French Culinary Institute

by Faith Montgomery

One of the biggest steps you will take to begin your career in the niche of the culinary arts is to choose a pastry school. Finding a top quality education with a strong reputation and excellent fit on a personal level can be difficult. But for many, the French Culinary Institute offers all of this and more to their current and prospective students. However, before you apply it is essential to learn all the details, and where to go to find more information.French Culinary Institute

French Culinary Institute Locations
Currently, there are two branches of this culinary university. One is located in the highly competitive food service industry of New York, NY. The other campus is found on the west coast of the United States in Campbell, CA. However, both of these locations are in culinary arts “hot spots” and can offer many quality learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. Also, student will be able to visit events and dine at four star restaurants – exposing their training and palate to many new opportunities not found anywhere else in the nation.

Calculating Tuition Costs
One of the primary concerns of prospective college students today is determining the cost of tuition, and how to afford it. The French Culinary Institute tuition costs are $32,500 for a 6 or 9 month (full or part time) diploma in the Classic Pastry Arts. Keep in mind this does not include the $100 application fee prospective students must pay to begin the admission process.

But before you pay your application fee, tuition costs and other fees, you may wonder if this is one of the accredited pastry chef schools found within the United States. After all, there are hundreds of educational facilities – and not all of them reach the required standards of training. Currently, this school has the accreditation to match its high standing reputation for quality education and training. The FCI is recognized by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

About the Curriculum and Diploma Program
The next questions prospective students have are about the program and curriculum that is offered, and how it will prepare them for the many pastry chef jobs available. Currently, the French Culinary Institute Diploma consists of the Classic Pastry Arts and Classic Pastry Arts Honors Program. The curriculum consists of the following aspects, including:

  • A 6 month daytime or 9 month evening program which can be completed on a full or part time schedule
  • Classroom training consisting of 63 hours of lecture – with pastry chef courses teaching about preparing tarts and cookies, puff pastries, cakes and cake decorating, sugar decorating and petits fours
  • Extensive hands on training for 537 hours in the culinary lab
  • The opportunity to be taught by famous pastry chefs including Jacques Torres, Ron Ben-Israel and Emily Luchetti

Do you dream of becoming an executive pastry chef, or maybe joining the names of famous pastry chefs around the world? Reaching this achievement requires a strong education and excellent training – which is the focus of the French Culinary Institute. Are you not sure if this is the right fit? Or do you need more information? Then contact the New York campus at (888) 324-2433 or the California location at (866) 318-2433 and learn more today!

More Info on Becoming a Pastry Chef