FAQ

Most culinary programs are 2-4 years long. Why is the program at Cook Street shorter?

At Cook Street, students are immersed for 15 weeks in a highly accelerated program that focuses solely on food and wine. In most other cooking schools, students attend classes for a few hours a week and take several weeks off for summer vacations, winter vacations and mid-semester breaks. In addition, they are required to take classes on non-culinary topics such as business, math and English composition. For those students who already have a degree and/or want to get started working in a culinary career quickly, the extended length of these programs only adds up to wasted time and money.

Do you offer job placement services?

Yes! Cook Street graduates have a wealth of job placement resources including:

• ACF Apprenticeship: Cook Street makes an investment in the future success of its graduates by paying for the first year of this program with no additional cost to the student. Each graduate who participates in the Apprenticeship Program is guaranteed a paid, mentored job.
• ACF Job Board: As full members of the ACF, Cook Street graduates have access to its job board and all networking opportunities.
• Personalized Service: Because of our small class size, Cook Street can personally understand each student’s career goals and offer completely individualized job placement assistance.
• Cook Street Job Board: Restaurants, hotels and resorts in Denver, and around the country, post job opportunities on our website. Only Cook Street graduates can access this site.
• USPCA Personal Chef Referral Service and Online Listing: Cook Street students who enroll in the Personal Chef Course have full membership benefits from the USPCA, including a business website and listing on the Hireachef.com referral website.

What is the European Culinary Tour?

The European Culinary Tour is an integral component of the 180° Culinary Arts Program. It provides an opportunity for additional hands-on training in France and Italy. In addition to kitchen training, you will also go on tours of wineries, chocolate producers, cheese producers and a variety of other culinary-related tours. Note: Participation in the European Culinary Tour is required for students to be eligible for placement in the Apprenticeship Program.

What is your student-teacher ratio?

The maximum is eight students per chef-instructor.

How long has Cook Street been open?

Cook Street opened in April 1999.

Do you offer Financial Aid?

Many students finance their culinary training at Cook Street with a SLM Financial Career Training Loan. You can apply online at http://www.slmfinancial.com/. Applicants can apply for additional living expenses up to $6,000 over tuition costs. SLM approval occurs within 24 hours. In the past year, 78% of Cook Street students who applied with a co-borrower were approved by SLM. Cook Street School of Fine Cooking does not participate in Title IV federal student financial assistance programs such as Pell Grants and Stafford Loans.

Can I spend the day in the kitchen before I commit to the program?

Yes, we encourage you to spend a day observing or participating in our program to see if it’s right for you. Contact Admissions at (303) 308-9300 to schedule a day.

What are your admissions requirements and procedures ?

Cook Street School of Fine Cooking maintains an open enrollment policy and accepts a maximum of 24 students per session. Applications will be accepted up to one year prior to the desired session. Admissions requirements include submission of a completed application, official high school or college transcripts, two letters of recommendation and a $150.00 non-refundable application fee. The Admissions Committee will review applications only when all required application materials are received. It is highly recommend that all required admissions materials be submitted at least two months prior to the session to which you are applying. Decisions will be made within two weeks of receipt of all materials. If you are accepted, you will receive an Enrollment Package. You must sign the enrollment agreement and make your initial deposit 30 days before the start date of your class. Your position in the class is secured when both are received by Cook Street.

Will I be a “chef” when I graduate?

The title of “chef” is earned through a combination of hard work, industry experience and continuing education or mentorship. No culinary school student is considered a chef immediately upon graduation. Students may pursue certification as a chef by the American Culinary Federation, which demonstrates a dedication to the profession as well as a recognized skill and experience level in the industry. Graduates of Cook Street will have earned 20 continuing education points toward ACF certification.

I want to become a personal chef. How can your program prepare me for this field?

Cook Street is the only authorized training center in Colorado for the United States Personal Chef Association. The USPCA Personal Chef Course is offered as an elective to the 180° Culinary Arts Program. Cook Street trains you to be an excellent cook; the Personal Chef Course prepares you to start a successful personal chef business.

How do Cook Street graduates compete with graduates from longer programs?

Your personal level of drive and motivation is what will set you apart; no culinary school can guarantee success if you are not dedicated to achieving your goals. Training at Cook Street will give you the tools to begin or advance your culinary career. Cook Street graduates have been hired directly out of school by such properties as Chez Panisse, Daniel Boulud, Ritz Carlton and the Arizona Biltmore Spa and Resort.

Do I get a degree when I graduate?

No. Students receive a diploma in Fine Culinary Arts and Wine upon graduation from the Cook Street 180° Culinary Arts Program. Students interested in pursuing a degree often train first at Cook Street and then begin working in the industry, gaining valuable work experience, while they attend a degree-granting college or university.

Are you accredited?

Cook Street is a privately-owned teaching facility licensed by the State of Colorado Department of Higher Education, Division of Private and Occupational Schools. It is approved by the United States Veteran’s Administration. Veterans may apply their GI Bill benefits at Cook Street. Cook Street is also an approved continuing education facility by the American Culinary Federation Foundation. Students earn 20 continuing education credits towards ACF certification upon completion of the 180° Culinary Arts Program.

I want to be a pastry chef. Do you offer a program in just Pastry Arts?

No. However, your training in pastry at Cook Street is thorough and comprehensive. Keep in mind that pastry is one component of a meal. In order to excel in this area, you must know how to incorporate desserts into the meal. The menu-based curriculum at Cook Street keeps the dessert course in context. Your culinary training will include a four-week rotation in the pastry kitchen where you will learn: tart dough, laminated dough, cake components, decorating techniques, custards, creams, meringues, bread (utilizing a wood-fired oven), molded chocolates, mousses, soufflés and ice cream.

Who typically attends the Cook Street 180° Program?

Cook Street students represent a diverse array of demographics, backgrounds and career goals, but all share a common passion to develop and elevate their culinary knowledge and skill. Many students are career-changers and, as they often do not have the luxury of spending the time or money it takes to complete a two or four year program, find the accelerated program at Cook Street to be ideal. The median age of students is 30-years-old; however, students have ranged in age between 18 and 63 years old. Most students have no professional culinary experience prior to attending the program.

I am a strict vegetarian. Do you offer a vegetarian version of your program?

No. The School of Natural Cookery in Boulder, Colorado offers a program that may meet your needs. We also recommend checking online resources such as CookingSchools.com to find other programs in your area.