Is anyone familiar with attending culinary school in Florida?

I'm considering pursuing a culinary degree in Florida and would love to hear from anyone who has attended culinary school there. What are the top schools and their strengths?

There are several reputable culinary schools in Florida that you might consider:

1. The Miami Culinary Institute (MCI) at Miami Dade College offers both an Associate in Science degree program in Culinary Management and a Bachelors degree program in Culinary Management. MCI is known for its Innovation Center, the 'Tuyo' restaurant, where students get hands-on experience in a real-world environment. Miami Culinary Institute's degree programs are designed to equally balance theoretical instruction with practical experience.

2. Johnson & Wales University in North Miami offers a variety of culinary programs, including an Associate's degree in Baking & Pastry Arts and a Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts and Food Service Management. JWU is renowned for producing some of the country's top chefs.

3. Keiser University, Center for Culinary Arts, with locations in Tallahassee, Sarasota, and Melbourne, provides an Associate of Science degree in Culinary Arts. They pride themselves on a hands-on approach to learning, and their curriculum includes both a foundation in these techniques and instruction in management and hospitality.

4. And of course, Le Cordon Bleu Miami, though it has closed, was a well-respected program offering degrees in Culinary Management, Pâtisserie and Baking, and Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts.

I would suggest reaching out to these institutions with specific questions about your culinary interests, visiting their campuses if possible, and speaking with current students or alumni. Determine what culinary path you're most interested in (such as pastry chef, restaurant owner, food service management, etc.) and seek out a program that's strong in that area. You could also consider what aspects of the program are most important to you, such as class size, the opportunity for internships, and post-graduation job placement rates. The best choice depends on your specific career goals and personal preferences.