Code: Casual
Today's students are building a personal brand whether they realize it or not. This interactive workshop helps participants understand how character, communication, and digital presence shape opportunities. We will then apply this information as we discuss what students can do to prepare for the college application process, college tours, test prep, resume building discussions, and how to start the college search process using data and student career interests, as students that are engaged in the process have time to analyze what will be a best fit for their particular goals.
Topics include:
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- Starting the college search and determining what is important to you
- Resume building: What all can go on my academic resume?
- College Tours: What to look for and ask
- How to start researching colleges to look for a good fit
- Building self-confidence
- Social media awareness and digital etiquette
- Professional communication skills
- Goal setting and personal responsibility
- Developing a positive personal image
Takeaway: Students discover how to present the best version of themselves both online and in person and then can apply that to the college search and application process.
Session Five: Business Brunch & Career Readiness
Date: Saturday, March 6th, 2027
Time: 9:30am to Noon
Location: Bentonville Community Center – Redbud Room
Dress Code: Business Casual
Designed to prepare students for internships, scholarships, college interviews, and future careers.
Topics include:
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- How to write Elegant Thank you notes
- Professional Emails
- Business Networking
- Getting a first job/being prepared to fill out the application
- Interview etiquette
- Email and phone etiquette
- Workplace professionalism and business etiquette
Takeaway: Students build skills that immediately translate to academic and career success.
Session Six: Season Finale Celebration
Weekend of March 12th-14th (Date and location are being finalized.) At the conclusion of the high school program, students will celebrate the end of our season with a Formal Dance and celebration.
Parents will be invited at the end of our finale to celebrate the accomplishments of these young leaders as they take the next step with greater confidence, character, and professionalism.
Program Investment
Tuition: $360
Early Bird Registration: $330, if application and tuition is received by August 31st. Fees will go up on September 1st for the season, so don’t miss our early bird deadline.
Space is intentionally limited to provide a personalized and engaging experience for every student.
Give Your Student the Confidence to Stand Out
Whether preparing for college interviews, scholarships, internships, leadership roles, or simply becoming a more polished and confident young adult, Elevate equips students with practical life skills they'll use for years to come.
Invest in confidence. Invest in character. Invest in their future.
Reserve your student's place today.
What Your Student Gains
Strong first impressions
Leadership and communication skills
Professional and social etiquette
Confidence in interviews and networking
Respect for self and others
Lifelong life skills that extend far beyond the classroom
Elevate isn't simply about etiquette—it's about preparing young people to thrive in every stage of life.
