Finishing school in the 21st century is more than balancing a book on your head, remembering to cross your ankles and learning the difference between a dessert fork.

“Years ago it was more about standing up straight and table etiquette, dressing well, good posture,” said Gioioso. Now, “I think it’s more about empowering and pulling out that person that you are. It’s more about inner beauty now and dealing with issues that [girls] face today, but doing it gracefully and being role models.”

Beginning May 13, Gioioso will bring the Fashion Focus Program to local girls through a new program with Mattapoisett Recreation.

A Mattapoisett resident and mother of four, Gioioso will focus on everything from beauty to bullies in a four-part series for girls aged 6 to 12.

Each class begins with practicing runway walking, and then the girls will get down to business.

Gioioso will help girls gain confidence in public speaking, using body language and good posture to project confidence and “love the skin they’re in.” They will also discuss etiquette, with a focus on social media and texting. These days, Gioioso said, it’s important for girls to learn to deal with bullying and how to handle it when they receive a mean text message or need to confront someone.

“It’s not easy being a girl. There are a lot of changes that you go through,” said Gioioso.

More traditional finishing school topics will also be covered, including dressing appropriately, good hygiene, and for the older girls, learning to use makeup.

Gioioso, who holds a fashion design degree and also has a fashion blog, Threehautemamas.com, said she went to a finishing school when she was 14.

“I wasn’t an overly confident person, but I had a good idea of who I was when I left,” she said.

Girls in the program can go on to Maria Wood’s school in Pembroke, which helps girls learn modeling basics and even gives some the opportunity to do local fashion shows.

Gioioso said she is excited to see young girls develop self-confidence.

“I want to see them smiling and standing up tall…to be leaders, stick up for what’s right.”

For information on the class, visit Mattapoisett Recreation’s page at www.mattapoisett.net. The class is $65 per student and will be held on Tuesdays from May 13 to June 3, 3 to 4 p.m., at Center School. Registration is due May 6.