Le Cordon Bleu, J&W, or CIA?

i've been attending the le cordon blue in orlando (oca) for 6 months now defintely not trying to sound like a propaganda machine and i have no reason to be since i will owe them 35,000 when i am done. i'm in the baking and pastry arts program, but i know the culinary is 40,000 which includes your uniforms, knife kits, books, all the products used in the kitchens, and best of all doctor's visits for the whole 15 months (definitely a big plus when they require a dr.'s note if you're absent). i really enjoy both the school and the chefs, granted admissions will tell you anything you want to hear to get you to enroll so i took it with a grain of salt and had a pretty good idea what i was in for which will help you out. i dunno if you're the same but in high school i found myself becoming bored very easily and procrastinating because there wasn't much of a challenge, but each class is only 3 weeks/5 hours a day which keeps the pace quick, but not enough so that you couldn't understand what you're supposed to be doing. they try to alternate kitchen classes with classroom classes so it's not too much of one or the other. as i said before the chefs can't do enough to help you, actually just today the chef stayed an hour after class just so my team and i could work on some chocolate work for our practical tomorrow and would of been happy to stay even later until we were finished practicing. my biggest worry is the money, but i said this in another thread if you're really that worried i went to community college got my general education courses taken care of transfered the credits with no hassels and that took my tuition down to 28,000. i explored the same schools as you did and out of my choices i feel this was the best one.

hope this helps you out

Im enrolled in Le cordon Blue portland, Western Culinary Institute. So far it has been great. Im in my first month. All the instructors seem to be more than helpfull and knowledgable. Like madgoose said, we can go to class an hour and a half before class, and stay two hours before class. The kitchens and equipment are top class, everything is new. You move through the classes pretty quick, and Portland is a cool city. That said, it's really expensive. 42,000 right now for culinary arts. Make sure you are going to be able to pay the money before you start school. I've heard some stories about people getting to school and not being allowed to continue after the first few weeks because they dont have the money. It is a for PROFIT organization, and the admisions reps will do whatever it takes to get you in school, the are salesmen. So far I like Western Culinary, but CIA and J&W are great schools. I think the most important thing is to take as much as you can out of whatever school you go to, and the places you work. You can go school and slide by and learn next to nothing.

Schools

Hey there
Well I don't go to any of the schools that you are looking into, and I'm also from Canada, and I was wondering if you looked into a apprenticing program at all.
I know that up here by apprenticing I save tons of money it only cost me 600 bucks for all my school and then I get paid at school and when I work.
Maybe its another option you might want to look into

Newbie

i go to JWU and i love it, though sometimes i do feel as if the program dosnt move fast enough...they have an excelerated program which gose twice as fast if you feel up to it, but classes are from 7:00 am till 7:30 pm which makes working in the industry simultaneously a bit tricky . over all i love the school ( i was one of those HS over acheavers ) and compared to other majors i have been in their is a lot of fast paced work, like the cordo n blu youll have one class a day for 9 day (7 hours)....definantly worth it

I attend CSCA in Pasadena, a LCB school. I have attended several colleges and a university in my time, but this school really out does itself. The administration is always helpful, whatever your needs. You actually can leave a message and someone DOES call you back. I've had needs met at all hours and on weekends which says a lot. I was afraid that I was going to pay 45,000 and that once I was enrolled they would give me the cold shoulder since they had my money already. This is not how it went down. They actually seem to care about my career, along with every other student in the school. The chefs are out of this world! My last chef was a CMC, not too shabby I'd say. Just this past Friday a chef stayed an hour after class to write me a letter of reference. It was very nice of him, since I knew he wanted to go home to his weekend as much as I did, but he stayed anyway. I am currently taking an academic class along side my culinary class. My classes are 6 weeks long, but I hear that they are changing to a 3-week program in July, without increasing the hours. I feel lucky that I am in the 6-week program because this means I'm going to learn twice as much as the 3-week program students. But, I also hear that it is standard to have only 3-week classes and 6 weeks is not the norm.

I don't know anything about the other schools you are researching. $45,000 is mucho dinero, but I figured it could cost you that much at a big-name university too.

There was an event at the school a couple of weeks ago where there was a cook-off between high school students who wanted to attend a culinary school when they graduate. Three students won the cook-off and they are recieving a small scholarship to assist them in attending CSCA. Maybe something like that is occuring in your area too when it comes time for you to graduate too. Check around.

Good luck in whatever you decide. I'm sure you'll do great.

Go to CIA, CIA CIA CIA CIA

New England Culinary Institute

I am posting this because I know that another Chef talk poster mentioned the NECI a few times and has almost convinced me of that school. I LOVE the idea of the small class sizes--a definite plus in any major you pursue. So don't hesitate taking a look at NECI either--you may be pleasantly surprised at what it offers as I was.

Make the Right Descision

Hi, I am a International Chef. Future Chefs it is more than just what school do I attend!Le Cordon Bleu and CIA will give you the right skills to function in any kitchen almost. Then I would seriously go to CIA's continuing education courses if I were working in the states. If I were new today in the career I would line it up that way.

The two schools do a Michelin Star on giving quality educations to the best chefs that "work" in most kitchens. If any student wanted to better him or herself ultimately. Go to a Le Cordon Bleu campus abroad Paris, or London and do the real rich culinary history involved in the European countries.The worlds top restaurants are within miles from each campus.Do yourself that favor if you are planning on being a lifetime Master Chef, and are involving yourself in cooking for the love of cuisine. We need great quality chef's that want to work because they love kitchen life.

I would also get myself a resume started before I left for Europe. Find a ACF chef or American based kitchen set up for you to be able to get your feet wet before you leave for Europe.Most of all have the best time of your life. Be willing to mop floors,scrub pots etc. This will give the chef the idea you are serious about staying in the workforce.

If money seemed to be a problem, start working now. Nothing should be able to stop you if you want it bad enough.

I attend the Le Cordon Bleu Program in Scottsdale (SCI) and I tell you the classes are great, and all the material you go over. And another reassurence is that the majority of my Chefs so far are graduated out of CIA. I don't know how the other Cordon Bleu's are, but SCI supports you with everything you need, there isn't a thing you can't ask them for help. Of course you should also check the surroundings of the school and see if thats any good. Well I wish you luck in making a decision.

I'm just wondering, did all of you pay your tuition up front, some of it, or is it all in the form of student loans. Thanks!

psh i wish i won the lottery so i could pay the tuition up front. i paid mine with majority of student loans, a little help from pell grants, and just received a scholarship which will help out. the way it works at oca you take out loans for the first half of the tuition and 6 months later new loans for the rest.

hope this answers your question

go work 60+ hours a week all on your feet with a knife in your hand sweet pouring out from everywere people yelling all around you customers mad wait staff with no clue owners complaining theres to much being spent on the kitchen and food
sorry but this life and this job arnt for everyone so make sure its what you want and not what you see on the food network before you spend that much!!!!!!

If tuitions is a concern, you could look up here in Canada as most colleges and universities are subsidised by the gov't. I attended George Brown College for $4000(can) plus say nother $1k in book, uniforms, and tools. I don't know how much more international students would pay but I don't think it would be too much. Stradford U has a reputable culinary program and they charge $12k. The Le Cordon Bleu in Ottawa, last I heard, went for $10k.

I myself paid the whole wad myself out of my pockets with no financial aid from the gov't or even family (they'd probrably scald me if I even asked). Mind you I'm in a little debt right now but it'll be easy to pay off with just over $600 every 2 weeks.

But if you want to restrict yourself to those 3 options, the chefs at school would only talk about the CIA. Some trained there and taught there, not that I can remember who they are.

Be aware that the CIA is top notch... Also top COST, and they to my understanding WILL NOT accept those who have not worked in a restaurant already. (But truthfully, I would HIGHLY recomend doing so before you drop a few thousand on a culinary school anyway.)

I am currently enrolled at Le Cordon Bleu in Austin, Texas and I am in my second month.  I have enjoyed the classes thus far, especially the lab.  The lab classes are quite large (34 or so students) but we have two instructors in the course which are both equally qualified.  Both of my instructors are very knowledgeable on both technique and history.  I am very impressed with the explanation of WHY things happen as opposed to "do this and this will happen."  Both chefs are incredibly approachable and both live by the "Not asking the question, is the only bad question" philosophy. I actually saw my chef in the on campus library after my class, sitting with previous students of his discussing the scholarship opportunity they were pursuing. This is a man who could have gone home after our class yet stuck around to chat with students in an unprompted open discussion about how they could earn credibility and save money for school.  As for the BEST culinary school? Who knows?  Not many people can afford or have any reason to experience two schools or more.  From what I have read, NECI (New England Culinary Institute) might be the best as it has the lowest Teacher:Student ratio, and requires 2 externships.  Also from my reading I have found that most chefs who have had an intern from NECI have been more than satisfied.  However it is more expensive, although a longer program than most from my understanding.  I have no way of truly knowing however.  All I know is that I do not regret my choice of LCB, as so far it has been been worth my time and money I could be wasting in another semester for a degree I don't care about.  The facilities are top notch, the faculty is excellent and approachable, and the student clubs and activities are plentiful.

I am currently in my first six-week session at the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, which is a Le Cordon Bleu school.

 

I have loved it since I started. I, like most who think about attending, have been warned against it, as well as encouraged. I chose to trust my own judgement, and I suggest you do the same.

 

What I would suggest is to book an appointment with your admissions rep. and have them physically walk you around the campus while classes are in session. This is what finally decided me. When you look into a classroom and see people cooking, getting consistant and helpful feedback from an instructor, you can pretty much believe that's how it is all through the program.

 

Anyone disagree with me?

I am studying at LCB in London and it is really great and well worth it. The teaching here has been amazing and its great to see everyone in my class improving so much after only one term. You should look into the possibility of studying in other countries because from whats been said so far the fees on the UK course seem to be less. Trying not to be bias towards LCB, but in england there are a lot fewer choices than in the US. All I can say is that the school has exceeded my expectations so far 

 

If you want to read more about studying here I am writing a blog about it 

 

http://whiskitforabiscuit.blogspot.com/

 

x

Escola Joviat outside of Barcelona.

One of the areas in the world with highest density of Michelin restaurants. El Bulli is/was located not far from it. Hardcore diciplin.

I don't know anything about the other schools you are researching. $45,000 is mucho dinero, but I figured it could cost you that much at a big-name university too.

Unfortunatly here in the states we are quickly seeing the downfall of good cuisine and great restaurants.Although all those chefs on the food channel are making nice things, and more people are going to culinary school. One has to ask ""Where are all those grads going to work upon graduation'''?

   Your successful restaurants, just by looking at their parking lots are Olive Garden,Applebee's,Chili's etc. these are all glorified fast food operations. None of them require a chef on premise.

   Cooks trained like robots to push out half commissary prepped foods is all they require. True there may be a chef at the commissary,but thats it. The days of scratch cooking are quickly ending.Labor and food cost has slowly put an end to it.. True there will always be a good place but few and far between. Only the upper middle and wealthy class will be able to afford them. They can't compete with the purchasing power,and volume of the chains.  I ask does it merit paying all the money culinary schools charge to give you the oppurtunity to work in one of these chain units that at least here in Florida start these cooks at about $11.00 or 12.00 an hour?

    There are not that many good places left that can absorb all these graduates.

Never thought I would see in my lifetime the demise of the White Tablecloth restaurant. Sure we have a Keller,and a Forgione, and a few  others, that are trying to keep it alive but thats it. I ask "Is this progress" ?

Mrphantuan.......At a big name university when you graduate for your $44000.00 you will be offered more then #12.00 an hour.

I agree with most peoples comments here and I would go with Le Cordon Blue. It's one of the most popular and reputable culinary schools around in my opinion.  And it has a ton of locations. The only downside is that it is expensive. Le Cordon Blue costs $38K to $41K per year!  But you know what they say, you get what you pay for. Also, I'm sure you can apply for financial aid for culinary school. Found this resource to do so: http://www.allculinaryschools.com/culinary-careers/article/financial-aid

 

Don't waste your money. The only reason they get so many students is because they have an enormous section of marketing staff who travel abroad to recruit students. Its a shame. The Ottawa program doesn't provide what the Paris school does. The patisserie "MOF" who is supposed to be  "teaching" spends most of his time on his phone or smoking outside. He said himself that this is his retirement job and he's taking it easy. I've heard a couple students say that he doesn't care and unfortunately when you are sitting in his class (the times that he's there- he was gone for a month in the 3 month superior semester) you come to that realization. And considering he is a MOF I would have imagined that he would have been very clean and precise. He works like a slob. It truly was a disappointment. If you really are considering going here, talk to the senior students who have been through the program and not the staff. I visited the school before applying and was buttered into this program by the marketing senior (Peter B) who went to the LCB PARIS school but said "I wish I had gone here instead". Marketing, marketing, marketing. Get a real opinion from the Senior Students!!! PLEASE!!! And don't talk to one that they get to talk to you. Seriously. Obviously they know the ones that aren't happy with the program and will steer you away from them. They will tell you exactly what I am telling you. When I was a student in the basic program I heard all these negative comments from the superior students but thought I would wait to find out for myself. Too late I could have saved my money.

 

In order to discourage people from wasting their money on LCB Ottawa I'm going to be posting all the recipes and full accurate curriculum for their program. I say accurate because what is advertised on their website is not what I went through.

Those schools are all way too big for me. I go to NECI (New England Culinary Institute) and my culinary certificate class literally has 8 students. Not only that, but we're split into two different sections. So my culinary theory classes have all only had 4 students with 1 or 2 chefs teaching. In a large class of 30 or 40, your chef isn't going to notice when you're doing your knife cuts wrong or be able to help you with other techniques as well. Also, those schools are very expensive. I am only halfway through my certificate program, but please take a look at NECI. It may be small but it's one of the best culinary schools in the country.

 

p.s. I used to go to URI and Providence sucks. Don't go to J&W hahaha.

Save your money enroll in a Community College. You will learn the same basics the rest is up to you. When I used to look at resumes with all these schools, they meant nothing, lets see how you work and handle yourself in the kitchen. You will learn more from practical experience then any school.Good Luck to you

I am just about to graduate from the 10 month program in patisserie there. I'm sure a lot has changed since 2005. I agree with everything you said, but it does seem lately the school has been making a lot of 'corporate' changes that has put negative effects on the students about to enroll. I got lucky in a lot of ways. I checked out French culinary in NYC, CIA and LCB gave me an offer I couldn't resist. But I am glad I only signed up for the diploma program. It's a great starting point!

I would after community colleges have to reccommend French Culinary Institute in NYC.. Their staff are all Pros.

Gotta Be CIA. 15 weeks until Graduation!!!

FYI, this thread is like 6 years old. lol