From its beginning in 1895 in Paris, France, Le Cordon Bleu has grown to 19 schools on five continents and it has over 20,000 students. Master chefs from some of the most renowned restaurants in the world teach the students the art of classical cooking. Among its graduates is Julia Child, who attended Le Cordon Bleu in 1950. In addition, the trademark of the school is given to restaurants and bake shops around the world who demonstrate culinary excellence.
Over 45 schools in North America comprise The Art Institutes. Besides culinary arts, it offers curricula in many of the creative arts like media arts, fashion and design. Rigorous courses of study include mentoring to bring out the natural talent of its students. The course of study varies at each school, so a prospective student should check the courses available at a particular school before applying. For example, some of the schools offer student-run restaurants that will give you a real-life perspective.
The Star Career Academy has eight schools that are located around New York City and in Pennsylvania and they offer curricula in culinary arts, baking and hotel and restaurant management, as well as in the medical and cosmetology fields. To apply for admission, you must be a high school graduate or have your GED, and must be 18 years of age, with some exceptions. In addition, you must be willing to submit to an in-depth interview as part of the admissions policy. At this school, special attention is given to the business side of running a restaurant. Upon graduation, you will be prepared to fill various entry level positions in the food service industry.
The Italian Culinary Academy is in Soho in New York City at the International Culinary Center. You'll enjoy working with the start-of-the-art equipment including a custom-made brick-lined oven and an Italian marble chef station. One of its numerous programs allows you to train in both New York and Parma, Italy. You will learn all manner of Italian cuisine and you will also serve a brief internship in one of Italy's best restaurants.