The Culinary Institute of American in Hyde Park, New York, is considered by many to be the premier cooking school in the United States. The CIA has additional campuses in California and Texas, but the school in New York has established itself as the leader in culinary education. Because of the prevalence of many other established culinary schools in New York, some debate may exist as to which school is the best. Chef2Chef ranked the school second among all programs nationwide and EDinformatics.com also listed the program among the best in the nation. Students at the school receive over 1,300 hours of hands-on instruction as they pursue their culinary education. The school offers both associate degree and certificate programs in the culinary arts and baking.
Culinary Institute of America
1946 Campus Drive
Hyde Park, NY 12538
845-452-9430
ciachef.edu
Some of the nation's top cooking schools can also be found among various community colleges. Grand Rapids Community College's Secchia Institute ranked fourth overall in the Chef2Chef rankings, making it the top rated community college culinary school. The school offers associate degree programs in culinary arts and culinary arts management. The school also offers a certificate program in baking and non-degree courses for cooking enthusiasts.
Grand Rapids Community College
143 Bostwick Ave. NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
616-234-4000
grcc.edu
Nationwide, the Le Cordon Bleu School of Culinary Arts is one of the best cooking schools that students can attend. The campus in Austin, Texas, is generally recognized as the top campus to attend courses, but the other campuses in Scottsdale Arizona, Orlando, Atlanta, Las Vegas and many other locations are also ranked among the top 100 programs nationwide. The sheer influence of the Le Cordon Bleu on a national scale makes it one of the best culinary programs available. Most campuses offer programs in the culinary arts, hospitality management and baking.
Le Cordon Bleu School of Culinary Arts
11400 Burnet Road, Suite 2100
Austin, TX 78758
800-736-6126
chefs.edu
The JNA Institute of Culinary Arts, located in Philadelphia was recognized by Chef2Chef as the fourth best program nationwide despite not having the advantage of a nationwide network of schools nor the benefit of being located in New York City. The school offers professional cooking and restaurant management programs. Like other top schools, JNA combines hands-on training with classroom study. Student spend approximately 910 hours over a 30 week period perfecting their culinary skills.
JNA Institute of Culinary Arts
1212 S Broad St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-468-8800
culinaryarts.com