	Your Information Resource for Education, Training, and Jobs in the Culinary Arts, Hospitality, and Restaurant Industries

L’Ecole Culinaire

L'Ecole Culinaire, located in St. Louis Missouri, offers a diploma and an associate degree program designed to prepare students for entry level positions within the food service industry. The school's unique system of ten week terms, called phases, are designed to introduce the student to progressively more detailed material, including both classroom and hands-on training. During each phase, students take one course, spending six hours per day, four days per week in class.

The school features small class sizes, and a high instructor to student ratio. Approximately 70% of the student's time is spent in the lab or in the kitchen, whether in one of the school's learning kitchens, or during an externship in an area restaurant or other food service facility.

L'Ecole Culinaire is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT).

Programs and Courses of Study

Associate of Occupational Studies in Culinary Arts

The AOS degree in Culinary Arts prepares students for a wide variety of positions within the restaurant, food service and hospitality industries. The program is divided into nine 10 week phases.

During the first five phases, students learn the essentials of culinary arts, including fundamental techniques, the basics of cooking, the basics of pastry arts, and an introduction to kitchen management. The next three phases introduce advanced concepts in charcuterie, quantity food preparation, international cuisine, and meal planning and management.

Students also take liberal arts classes designed to help them on the job, focusing on communications and team dynamics.

During the final two phases, students participate in an externship at an area food service facility,

Get more information on the Culinary Arts degree from L'Ecole Culinaire.

Diploma in Culinary Essentials

The Culinary Essentials diploma program is a 60 week course of study that provides an abbreviated version of the training given in the degree programs. Graduates are prepared for entry level positions, either in the kitchen, bakery, or in the front of the house.

During the first 40 weeks of the program students are introduced to basic and intermediate culinary and baking skills. The final ten weeks are spent in an internship.

Get more information on the Culinary Essentials diploma from L'Ecole Culinaire

Location and Campus

L'Ecole Culinaire has modern, new facilities located in the St. Louis suburb of Ladue, just south of Interstates 64/40. The school's facilities include over 27,000 square feet of classrooms and kitchen areas, including facilities for baking and pastry creation, and a demonstration kitchen.

Future plans include the establishment of a student-run restaurant.

Admissions and Financial Aid

Prior to being admitted at L'Ecole Culinaire, prospective students must have a high school diploma or a GED. The school's admissions department can help you determine if the school is appropriate for your educational objectives, and help you decide on the program most appropriate for you. They can also explain financial aid options available to qualified students. You can get started by completing the information request form.