A Recipe for Success: The Napa Valley Cooking School

The Napa Valley Cooking School provides a one-of-a kind culinary arts education with an emphasis on technique and a 100% placement record upon graduation.  Executive Chef Barbara Alexander discusses the Napa Valley program and its advantages. 

What makes the Napa Valley Cooking School special?

The Napa Valley Cooking School is in the heart of the food and wine country of the Napa Valley.  Class size is small –only 20 students in total with 2 full time instructors and an adjunct faculty of Master Chefs, Pastry Chefs, local restaurant and winery chefs.  The school focuses on sustainability in cuisine, and we have our own flock of chickens, and large garden, both of which are tended by the student body.  In addition, our school is unique in that it is technique based, includes pastry and bread making and covers all aspects of classical, international and modern culinary techniques.

What kind of courses/programs do you offer?

We offer a 14 month comprehensive Professional Culinary Program  which combines culinary, pastry and bread making as well as butchery, nutrition, food and beverage cost control, practical restaurant work and a 500 hour externship.  We also offer one day Food Enthusiast Programs.  All our courses are taught by professional, certified chefs.

What are classes like?

Due to our small size, the classes are focused, personally attentive and fast paced.  We attempt to replicate the “real world” nature of the culinary field and approach our classes with professional skills and experience to be shared with budding chefs.

Could you tell us about the teaching facilities?

The Napa Valley Cooking School is located in St. Helena in a modern efficient space on the Napa Valley College’s Upper Valley Campus.  Surrounded by grapevines, farmers, trendy restaurants and wineries, this is perhaps one of the most unique areas for food and wine in the world.  We have our own teaching garden and chicken coup with 30 heritage and exotic breed hens and work with sustainable culinary goals.

What is the admissions process like?

Students request an application package either by telephone  707 967 2901 or via the web .  The application fee is $25.00 and upon receipt, we conduct an interview with the student, and have them attend an observation if possible.  We are looking for passionate, focused students whose goal is to obtain a career in the culinary field.

What responses have you received from your students?

Our Alumni is our best selling feature.  They market the program for us.  We have many success stories, and our amazing connections with restaurants in the valley result in a 100% placement in the field upon graduation.