California School of Culinary Arts Pasadena Highlights
- Offers the Le Cordon Bleu Diploma
- Students train in the on-campus restaurant
- Externships included in programs
- Day and evening classes and a part-time studies option
- Provides career fairs and on-campus recruiting
- Affiliated with the American Culinary Federation
- Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent
Colleges and Schools (ACICS)
About California School of Culinary Arts Pasadena
Established in 1994, the California School of Culinary Arts Pasadena (CSCA Pasadena) provides training in the fields of culinary arts, baking and restaurant management. The school is one of a handful of culinary schools located in the United States that have a partnership with Le Cordon Bleu, an internationally recognized culinary educator founded over 100 years ago in Paris, France.
With hands-on, on-the-job oriented training an integral part of CSCA Pasadena's programs, the school reports that its labs are provided with industry-current commercial equipment that has been built for efficiency and comfort. The school emphasizes that students have the opportunity to explore their studies in the context of their own styles, creativity and cultural backgrounds.
Students have the chance to learn practical skills by working in the on-campus gourmet restaurant, Bistro 561.
California School of Culinary Arts Pasadena Academic Programs
The school's program areas include:
- Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts – Studies begin with training in the classical French cooking techniques and terminology and proceed to modern applications. Also, associate degree students take an externship in a real-world setting prior to graduation.
- Le Cordon Bleu Patisserie & Baking – Offers a wide variety of baking and pastry skills including in old-world classics and the latest innovations. An externship in a real-world baking and pastry setting is also provided. The program is also available in a part-time format.
- Le Cordon Bleu Hospitality & Restaurant Management – The comprehensive program offers the culinary and hospitality skills developed by the Le Cordon Bleu program. The curriculum also includes a restaurant externship.
Learning at California School of Culinary Arts Pasadena
- Students may attend morning, mid-day or evening classes.
- The Patisserie & Baking program includes two evening classes each week plus Saturday classes.
Faculty
The instructors are experienced chefs who encourage their students' creativity. In addition, the chefs monitor the progress of every student.
Student Life
The diverse student body includes international students. The Learning Resource Center offers students current information utilized by culinary professionals.
The school's Career Placement Assistance department provides individualized help with resumes, interviews, and planning. The department also helps connect graduates with restaurants, hotels, resorts and cruise lines.
Examples of major companies that have hired CSCA graduates include: Bellagio Las Vegas, Beverly Hilton, Chateau Marmont Hotel, Desert Springs Marriott, Disneyland Resort, Emerils Fish House/MGM Grand, Four Seasons Hotel, Harrah's Lake Tahoe, Hilton Hotels, Ritz Carlton Hotels, Universal Studios, Westin Bonaventure Hotel LA, Wolfgang Puck Catering, and many more.
Admissions and Financial Aid
The school requires each student to have a high school diploma or a GED certificate. The admissions process includes a visit to the campus. Students whose first language is not English may have to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language or demonstrate proficiency with the English language. Tuition planning assistance is provided and federal and state financial aid is available to eligible students.
Program Catalog