thoughts on culinary school?

[LadyDZA]

I'm thinking of going to culinary school to become a pastry chef. I would love to actually learn to do what I've been doing, rather than just winging it everytime I'm in the kitchen! Plus all the other things I have no idea even how to do, I'd have the opportunity to learn. My husband really thinks that I'd enjoy it. What are everyone's thoughts on culinary school?? Worth it or no? There are two that I'm looking into. One a little over an hour from here, L'Academie de Cuisine, where Colette Peters teaches; it looks amazing, but also looks hard to get accepted into! Then there's also the Art Institute of Washington.

[hopekisa]

Oh so jealous. I've been dreaming to go to culinary school for years now. I'd love to learn just for myself. I know this job doesn't get paid very well so If you want to do it for living, don't have high expectations. My friend's son finished school couple years ago and became a chef. He works in an restaurant now and gets only $10/hour. But If you have an opportunity and support, I'd totally do, it just for yourself.

[LadyDZA]

I would love to just know what I'm doing!! My husband told me not to worry about the money for paying for it, that it won't be a problem, esp bc you don't have to start paying back student loans til they're done. And from what I'm understanding online, for the second part of study, you do an externship, and they have placement for that in places I'd never even dream of being able to work!! The one in Gaithersburg even cooperates with Citronelle by Michael Richards. I'm not sure how easy it is to get on with something like that even with school help for placement, but just the experience of it would be amazing!!

[jeri]

I would say if you have the desire... the support from your husband... the time to do it... you should do what your heart desires! I think it would be a fantastic opportunity. I have played with the idea of culinary school a few times but the closest one here is 150 miles away and I really don't want to make that kind of a travel commitment. I love my job at the school. The kids keep me young! (HA!) Someone asked me the other day if I have been at the school since time began!!! Geezzz that didn't make me feel too young... I have been there for 19 years though! Starting to see second generation coming through! EEEKKK! Go for it while you are young! That is the time!

[hopekisa]

Do it!!! We support you!!!

[Pootchi]

go for it, lucky you!

[LadyDZA]

Im just waiting to hear back from the Art Institute about their evening/weekend hours. The other place sounds AMAZING but it's hours are from 7am-2:30pm 4 days a week. And I'm about 1 hour 20 minutes away, not including traffic, so I dont know how doable this one is realistically. My husband leaves for work by 5:15 every morning, and Carter has school; then there's Peyton who isn't in school yet and I have no one to watch him. So I'm thinking that the Art Institute might be the best way to go since they have an evening/weekend program!

[laurafromtx]

I went to New England Culinary Institute in Montpelier, VT for the 2 year associates degree program. It was expensive, a lot of hard work, and a lot of fun. At the time they didn't have a specialized pastry program or I would have done that. It was a great base for French cuisine, and there were two 3 week courses, one was Bakery (1st year) and the other Pastry (2nd year). I wouldn't trade the experience for the world. But I'm now back working in computers, and yes, because of the pay.

You really have to think about what you want to do once your through the program/school. I knew I wanted to work with pastries/baking, but didn't want to work in hotels. I knew I didn't want to manage people, I just wanted to keep my hands busy doing the fun stuff like decorating cakes and making cookies. And if that's the only thing you do, it just doesn't pay well. And if you're only making $10/hr and the loans start kicking in, it's hard to figure out how to pay all the bills and have enough money left over to eat, not to mention having no money for entertainment or clothes or other 'luxuries' like spare cake decorating supplies. I'm sure it can be done if you're frugal enough, but I decided I didn't want to worry with it. So I'm back in my first career path, and do cakes on the side when I feel like it, and that suits me just fine.

PM me if you want more 'gory' details , I'll be happy to share anything/everything I know.

[LadyDZA]

Well, I dont work now, so Im not so much worried about making tons after school either. My husband makes enough to take care of us. I am considering waiting until the kids are in elementary school so that I can go to the school that I want to, rather than settling for the one with night classes. I am thinking I might try and get a part-time job at the bakery in the next town over so that I can get the extra practice in until then!

[likitiki]

I wish that I were you! I would love the opportunity, but it will not happen here anytime soon. Keep us posted on what you decide.