"As a school and an institution, we are vibrant, focused and driven by ideals. The career success of our alumni is an ongoing goal, and source of pride," - Rick Smilow, ICE Chairman and CEO
There are many culinary schools to choose from. They vary by size, location, length of program, course of study, job placement rate and cost. We pride ourselves on the quality of our curriculum, instructors, facility, ingredients, as well as the doors an ICE education can open through externships, networking and volunteering opportunities. Moreover, we’re committed to providing this value in less time than many other schools.
You may consider culinary school for the variety of opportunities available in the food and hospitality industries, from eventually becoming a restaurant or private chef to starting your own food business, covering food in the media or exploring corporate dining or events. ICE students can develop culinary, baking, management and beverage skills for professional positions inside or outside of the kitchen, in under a year.
Read 10 reasons why you should begin your culinary career path at ICE.
ICE’s classes are intimate. We believe in providing an individualized learning experience for all students — if you need help, we can support you, and if you need extra motivation, we can push you. A smaller class size also makes it easier for your creativity and personal interests to be heard.
Students are encouraged to volunteer at a wide range of industry events and charitable functions. ICE also hosts frequent guests for lectures and demos on both campuses. ICE’s Special Events Division also regularly hosts culinary and press events at our New York campus, from high-profile cookbook launches to lectures and demonstrations with acclaimed restaurateurs and chefs. These events can provide exceptional opportunities for students to access the broader community of culinary innovators in and beyond the walls of our facility.
Your career in food can have a lot to do with the people you surround yourself with and the level of commitment you bring to the table. That’s why, at ICE, we’re incredibly proud of the strength of our community. While your time in the classroom only lasts a few months, our instructors, faculty and alumni network can remain a valuable professional resource throughout your career.
You know it's in you — the ambition to pursue a rewarding career in food. Attending culinary school is one of the best ways to begin the journey. ICE is ready to help you find your culinary voice.
Students may wonder how to choose the best culinary school to attend. Below are 10 reasons why thousands of students have started their culinary and hospitality careers with an ICE education.
ICE has been ranked the No. 1 Culinary School in America by multiple expert sources:
ICE is the largest and most well-regarded culinary institute located in two of America’s top culinary capitals—New York City and Los Angeles—that also offers a variety of programs online.
You can graduate with a diploma in as little as 8 months or an associate degree in as little as 14 months. There are few programs in America that teach a similar breadth and depth of knowledge in an accelerated fashion.
ICE’s degree and diploma programs are focused and intensive; hospitality, culinary and baking arts training is the school’s sole focus.
ICE teaches foundational knowledge and competencies that can be applied to a broad range of culinary and hospitality career paths, plus advanced specialty courses to help students develop the specialized skills employers actively recruit.
ICE is renowned in the food and hospitality industries for consistently producing top talent. A diploma or degree from ICE is a widely-respected “brand name” credential. Well-known chefs and restaurants in Los Angeles, New York City, across the US, hire ICE's externs and graduates.
ICE Career Services Advisors leverage their expansive industry connections to help match students’ career aspirations, goals and abilities to the right externship, job placement and future career advancement.
ICE is dedicated to helping you reach your full potential—and find your culinary voice—through an education that emphasizes excellence, discipline, professionalism, passion and creativity.
ICE is an exciting, creative and joyful place where students of all ages and backgrounds are inspired to learn and pursue their passion for food and hospitality.
ICE has helped nearly 20,000 graduates pursue their culinary dreams. Our alumni consistently recommend ICE as the school to launch a career in the culinary or hospitality fields.
"ICE gave me the solid foundation I needed to embark on a successful and unique culinary career. The instructors, facilities, curriculum and industry access are of the highest quality and I left the program having gained an invaluable education."