Are you an aspiring pastry chef searching for some of the best pastry chef schools in the world? If affirmative, then I suggest you stay right here on this blog post. To be a professional pastry chef, you need all the training from a pastry school to equip you with all the culinary expertise that you need.
There are several pastry schools located in different countries around the world, and some renowned chefs have graduated from these schools. From bread making to cake, pie, cookies, and truffles, these are all delicious to devour, and they will all be taught at a pastry chef school. These pastries also make the job of a pastry chef more exciting.
Although these pastries can be made by watching YouTube recipe videos, there are still some individuals who can learn this culinary talent from a pastry chef school. If you are interested in enrolling in a pastry chef school, you should spare a minute to read this blog post.
What Are Pastry Chef Schools?
Pastry chefs’ schools are a type of culinary school that teaches chefs both advanced and fundamental techniques of pastry making and baking in order for them to compete with international schools. Just like other culinary schools, pastry schools are vocational learning centers where potential chefs are taught kitchen management, food inventory, international cooking styles, and other important lessons.
Furthermore, the training ranges from proper flour mixing and shaping down to multiple baking techniques, which include food sanitary measures and other kitchen skills. In pastry schools, there are two types of people that register for a class. The first is an aspiring chef, and the other is someone who wants to start a career in pastries. The second set is professional chefs who want to switch careers to become pastry chefs.
The Best 10 Pastry Chef Schools in the World
Below are some of the best pastry chefs’ schools in the world.
1. Le Cordon Blue College of Culinary Arts
Le Corden culinary art school is one of the best pastry chef schools in the world. This pastry chef school is located in Paris, France. Most people who have completed their degrees pass out with flying colors and perform very well. Interested applicants can apply for the Le Cordon Blue College of Culinary Arts pastry chef program in Hollywood, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, and other locations in the United States.
There are two plans available: the 15-week diploma and the 30-month associate degree program. Each plan costs $8,100 (along with a $500 application fee) and $22,800 (plus $1,500 application fees) per year.
2. Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Another excellent pastry school is the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. This pastry school-approved curriculum is based on teaching the cooking skills and techniques of the great Auguste Escoffier. This pastry chef school focuses on pastry and culinary arts education for both professionals and freshmen.
Furthermore, the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts provides diploma and degree programs for aspiring pastry chefs, and it has campuses all around the United States. Also, after graduation, students receive career support services.
3. Castello di Vicarello
Castello di Vicarello is yet another one of the best pastry chef schools in the world. As a member of this pastry school, you can expect nothing more than the best cooking lessons from experts. This pastry school is located in Italy, in a castle hotel in Tuscany. They offer short professional courses such as diplomas. At the castle hotel, you would learn how to make bread and pasta.
4. New England Culinary Institute
The New England Culinary School Institute was founded in 1980 in England, but it also has a branch in Vermont, USA. This culinary institute is famous for producing world-class chefs for many vacation villas, resorts, cruise ships, and hotels. They provide a wide range of courses, which include pastry and baking, food and beverage management, and culinary arts.
5. Star Career Academy
Star Career Academy has a campus on Long Island, New York. This is one of the best pastry schools in North America because the coursework is very thorough and it is recommended by previous graduates. Members can earn a certificate in baking and pastry arts either as part-time or full-time students.
There are multiple subspecialties in pastries and confectionery. In addition, Star Career Academy offers multiple occupational programs with considerable entry requirements.
6. French Culinary Institute
The French Culinary Institute is a world-class pastry chef school that was established by the legendary Jacques Torres. This culinary school has campuses in San Francisco and New York City. In those two US locations, it is now known as the International Culinary Center.
The length of the program is six months for a full-time student and nine months for a part-timer. Its tuition ranges from $38,000 to $41,000 per year.
7. The Culinary Institute of America
This culinary school is located in Hyde Park, New York, and is famous for producing highly trained chefs. This culinary school offers everything cuisine, and it offers the baking and pastry arts associate in occupational studies for 21 months and the baking and pastry arts bachelor degree for 38 months.
They provide a few weeks of externship with hands-on training and lessons on how to run a pastry shop. The annual tuition cost is above $40,000, but it can be reduced if you get a scholarship or grant from the institute.
8. The International Culinary Schools at the Art Institute
This famous institute offers superb baking and pastry courses in its several colleges, which are distributed in select cities. The art institute is located in many cities in America, such as Houston, Denver, and Seattle. Each of the art institutes has various international culinary schools.
The diploma and associate degree programs are both affordable and of high quality. After you register for the program, you will be taken on courses covering a wide range of international cuisines, from Middle Eastern to French.
9. The School of Artisan Food
This pastry school is located in Nottingham’s Sherwood Forest in the United States. It is famous for offering in-depth training in the arts of cheesemaking, breadmaking, and many other artisan skills. This pastry school is one of the best places to learn and sharpen your cooking skills.
If you are an aspiring chef interested in learning certain cooking areas, you should consider this school. The specialized education offered in this school is conducted in a conducive environment, and some previous graduates recommend this school.
10. Kendall College School of Culinary Arts
Some professional pastry chefs working in luxury establishments will confirm that this pastry school is one of the best. Its impact on international cuisine is undeniable. Kendall College has a good image in the United States and around the globe. It is considered famous for its active contribution to innovation in the food industry.
How Long Do I Have to Go to School to Become a Pastry Chef?
It will take up to two years to complete an associate degree. A diploma or certificate in pastry art will take up to six months to complete. A bachelor’s degree program offers full coursework and training that focuses on every subspecialty. Furthermore, students can also learn the science of food presentation, food processing, components of management in a pastry business, and digestive physiology.
How Much Does Pastry Chef School Cost?
The high price of some pastry schools discourages aspiring chefs from enrolling in culinary school. Some of the best pastry schools listed above will cost up to $40,000 per year. The tuition fee for a bachelor’s degree may be expensive due to another extra semester’s cost.