| So you are thinking about attending a Culinary | | | | your classroom format includes you actually doing |
| School? I am assuming that is the reason you are | | | | some of the cooking. Also, be sure to ask about |
| reading this article. I will certainly do my best to | | | | class size. The larger the class, the less individual |
| guide you toward reaching your goals and finding | | | | attention you will receive. |
| the perfect Culinary education. There are many | | | | The Instructors |
| factors to consider when looking for the right | | | | Find out who your instructors are. Interview them |
| Cooking School. Is the school of choice an | | | | if you have to. Find out their background, how |
| accredited institution? Do they offer some type | | | | long they have been an instructor and why they |
| of job placement? These are just a few of the | | | | became an instructor. This may sound like a lot of |
| topics we will be talking about in this article. | | | | work, but you will be very happy you took time |
| Degrees and Certificates | | | | out to learn more about your teachers. After all, |
| You will have to carefully study your schools | | | | you are paying big bucks for a quality education |
| academic programs to find out which one best | | | | and you deserve the best instructors that money |
| suits your goals. Not every school has the exact | | | | can buy. |
| same academic programs. One school may offer | | | | Accreditation |
| Associate and Bachelor's Degree programs, while | | | | When searching for the right culinary arts school, |
| another school will only offer diploma or certificate | | | | make certain that you look for a school that is |
| courses. One school may offer Externship | | | | accredited. An accredited school is thoroughly |
| programs where you can make real world | | | | examined by a third party to determine that the |
| contacts and sharpen your skills, while others do | | | | facility's services and operations are in good |
| not. So it will benefit you greatly if you take time | | | | working order. Things like curriculum, faculty and |
| out to carefully review every schools academic | | | | the schools facilities are all carefully reviewed. If |
| program before you open your checkbook. | | | | the school you are interested in does not state |
| The Curriculum | | | | anywhere on their website or literature that they |
| Once you figure out what degree or program you | | | | are accredited, make certain that you ask. |
| will be going for, you will then have to review the | | | | Job Placement |
| actual courses within that program. This is | | | | Many culinary schools now offer some form of |
| probably the most important part of your | | | | job placement for their students. Find out if your |
| decision. Make certain they offer classes that | | | | school offers this as well as the details on their |
| cover the basics of cooking like: Working with | | | | job placement program. You ideally want a |
| Knives, Fruits & Vegetables, Wet & Dry | | | | placement program that actually helps you find a |
| Heat Cooking, Baking, Stocks & Sauces, | | | | job and that has good contacts in the industry. |
| Salads & Dressings, Meats, Fish, Poultry, | | | | Final Words |
| Starches and Safety. These are all key topics | | | | Culinary schools are literally popping up all over the |
| that will help you tremendously in the real world. If | | | | place and chances are good that you will find a |
| the school you are interested in does not cover | | | | school not too far from home. But do not let |
| these topics then look elsewhere. Apart from | | | | distance be the determining factor in your |
| these basic cooking topics, your school will more | | | | decision. Take time and research each school you |
| than likely offer more classes. This of course | | | | plan to attend by talking to other folks who |
| depends on how much you are paying them and | | | | attended that particular school or ask anyone that |
| can include courses on wines, business and | | | | you may know in the restaurant industry what |
| management, pastries, nutrition etc. | | | | they think about your school. Another great place |
| When you are studying your schools curriculum | | | | to get opinions on your school is the Internet. |
| see if they give any information on the size and | | | | Search the Internet for any personal websites or |
| format of the classes. You will want a classroom | | | | blogs on culinary schools. Make sure you visit |
| environment where you will be able to participate. | | | | several different websites and blogs so that you |
| Some class formats are demonstration only, | | | | get a well rounded opinion. I hope this article has |
| meaning the instructor will cook the dish and you | | | | helped. Best of luck in your search for the perfect |
| watch with your hands in your pocket. Make sure | | | | school! God Bless. |