Children Cooking Schools
Every now and then a child will display a particular interest or ability in a certain category. If that interest just happens to be cooking, there are numerous options available to encourage learning and to develop skill. Cooking schools have become increasingly popular in the past few years, and have attracted progressively younger students. Culinary schools or classes offer important knowledge of food preparation, as well as etiquette. Regardless of the location, or the age of the child, cooking schools are fairly easy to find. They can also provide a valuable learning experience for any child.
There are a few schools which are available in numerous locations around the United States. These schools are the most well-known, and tend to be the most popular. If one of these schools is located in your area, this is probably the way to go. The programs offered at these schools are highly recommended.
National Cooking Schools
Junior Leagues' Kids In The Kitchen
The program offered by this school focuses mainly on healthy food preparation. This school has 241 leagues located in various parts of the country.
Sur La Table
Located in 14 states, this school offers various programs and summer camps for children and teens.
Young Chefs Academy
The program in this school not only offers culinary skills, but has classes geared towards preschoolers to develop everyday skills. Class groups range from ages 4-14 with school locations in 29 states.
State Cooking Schools
These schools aren't the only option however. In addition to nationally available schools, there are also several schools that can be located on a state to state basis:
Arizona
Les Petites Gourmet
This school offers cooking classes for students aged 8-18.
Young Chefs Academy
This program encourages discovery and creativity.
California
Stir Crazy Kids
The classes at the school are offered for students aged 5-14.
Chef Bambino
This school offers classes for special occasions or parties.
Young Chefs Academy
This program offers classes for children in a safe and structured environment.
Florida
Foodies
This program is for students aged 4-11. Also offered at this school are weeklong classes during summer and holiday breaks.
Young Chefs Academy
This school has several locations across America. The program is geared towards creativity and expression.
Massachusettes
Kids Can Cook
This school offers an afterschool cooking program for middle school aged children.
Create-A-Cook
The program offered at this school focuses on fun and excitement in the kitchen, and promotes the creation of great food.
Minnesota
Way-Cool Cooking School
This program offers valuable life long skills for children and encourages fun in the kitchen.
Young Chefs Academy
This program is offered by a nationally known school which focuses on discovery and learning in a safe environment.
New Jersey
Love Your Fruits And Vegetables
This prgrom focuses on healthy alternatives and the importance of fruits and vegetables.
Young Chefs Academy
This school offers a structured program promoting learning and creativity.
KitchenKapers
This school offers a hands-on, supervised program. Children will learn to make multiple course meals as well as the importance of fruits and vegetables.
North Carolina
Classy Kids Cook
The program offered at this school combines important life skills classes with etiquette and culinary arts.
Lil' Chef
This school provides a structured culinary experience combined with plenty of fun.
Pennsylvania
Love Your Fruits And Vegetables
This program offers "green" cooking classes for children and encourages healthy cooking and eating habits.
Texas
Kids Cooking Company
This program encourages creativity and curiousity in an exciting hand-on environment.
Young Chefs Academy
This school is located in several states and provides a creative learning environment.
Many states offer at least one cooking school for children. Some states may not have a cooking school available for kids at this time. However, there may be a school in a state that wasn't listed above; be sure to look in your area just to be certain. If there isn't a culinary school for younger students in your area, there may be cooking classes offered at certain times that can be taken advantage of.
There are several online cooking classes and schools, though none of which offer classes which are geared towards children. It may be possible for older children to benefit from some of these classes, especially if they are interested in pursuing a career requiring a culinary arts degree. For older children there are several online options available.
Free Online Cooking Training Options
- Arizona Central Cooking 101
- BHG Food Videos
- Bon Apetit
- CNN Cooking 101
- Delia's Online Cookery School
- Ladies' Home Journel Cooking School
- Food Network Cooking Demos
- Taste Of America
Cooking schools can provide a structured, hands-on learning environment for a child. As well as encouraging creativity and discovery, these schools also allow children to learn healthy cooking and eating habits. No matter which option you choose for your child's culinary experience, each offers valuable learning and life experience.