top pastry schools, US or abroad?

[enrosque]

Hello,
I am interested in going to pastry school, and have looked at schools here in the US and in Paris. I have considered Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, but actually, the programs in the US seem actually to have longer, more in depth programs. Any recommendations? Which schools in the US have the best pastry programs?
Thanks

[RAS1187]

MY advice would be not to flock to the school that has the "best" program as I really think the outcome of success comes more from your personal motivation and dedication as opposed to the reputation of the school.

In the chicagoland area though, I would recommend Kendall College whose faculty is very knowledgable, and their facility is state of the art, even featuring a chocolate & sugars kitchen with marble slab work areas

[enrosque]

The "best" reputation is not my concern, but I am looking for a school with inspiring teachers & solid training in pastry arts. In fact, speaking of reputation, the reason I'm seeking opinions of Paris LCB is that despite its being highly regarded abroad, locals(the French) didn't seem to take the school too seriously. My impression was that Parisians viewed Ecole Ferrandi as their school of choice, and don't go to LCB for their training. LCB Paris acknowledges that their school is now in effect a school for foreigners (it seemed 80% Japanese, 20% American), & their pastry program is only 2 days/week for 30-some weeks. This of course doesn't mean it's a lesser program, but I just wanted some reports from anyone who has had some experience with the school. I also would like to know what people's views are on the benefits of studying in France.
Here in the US, I am also considering is the French Pastry School.
Any feedback you have is welcome...