Culinary Arts
Culinary Arts 1
Grades: 10, 11, 12 | Credit: 2 | Prerequisite: None
Students practice managerial, production, and service skills used in government, commercial, or independently owned institutional food establishments and related food industry occupations. Students plan, select, store, purchase, prepare, and serve food and food products; study basic nutrition, sanitation, and food safety; the use and care of commercial equipment; and the operation of institutional food establishments. Critical thinking, practical problem solving, and entrepreneurship opportunities within the field of culinary arts are emphasized. Teachers highlight the basic skills of mathematics, science, and communication when appropriate in content.
Professional Certification Opportunity: Always Food Safe: Food Production Manager Certification
Culinary Arts 2
Grades: 11, 12 | Credit: 2 | Prerequisite: Culinary Arts 1
Culinary Arts II provides students an opportunity to refine skills in serving, dining room management, and other skills learned in Culinary Arts I. Students prepare for occupations such as chef/cook, baker/pastry helper, pastry decorator, hospitality worker, dietetic aide/assistant, food demonstrator, and entrepreneur. Critical thinking, practical problem solving, and entrepreneurship opportunities within the field of culinary arts are emphasized. Teachers highlight the basic skills of mathematics, science and communication when appropriate in content.
Professional Certification Opportunity: National Restaurant Association: ServSafe National Certification
Culinary Arts 3
Grades: 12 | Credit: 2 | Prerequisite: Culinary Arts 2
Culinary Arts III at Edison Academy provides students with skills and knowledge to pursue careers in the food service industry in the following two specialization areas:
- Pastry Arts - The Baking and Pastry Food Specialization curriculum provides students opportunities to expand their technical skills in basking and pastry food preparation.
- Culinary Operations - Provides students with skills and knowledge which enables them to manage all aspects of a restaurant.
In a hands-on environment, students apply nutritional principles, plan menus, use business and mathematics skills, select and maintain food service equipment, and adhere to safety and sanitation standards. This course places a strong emphasis on science and mathematical knowledge and skills, critical thinking, practical problem-solving, and entrepreneurial opportunities within the field of culinary arts.
Professional Certification Opportunity: National Restaurant Association: ServSafe Manager Certification
College Credit Possibility – Graduates can continue their studies at a wide variety of schools. Students who meet academic requirements may also articulate for college credit with George Mason University, Johnson & Wales University, The Culinary Institute of Virginia, and The Culinary Institute of America.
Class Features
- Complete Commercial Kitchen licensed by the Fairfax County Board of Health
- Convection Ovens
- Conventional Ovens
- Fryers
- Gas Grill
- Electric Griddle
- Gas Salamander
- Open Top 6 & 4 Burner Ranges
- Commercial Refrigerators & Freezers
Have questions about these courses? Please contact:
- Culinary Arts Teacher, HS
Mentor Firms
- Culinary Institute of America
- Johnson and Wales University
- Real Food for Kids Organization
- Belle Haven Country Club
- Greenspring, an Erickson Senior Living Community
Services Offered - Bistro 1093
- Bistro 1093 is your in-school dining destination. Carry-Out and Dine-In menus are advertised to customers on our mailing list. Email Chef Walden to register. Baked goods and three course meals are prepared weekly for your dining pleasure. All proceeds are used to fund activities of the Culinary Arts program at Edison Academy. We appreciate your support.
Career Connections
Career Pathways Examples for Culinary Arts Students
The study of Culinary Arts at Edison Academy, along with additional post-secondary study or training, may lead to these careers:
- Chefs and Head Cooks
- Dietetic Technicians
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria *Bright Outlook*
- Food Service Managers
- Lodging Managers
- Managers, All Other
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop *Bright Outlook*
- Food Preparation Workers *Bright Outlook*
- Food Production Manager
- Food & Beverage Manager
- Bread and Pastry Baker
Related Careers
- Food Service Sanitation Manager
- Meat/Poultry/Fish Cutter
- Agricultural & Food Scientist
- Purchasing Agent
Some BLS Info - Check it Out!
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics employment of chefs and head cooks is projected to grow 8 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 24,600 openings for chefs and head cooks are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
FCCLA Student Organization
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is a national Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) for students in Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) education in public and private schools. FCCLA offers intra-curricular resources and opportunities for students to pursue careers that support families. Since 1945, FCCLA members have been making a difference in their families, careers, and communities by addressing important personal, work, and societal issues through Family and Consumer Sciences education.
FCCLA Mission Statement: To promote personal growth and leadership development through Family and Consumer Sciences education. Focusing on the multiple roles of family member, wage earner, and community leader, members develop skills for life through character development, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communication, practical knowledge, and career preparation.
Involvement in FCCLA offers members the opportunity to expand their leadership potential and develop skills for life—planning, goal setting, problem-solving, decision making, and interpersonal communication—necessary in the home and workplace. For more information about FCCLA visit the organization's website.