One of the best things you could do, is to find a restaurant that will hire you, and get your ass kicked in a kitchen for about a year. After that year if you are still interested in culinary school and think that it's the right path for you, enter the program then. After a years worth of real world experience and a years worth of kitchen skills, you will soar through school, leaps and bounds ahead of anyone that doesn't have experience. The restaurant may even be willing to work you while in school (depending on how far away you are, and your schedule) which would be a plus because you would be able to put the skills you learn in school directly into practice with your job.
I'm not going to say that culinary school isn't worth it, or that you shouldn't go, every individual situation is different and you should evaluate and re-evaluate your own. Sometimes, especially in bigger cities, culinary school is a staple that you have to have, while in smaller suburbs and towns... it's more of an option. Honestly, either way if/ when you come fresh out of culinary school or just walk through the doors looking for a job, you're going to start in the same spot, doing prep / pantry work, or even washing dishes. My thoughts behind that are... If I'm going to start in the same spot, do I want to go into it and make a little money, or do I want to go into it X thousands of dollars in debt. Again, I'm not saying do or don't go to culinary school, I'm just giving you pretty much the same advice that was given to me. 95% of your learning is going to be done on the job anyway, so .. it's something to think about.
Whether you decide to go to culinary school or not, I would say don't spend a dime on anything education related until you get your butt kicked in a kitchen first. I've known lots of people who "want" to be a cook and then can't hack it in a kitchen. I started out as a server / bartender as well, and there is a monumental difference between front of the house and kitchen.
Pretty much, just weigh out all your options and do what's right for you. Not long ago, I was standing exactly where you stood, and the right option for me was to put in a year getting beat down in the kitchen of a local restaurant, then re evaluate culinary school as an option, but that may not be the right choice for you. Either way, good luck and I hope everything works out for you.
Edit : I second what rocktrns said, stay away for corporate places, or chain restaurants you will do more microwaving than cooking, and it could destroy your passion. Find a local eatery/bistro/upscale dining place and try to get into that kitchen, that's where the fresh food will be. Hotels, country clubs are all really good options as well.