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Culinary Arts

Culinary Arts

Culinary Arts prepares students to practice the managerial, production, and service skills used in food establishments and related food industry occupations such as chef/cook, baker/pastry chef, and hospitality worker. Students plan, select, store, purchase, prepare and serve food and food products; study basic nutrition, sanitation, and food safety; learn the use and care of commercial equipment; and practice the operation of institutional food establishments. In addition to refining these skills, students will practice serving and dining room management throughout the two-year program. Students engage in real-world experiences by working cooperatively with local business owners and various food establishments in the community. Courses are scheduled in a two-period/double block each year beginning in the 11th grade.

Application Information

Specialty program applications will be accepted November 1, 2024-February 1, 2025.

Visit the Specialty Programs Application Process website to learn more about the application process.

Who can apply?

Applications for this program are open for rising 11th grade students who attend one of the following schools:

  • Battlefield HS
  • Brentsville District HS
  • Gainesville HS
  • Patriot HS
  • Unity Reed HS

All Applicants:

  • In good academic standing - Earning at least a C average (2.0 GPA) at the end of Semester 1 in all classes.
  • In good attendance standing - Not chronically absent (not missing 10% or more of the current school year)
  • In good discipline standing - No discipline record in the past 12 months for fighting, vapes, disrespect/classroom disruptions, vandalism. No discipline record ever of assault/battery, sexual assault or harassment, arson, weapons, or drugs/alcohol. 

Learn More About the Culinary Arts Program

Program Information

Transport Program

Students participating in this program will be transported between their base school and their program school for all CTE program classes on a PWCS bus daily, returning in time to ride their regular bus home.

School-Based Information

View information session details and contact information for the Specialty Programs Coordinator. 

PWCS Course Catalog

View additional information about the Culinary Arts program in the PWCS course catalog.

PWCS Specialty Programs

Visit the high school specialty programs website to learn more about specialty programs in PWCS.

Culinary Arts at Patriot

The Culinary Arts program at Patriot High School is a comprehensive, competency based program that prepares Prince William County high school students to pursue careers and future education in the culinary field. We are future culinarians, who are required to pass industry safety and skill exams.

The Culinary Arts Application will open November 1. The application deadline date is February 1.

Teacher recommendations will not be required.

The program is open to transport students for the 2024-25 school year

  • Approximately 40 students will be accepted into Culinary I and approximately 20 students will be accepted into Culinary II. The acceptance numbers for each will determine the amount of Culinary I students that request to take Culinary II
  • Students interested in the Culinary I must complete a Specialty Program Application