"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.
Not all schools are created equal – ICE has been ranked the No. 1 Culinary School* by multiple sources over the past decade:
Location matters—and ours sets you apart. ICE is the largest culinary institute located in America’s top culinary capitals—New York City and Los Angeles. When you come to ICE, you train where chefs thrive, trends are born, and where employers look for top talent.
You can graduate with a diploma in as little as 8 months or an associate degree in as little as 15 months. There are no other schools in America that teach ICE’s unique curriculum in such an accelerated fashion.
We do one thing, and we do it really well! ICE’s degree and diploma programs are focused and intensive. Hospitality, baking and culinary arts training is the school’s sole focus. Through this focus, students from many backgrounds find common ground and connect over a mutual passion for the culinary world.
At ICE, the world is at your fingertips. Our programs are built to teach you strong foundational and specialized skills to chart your own path—whether that’s in fine dining, food media, business ownership, entrepreneurial ventures or beyond. We help you find your culinary voice and pursue your goals with confidence.
ICE is a brand name. For 50 years, our graduates and externs have gone on to work for well-known chefs and restaurants in Los Angeles, New York City, across the US and beyond.
In the culinary world, who you know matters—and at ICE, we know the right people. Our Career Services Advisors have connected students with top kitchens and hospitality companies in NYC, LA, and beyond through trusted partnerships, a strong alumni network, and deep industry ties. Just as important, students form connections with each other—bonding across diverse backgrounds and ambitions—which creates a community that continues to expand.
You deserve the best. ICE is dedicated to helping you reach your full potential—and find your culinary voice—through a time-tested curriculum that has evolved progressively over 50 years and emphasizes excellence, discipline, professionalism, passion and creativity.
ICE is an exciting, creative and joyful place where students of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds are inspired to learn and pursue their passion for food and hospitality. ICE has a spirit and atmosphere we don’t think you will find in other schools.
ICE has helped nearly 20,000 graduates pursue their culinary dreams2. Our alumni consistently recommend ICE3 as the school to launch a career in the culinary or hospitality fields. Many have received national or local recognition, awards, accolades and successfully found their “culinary voice.”
"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."
