How Cooking Schools Work

Get the scoop on how cooking schools work: from classwork to grading.

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What are Cooking Schools Like?

The best part about cooking school is, of course, the food. You'll take many classes as a student in culinary school that cover everything from cleaning and sanitation to how to set the dining table. The crux of cooking schools, however, is really the cooking itself. In addition to learning how to make salads, appetizers and entrees, you will also take several classes in baking and pastries. You'll learn tricks and techniques that you'll use throughout your culinary career. For instance, concepts in fundamental French cuisine are commonly covered in cooking schools, according to Candice Deis, a culinary arts professor at Quality College of Culinary Careers at Fresno, California.

Perhaps more than any other area of specialty, the culinary arts is basically what it sounds like. As a student, you'll spend hours chopping onions, cutting meat, kneading dough and beating eggs. And you'll do it all under the supervision of experts who can teach you the tricks of the trade and correct any mistakes you might be making.

Generally, culinary courses include one to two hours of lecture along with a practical, hands-on component in the labs (fully equipped and stocked kitchens where students cook), according to Deis.

How Does Grading Work in Cooking Schools?

As for grading in cooking schools, as surprising as it might sound, it's not usually based on the taste of the food. "It's about participation," Deis said. She explained that grading is done holistically and is also based on professionalism, work ethic, and sanitation and safety.

Popular Courses in Cooking Schools

The most popular courses at cooking schools tend to allow for creativity and imagination on the part of the students, said Deis. "The students can be very creative," she explained, "when they do melon carving, platter arrangements and choose buffet themes." Another popular course is baking and pastries, though Deis admitted that not everyone loves baking, or is even good at it. "Some of them like it; some of them don't," she said. "But students learn how to make bread, decorate cakes, make hot desserts, croissants, brownies, cookies and ice cream," she said.

Other Learning Opportunities at Cooking Schools

Cooking schools aren't all about the food, though. Students always have textbooks that go along with what is being taught in cooking class. "Students do written work, homework and take quizzes in class." Every school varies, Deis said, so it's important to find the cooking school that teaches in a way that you'll learn. "We all have to follow certain guidelines and teach the same things, but not in the same way. Our school is very hands-on. When I lecture I also do a demonstration, and then students go into the lab."

Some cooking school programs involve externships, where you do part of your course work in an external restaurant setting. This might involve cooking as well as interacting with customers. Some programs, like Quality College, have their own restaurants that students run and operate to gain experience.

As a cooking school student, you'll be spending at least 4 hours a day, on average, doing hands-on cooking. So regardless of the culinary arts program you pick, the main thing you'll need to succeed is enthusiasm. You must have a passion and love for food and cooking.