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Step 1
Visit culinary schools. Review the schools' reputations on the Internet by reading reviews and visiting forums. The schools should have a positive relationship with past students, employers and professionals within the culinary industry.
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Step 2
Check the school for accreditation. Schools open for more than five years should have their accreditation. The major accrediting organization for a culinary school is the American Culinary Federation.
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Step 3
Look into the education and reputation of each faculty member at the school. An ideal faculty has a balance of specialties, real-world experience, education and practical skills. Check the faculty's career accomplishments. If you have already chosen a specialty, find a faculty member who is qualified to teach that specialty.
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Step 4
Contact the schools you are interested in and ask is they help their students obtain real-world work experience. These programs give the students experiences and skills that are only obtained in a working kitchen. The programs also help students network and find job opportunities.
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Step 5
Ask the school if they have financial aid available for students. Many schools have grants and scholarships available for students. Call the financial aid department of the school for information on funding.
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Step 6
Choose a school with a high job placement rate. Differentiate between the graduates who find jobs related to their area of study and those who don't. The school should also have career counseling services available for students.
