It's 1967, and Paulette (Juliette Binoche) and her husband run a school for young ladies, teaching them good manners and housekeeping skills in preparation for their inevitable subservient lives ahead of them. When her husband suddenly dies, Paulette is at a crossroads - the school is near bankrupt and times are changing - young women are demanding more respect and equality. Paulette seizes the opportunity to transform the school, and create a new path for her students and herself.