Culinary Schools?

I posted a question yesterday asking which culinary schools in the US and abroad were most prestigious and highest ranked, and got a great response. Today, I'm hoping to find some people who have actually attended culinary schools and are currently Chefs, or are in school currently and can give me their input on the programs and speak of their experiences...just trying to get a feel for what it's like before enrolling (and going on a tour obviously of the schools). If possible, could you also explain the difference in certificates and degrees and how high one must go to land a great job? you can also email me at arpsurvey@yahoo.com. Thanks !

Public Comments

1. I can't tell you as a chef, but as a diner there's this great school in Napa Valley called something like Greystoke, the food there in the dining room (all prepared by students) was incredible.
2. I already answered but for certifications go to http://www.acfchefs.org/ I think that the CIA and the ACF merged their certification programs into the Pro Chef Series. Education and on the job qualifications are listed there.
3. As I said before everything is what you can make of it. I went to the Art Institute in Dallas, TX. The program was o.k. But I volunteered for everything I could, got a job in the industry immediately and learned everything I could from everyone I came into contact with. I am certified through the ACF as a Certified Culinarian (C.C.). Most schools (I think) qualify you with this as a degree graduate. Ai also offers a certificate program, but you don't get the certification with it. The CC requires 3 years industry experience if you don't have a degree. All the other levels have different requirements you can find at the ACF website the other chef gave you. You asked about pastry before. Ai Dallas doesn't offer a pastry degree, but other schools do and you can get a C.P.C. You have to do a practical test for all certifications as well. If there is anything else I can help you with you can find me at MySpace. http://www.myspace.com/42141607