Start Your Culinary Education at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Seattle!
The Art Institute of Seattle is an urban campus in the heart of downtown Seattle. The campus is located on the waterfront; on a break from classes you can walk along the waterfront, checking out the fish markets, sampling the fine dining, or enjoying a Starbucks while watching the ships in the harbor.
If you ever thought about going to cooking school in Washington, you'll want to learn more about The Art Institute of Seattle.
What You Need to Know
Below is some basic information about The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Seattle and its programs, but if you really want to learn more, you can fill out the short questionnaire and someone will contact you to talk about how to apply, time requirements, costs and just about anything else you may need to know.
The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Seattle
2323 Elliott Ave.
Seattle, WA 98121
Why Choose The Art Institute of Seattle?
The Art Institute of Seattle was founded in 1946 as the Burnley School for Professional Art. In 1982, it joined the Art Institutes and assumed its current name. For over half a century, the Art Institute of Seattle has been dedicated to providing outstanding education in artistic professions. The Art Institute of Seattle has developed a reputation for being one of the best art schools in the nation.
Education at AIS is career-focused and hands-on. Students are expected to take responsibility for their learning and to put all of their passion, individuality and creativity into developing their potential. The Art Institute supports that process, creating a caring, collaborative community, maintaining industry-standard facilities and developing an outstanding faculty.
Programs of Study
The Art Institute of Seattle has several diploma and associate degree programs in the cooking arts.
The Art of Cooking is a 12 month program leading to a diploma. It is a fundamentals class for those who have little or no culinary experience, preparing them for entry-level positions in the hospitality industry. Students learn about the food services industry, cost controls, culinary basics, cooking methods and regional cuisines.
Baking and Pastry (diploma) is a 12 month program. Students learn about bread making, pastries, cookies and desserts and are prepared to apply for entry-level baking positions.
Baking and Pastry (associate degree) is a 21 month program leading to an Associate of Applied Arts Degree. More extensive than the diploma program, the Associate Degree program goes beyond the basics and includes classes on bakery management. Day and evening classes are available.
Associate of applied arts in Culinary Arts is a comprehensive 21 month program that prepares students as culinary arts professionals and leaders. Students learn about fine cuisine, nutrition, purchasing, cost controls, kitchen management and restaurant procedures.
The culinary programs at AIS include classroom instruction, hands-on experience in the kitchen labs, experience in the Institute’s restaurant, “Portfolio,” and internships.
Accreditation
The Art Institute of Seattle is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. The Culinary Arts programs are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the American Culinary Federation.
Faculty and Facilities
The Art Institute of Seattle hires academically prepared, industry qualified instructors who love to teach. The Culinary Arts instructors have extensive experience in cooking, restaurant and kitchen management and other aspects of the food services industry.
The Art Institute of Seattle has three facilities on Seattle’s downtown waterfront. The culinary arts facilities are located at the North Campus and include classrooms, professionally equipped kitchens and pantries and the Portfolio.
The Portfolio is the Art Institute’s Culinary Arts restaurant and is open for lunch and dinner. The restaurant features continental and regional cuisines and “white linen” dining. With a striking view of Elliot Bay and Mount Rainier, the Portfolio gives culinary arts students experience cooking for and managing a fine restaurant.
Financial Aid
Students are encouraged to complete a FAFSA and meet with a Financial Aid Advisor to create a plan for financing their education. 75% of the students at the Art Institute receive financial aid. The Art Institute participates in all Federal and State financial aid programs. Other scholarships and grants are also available, and the school offers individualized assistance in setting up a payment plan.
The City of Seattle, Washington
Seattle is a vibrant, upscale city in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. The city boasts great coffee, wonderful restaurants, local wineries and breweries. The city has four professional sports teams, the Mariners (baseball), Seahawks (football), Sonics (men’s basketball) and Storm (women’s basketball). Seattle is a cultural center for the Northwest, with the Pacific Science Center, the Seattle Art Museum and the Wink Luke Asian Museum along with many other museums and events.
Although Seattle is definitely urban, outdoor activities abound. You can visit the arboretum at Washington Park, ski at Mount Rainier, go sailing on the Sound, hike in the Cascades. You can explore the San Juan Islands and Vancouver Island, drive south to the ocean beaches or north to Canada.
At The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Seattle, you’ll receive a first class culinary education while living in one of America’s most beautiful areas.
If you are interested in any of these great programs at The Art Institute of Seattle, please click on the button below, fill out the form and a representative will contact you to answer your questions and send more information about the school including an application.
What Do You Need To Know to Get Into Culinary School?
As the Reluctant Gourmet, I have never been to cooking school, but I keep telling myself it's never too late. The best way for you to learn more about becoming a chef is to visit my new Culinary School Resource Center. Here you will find articles, books, school resources and many other useful resources.
Also, try reading as much as you can about going to cooking school and what it is like to be a professional chef. One book I highly recommend to anyone thinking about culinary school is, The Making of A Chef, by Michael Ruhlman. It will really help you understand what you may be getting yourself into. For a complete list of Books For Cooks.
