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