You know, it seems to come as a big shock to some people on this board that there are things in the DC area that are exclusive. Meaning schools, clubs, playgroups, classes etc. That's just how the world is. It's not "rude" to be invitation only, unless there's something unsavory about the way that people are exlcuded (such as by race or religion). I guess in a perfect world, everything would be open to everyone, but we don't live in that world. There will always be groups or events which are open to a limited few based on a number of factors, money being only one. But I don't know what's "rude" or "disgusting" about this. And I say this as someone who has never joined a club or one of these groups (though I've been invited).

Anonymous wrote:I think you are just looking at one person's take on this.

Yes, the kids get dressed up and they learn to dance and learn manners. It is word of mouth only and they only have so many spots they can fill.

When my friends' kids went I think they were in middle school. Seriously, the boys especially enjoyed it. These were boys who also played sports and went on to play sports in college.
They are lovely kids.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to teach your kids manners and how to dance. This is the setting that some people choose. If you don't want to send your kids there, then don't. It's not for everyone.

The comments were not concerning the content but rather the exclusion. The way it was explained made it sound cruel.

I think you are just looking at one person's take on this.

Yes, the kids get dressed up and they learn to dance and learn manners. It is word of mouth only and they only have so many spots they can fill.

When my friends' kids went I think they were in middle school. Seriously, the boys especially enjoyed it. These were boys who also played sports and went on to play sports in college.
They are lovely kids.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to teach your kids manners and how to dance. This is the setting that some people choose. If you don't want to send your kids there, then don't. It's not for everyone.

This can't be for real!

Good Grief! What a horrible business model. Children have enough social issues as it is without an adult helping to perpetuate bad behavior.

How old are these kids?

I have very good friends who sent all four of their kids there. They loved it and are really lovely young adults there. Probably most of it due to their parents but they learned a lot there too.

I think it you have the opportunity and the funds to do something like this, you should.

If it is not your thing...don't send your kids there

We have friends who send their son. I thought they were dancing classes, on a Friday night. The kids get all dressed up, learn to dance and how to behave in a social setting. They go to classes in a big building near Ridgewell's caterers on River Road. I had no idea it was invitation only. Interesting--a bit of an anachronism for the 21st century, no?

Is this for real? Skull n Bones for the manners set?

Anonymous wrote:Sounds like a truly wonderful operation.

No kidding. Sounds like they have great manners.

Sounds like a truly wonderful operation.

There is no website because Mrs. Simpson classes are by invitation only. You must know someone who currently attends and then they will put down your name up for the following year and you may or may not get an invite. If your child is invited to attend and you say no, alll of your following siblings will be blackballed. I know many a child who has had their feelings hurt becuase they were not invited to attend this dancing class but many other of the kids in their class are invited.

Marge Simpson has opened a finishing school?! That's a great idea -- she's done so well with her own family!

I don't know anything about it but my newest Washingtonian magazine just arrived and there is an article on 'Manners Classes'. You may want to pull up that mag. site and see if it's mentioned there?

I recently heard about "Mrs. Simpson's", a finishing school in Potomac. They apparently don't have a web site and there is little information about this school on line. Does anyone have any information? Anyone sent their kids there?