advice needed, please!

I have recently been accepted to the Atlanic Culinary Academy in New Hamshire which offers the Le Cordon Bleu diploma. Can anyine provide me with any insight as to the quality of the school. I would greatly appreciate a response even if you haven't attended ACA. Thanks alot! Feel free to email me marksbt@uwec.edu

[cape chef]

I do not know about the ACA.

My wife cousin who lives in NH graduated last year from NECI in Monpellier Vermont.
They have a very good program..I went to the graduation cerimonies and then toured the school. I think it is one of the better school I have seen.You might want to look into it as well since you are close by.
cc

[ 02-13-2001: Message edited by: cape chef ]

[momoreg]

I had dinner once at the NECI, and stayes at the Inn. It was one of the best culinary experiences of my life.

[theloggg]

I can't comment on the ACA, but I did visit NECI 1.5 years ago. The main turn off to NECI was the cost. When I checked it out it was $38,500 for the 2 year program. The upside was that cost included everything, including housing. However, I am married so I would have to live off campus and the break in tuition for living off campus is very small. Another thing I didn't really like was that you are only in school for a year of the 2 years. You do 6 months schooling, 6 months internship, 6 months schooling, 6 months internship. I thought $38,500 for a year of school was a bit high. And the way the program is structured it meant paying a second rent if I chose to do your internship outside of my commute range (wife would stay in Vermont). With Boston and NY close by, chances are I would leave VT.

The program/cost may be different now, I checked it out August 1999. Sorry I can't help you with the ACA, but thought you might find the NECI info helpful. Also, in case you weren't aware, there is a Johnson and Wales in Providence, RI and they have a great rep. I think the 2 year program is around $33k, but I could be wrong. Check with Chefs that are located close to the ACA and see what they think.

Thanks to everyone for their input. I can't believe how difficult of a task this is turning into. There is so many schools and as a result, one must be careful not to waste time or money on a program that is not well reputed. Greatly appreciated!