Here are some tips for selecting schools, based on an analysis comparing each school to all others across dozens of factors:
Schools Concentrating On Chefs
- Focus: For schools with a focus on this career area, look at Valencia Community College and Johnson & Wales Florida.
Fastest Response From Schools
- Request Info: For the fastest information for prospective students, look at the Spotlight schools on this page.
Student Body
- Diverse: For a diverse student body, consider Johnson & Wales Florida and Valencia Community College.
School Setting
- Out of State: For geographic diversity, take note of Johnson & Wales Florida and Valencia Community College.
- Dorms: For a residential campus environment, take note of Johnson & Wales Florida.
Spotlight Schools Search
Spotlight Florida Schools Related to This Career
- Locations: Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Tampa
- Programs: 12 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
- Degrees: Associate, Bachelor, Certificate, Diploma
Le Cordon Bleu Schools North America
- Locations: Hollywood, Orlando
- Programs: 10 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
- Degrees: Associate, Certificate, Diploma
Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Miami
- Locations: Miramar
- Programs: 2 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
- Degrees: Associate, Diploma
Keiser University - Center for Culinary Arts
- Locations: Sarasota, Tallahassee
- Programs: 2 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
- Degrees: Associate
- Locations: Orlando
- Programs: 2 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
- Degrees: Associate
- Locations: West Palm Beach
- Programs: 2 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
- Degrees: Diploma
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Student/Alumnus Reviews of Schools for This Career and State
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Culinard Virginia College • Jacksonville, FL
Studying Culinary Program (completion in 2012)
• 8/17/2011
"I'm still skeptical if it is going to further my career, but I am enjoying the interaction with the other classmates even though I feel I am more advanced than them."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | I believe taking classes to enhance your future is very beneficial and there is always something one might learn from the others there. |
| Program Reputation | 8 | I grew up in Jacksonville, FL and there aren't any REALLY reputable Culinary Schools (at the national level). But as far as a local reputation goes, this is a well respected Culinary Program. |
| Program Quality | 4 | Again, I rate it this way for the same reasoning stated above. I'm enjoying the program, but I only chose to take the formal training at the encouragement of friends and family. Not everyone in this industry has to have a degree in Culinary Arts. I learned the trade at a young age with no schooling whatsoever. |
| Instruction | 8 | Most of the stuff we are learning are tricks of the trade that I learned or am learning at my job as a line cook. |
| How Difficult | 3 | I'm not feeling challenged enough yet and I am halfway through the program. I am more advanced than any of the other students in my class and actually have more job experience than the Sous Chef at the restaurant where I work. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | There is some book learning, but it's mostly hands on. I don't know any chefs or cooks who could sit for very long and read. I have to get out there and work with the food and my hands. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 10 | There are programs at different times for those of us who are employed in the industry or who have various other things going on in their lives. |
| Academic Facilities | 7 | We have state of the art industrial cooking equipment, which is actually nicer than the equipment in the back of the house of the restaurant where I work. There is also a media center with computers. I don't really have any contact with an advisor, but the Chef who is my instructor is always available to give advice! |
| Social Life | 5 | Well, I have no time to actually attend planned social events that the school sponsors, so I ranked this as average. As a chef we are always in a very social environment. |
| Placement Services | 5 | I can't really say due to the fact that I am still in school and working as a line chef at a restaurant where I was employed prior to enrolling in school. |
| Alumni Network | 5 | During the admissions process they really talked up the alumni support. Since I am still attending, I honestly have no experience with this. |
Hillsborough Community College • Tampa, FL
Studying Paralegal (completion in 2012)
• 10/24/2011
"If I could do it again I would of pick a different college. I am unhappy with HCC and I wish it could have had been better."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | no | I would recommend the Law profession - it is interesting and offers great pay - but I would not recommend HCC. I would tell people to seek other schools and do their homework. |
| Program Reputation | 5 | Many people say the program is great, however I do not believe so. I think it could have used a better format. |
| Program Quality | 5 | I am happy with the program, just not my school's program educational wise. I think they lacked professional teachers to teach us in certain classes. |
| Instruction | 10 | |
| How Difficult | 5 | Some classes were easy, some were semi difficult. Since I work in Law it came easier to me than most. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | Some teachers are hands on some are not. I prefer not because some books that are required are way out of the spectrum of what the class information should be and is not following Florida law. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 1 | My school offers more classes in the morning than online and at night. This is not good due to me working full time. They need to provide more classes for working people. |
| Academic Facilities | 1 | I am not impressed with my school's resources or advisers or tutors, except for one campus in Ruskin, FL, which has the best math lab. The dean of HCC needs to reevaluate who they hire to teach classes and guide the students. |
| Social Life | 5 | I do not really get into school spirit or parties. I work full time and have no time for extra activities. |
| Placement Services | 1 | I never received this from my school. All our counselors are under qualified, rude, and not helpful. |
| Alumni Network | 1 | My school is very unorganized and people are not there to learn. I would not recommend HCC to people who live in Tampa, Florida. |
The Art Institute Of Tampa • Tampa, FL
Studying Pastry (completion in 2009)
• 11/4/2011
"Poor teaching, poor program. Thank god for the internet."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | no | No, it was not a place I would send anyone. In fact, if not for some other programs at the Ai, the school would have to close. |
| Program Reputation | 10 | This is why I went there - it is one of the best. But alas, I knew more than they did. |
| Program Quality | 6 | I expected more but it was cookie cutter. I learned more online than I did from the Ai. |
| Instruction | 2 | It was like being instructed by a student instead of a master. Again, I learned more online. |
| How Difficult | 1 | It's cooking. You need a little chemistry and you're good. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | The program needs more hands on work. It was 6 months until I touched a pot or pan, let alone cooked. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 5 | The lack of weekend and online classes was a problem. |
| Academic Facilities | 10 | Now the kitchens were the most well stocked I have been in, even to this day. |
| Social Life | 6 | I am kind of a loner. |
| Placement Services | 10 | They had me a job in less than 2 weeks. |
| Alumni Network | 5 | The same as any other school I have been too. |
Valencia • Orlando, FL
Studying Culinary Arts (completion in 2010)
• 11/26/2011
"I am very satisfied with the school I chose to attend. I felt I got more than I paid for, and they definitely exceeded my expectations."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | I would recommend this school to anyone looking to start or expand their career. With a flexible schedule available, they can work around your life. Awesome instructors. I don't think you can go wrong here. |
| Program Reputation | 8 | Overall, I believe the reputation is still being held high in everyone's eyes. They offer a great course with reasonable tuition. |
| Program Quality | 7 | Overall, I feel it was a good educational program. They offered a lot of hands-on training with very well-educated instructors. |
| Instruction | 10 | All of the instructors were very well educated. They were always willing to help and show different out-of-the-box training techniques. |
| How Difficult | 8 | The classes were challenging, yet easy enough to understand and learn. There was never a moment where I couldn't find a resource to get the answers I needed. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | Most of the classes were hands on, with only a little bookwork. I really enjoyed this and felt I learned a lot more. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 10 | They offer much flexibility, including night, weekend, day and online classes. |
| Academic Facilities | 8 | All of the resources available were great. There were updated computer labs and a library that was open late, which was an invaluable resource. |
| Social Life | 5 | While they did have many social activities available, I never tried any of them. But I have heard very good things. |
| Placement Services | 5 | Like anyone looking for a job in this economy, it can be difficult. They do a very good job placing well-qualified students with companies that have a good track record. |
| Alumni Network | 8 | The support program was amazing. Whether it be the staff or the students, there was always someone to talk to and to assist with any troubles I was having. |
Johnson & Wales • Orlando, FL
Studying Executive Chef (completion in 2005)
• 12/7/2011
"I have no complaints."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | It is a great place to certify your skills. Anyone who wants to cook should check them out. |
| Program Reputation | 10 | They are the best. Who has not heard of Johnson & Wales? |
| Program Quality | 8 | Very thorough program. I learned more than I needed to work successfully. |
| Instruction | 10 | The instructors were wonderful. The equipment was professional. |
| How Difficult | 6 | The subject matter was not difficult. I am very used to cooking. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | I'd say it was a perfect mix. Hands on and book balanced. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 8 | I was going to school full time. Many of my fellow students were not, and they had no problems with flexibility. |
| Academic Facilities | 9 | State-of-the-art equipment and excellent facilities. It was great. |
| Social Life | I did not socialize much. I am not a social person. | |
| Placement Services | 8 | These services were great. I had no problem getting a job. |
| Alumni Network | 10 | I am involved heavily with alumni activities. The program is great. |
Le Cordon Bleu • Orlando, FL
Studying Baking And Pastry (completion in 2004)
• 12/13/2011
"They taught me what I needed to learn, as far as technique is concerned. They were horrible in all other areas."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | no | The financial aid department will ruin their credit. It will be a hassle from day 1. The only good thing about this school is the instruction, but it is overshadowed by the bureaucratic nonsense. |
| Program Reputation | I am not sure how well they are rated. I know Le Cordon Bleu is an amazing school, but the Orlando division may not be the best. | |
| Program Quality | 3 | The classes were amazing, but the financial aid office stole half of my tuition. It was a whole legal matter to get it back. |
| Instruction | 8 | The curriculum prepared me for work, but not the environment. I learned a lot about technique, but not a lot about what to expect in the real world. |
| How Difficult | 10 | Professional chefs using old techniques. The instruction was amazing. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | The school used a few textbooks, but it was mainly hands on, as with most culinary schools. We walked away with lots of burns and cuts. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 1 | They had no online options. Classes were at a set time and we did not get to choose. You showed up when they said, for the class they said. |
| Academic Facilities | 10 | The kitchens were amazing. The computer classroom was fine. They had older computers, but they suited our needs. The library was severely lacking. |
| Social Life | 1 | There were no social events to speak of. Any special events they put on were cooking demos for potential students that were mandatory for certain classes. |
| Placement Services | 1 | They had none to speak of. They did not provide anything at all. |
| Alumni Network | 1 | The school offered no support after graduation. There are no alumni activities. |
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