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The Virtual Culinary Academy, delivered by École Ducasse

Spend six weeks learning from experts at the internationally renowned École Ducasse. You’ll master key culinary and pastry arts principles and interpret the philosophy and vision of Chef Alain Ducasse, who is known worldwide for his pursuit of excellence—he has 32 restaurants worldwide, garnered 23 Michelin stars, and published more than 100 books. Your education in the art of gastronomy will benefit from the same drive and focus for which Ducasse himself is known.

By participating in the Virtual Culinary Academy, delivered by École Ducasse, you’ll have access to a mix of live tutorials and mentoring sessions with faculty, in-depth recipe instruction tools, immersive course content, and quizzes—with the flexibility to work at your own pace. Through this remote learning platform, you’ll gain a thorough understanding of gastronomy, the culinary arts, pastry arts, or both, all from your kitchen.

Culinary Institute of America - Summer High School Culinary Program

High School Culinary Program Student

Hands-on Education and Training from École Ducasse Chefs

From France’s internationally distinguished culinary and pastry arts academy, The Virtual Culinary Academy, delivered by École Ducasse, provides high school students a premier educational experience in gastronomy while sharing Chef Alain Ducasse’s culinary philosophy and knowledge! Whether you choose to focus on Culinary I or French Pastry (or both), this program trains you to source and select the perfect products, then teaches you how to best prepare and cook them. With demonstrations by École Ducasse chefs and experts, you’ll apply traditional and modern techniques and discover many secrets of cuisine. By the end of the program, you’ll be able to prepare some of the emblematic dishes of Chef Alain Ducasse and you’ll receive a certificate from this globally recognized institution.

The Art of Gastronomy: Culinary I

By pursuing this six-week course, you’ll be introduced to modern food culture and multiple cuisine styles. With access to 16 recipe-instruction packets, each of which includes a demonstration video, detailed step-by-step procedures, and impressive troubleshooting guides, you’ll improve your culinary craft. You’ll also delve into valuable content on each of the five course modules and take advantage of five live seminars and mentoring sessions with École Ducasse faculty. At the conclusion of each module, you’ll take a quiz to assess what you’ve learned before moving on to the next section.

The Art of Gastronomy: French Pastry

Spend six delicious weeks creating and sampling the diverse world of desserts. Using the course’s 10 recipe-instruction packets, each of which includes a demonstration video, detailed step-by-step procedures, and impressive troubleshooting guides, you’ll enhance your expertise and execution in the art of pastries. You’ll also delve into a vast array of content covering five critical concepts and enjoy five live seminars and mentoring sessions with École Ducasse faculty. Upon completing each section, you’ll assess your takeaways with a quiz and proceed to the next module.

Culinary Institute of America - Summer High School Culinary Program

École Ducasse Faculty

2021 Dates & Tuition

ENROLL
The Art of Gastronomy: Culinary I July 16 - September 3 $1,495
The Art of Gastronomy: French Pastry July 26 – September 3 $1,495
Culinary I and French Pastry Bundle* July 26 – September 17 $2,795
*The course dates for Culinary I and French Pastry are the same. However, participants who enroll in both programs receive a tuition discount and an additional two weeks following the end of the programs to wrap up any modules they weren’t able to complete during the courses’ scheduled dates.

Program History and Highlights

Globally Recognized for Excellence
Since 1999, École Ducasse has provided distinction in culinary and pastry arts education, with campuses in Meudon (near Paris) and Yssingeaux, France. Now part of Sommet Education, the world-leading hospitality management education group, the school’s mission is to pass on Chef Alain Ducasse’s culinary savoir faire in the culinary and pastry arts to a wider audience. Meilleurs Ouvriers de France, World Champions, renowned chefs and pastry chefs, craftsmen, hospitality experts—the teams bring together a unique mix of expertise that benefits patrons and students alike.
The Art of Gastronomy, French Pastry
Practice and study five stimulating and inspiring areas of pastry arts, such as The Iconic French Pastry, The World of Chocolate, New Diets and Healthy Trends, Large Cakes: Tradition and Modernity, and Restaurant Desserts. Upon finishing the program, you’ll receive an internationally recognized École Ducasse Online Digital Certificate authenticating your accomplishment.
The Art of Gastronomy, Culinary I
Study and practice five fascinating and challenging culinary subjects, including Contemporary Gastronomy, The Secrets of French Cuisine, Bistros and Bistronomie: Tradition and Modernity, Best of Asian Cuisines I, and Best of Asian Cuisines II. Upon completing the program, you’ll receive an internationally recognized École Ducasse Online Digital Certificate confirming your accomplishment.
Legendary from the Start
The institution you’ll be attending remotely, École Ducasse, was founded by the iconic French chef Alain Ducasse. Some of his unique accomplishments include opening over 30 restaurants in seven countries and on three continents, being awarded 23 Michelin stars, and heading five international culinary schools. He’s also published 100 books and developed a chocolate and coffee manufacturer, which in turn opened 17 shops in Paris, London, and Japan.

The Virtual Culinary Academy, delivered by École Ducasse FAQs

  • Is the Virtual Culinary Academy for me?

    This summer culinary and pastry arts program is for you if you are a high school student in grades 9-12 during the 2020-2021 school year. The Virtual Culinary Academy could be your springboard to success in college and a future culinary career, whether you prefer that to take place in a restaurant, bakery, or hospitality setting.

  • Are there any system requirements?

    No. If you have an internet connection, you should be able to access the program from anywhere.

  • What do I need to prepare for the program?

    A detailed list of kitchen tools and ingredients will be provided to you after your enrollment is complete.