Warren High School proudly offers a Culinary Arts program through its Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways, giving students a unique opportunity to develop real-world skills in the food service industry. This hands-on program combines practical experience with academic learning, preparing students for careers in culinary arts or further education in hospitality management.
Students learn essential skills such as kitchen safety, sanitation, knife techniques, food preparation, baking, and pastry-making. The curriculum also covers food science, nutrition, and business management, ensuring graduates are well-rounded and ready for the next step in their culinary journey.
One of the program’s highlights is the chance to earn industry-recognized certifications, including the ServSafe Food Handler certification, a valuable credential for anyone entering the food service field.
- First Year: Focuses on fundamentals—kitchen safety, sanitation, knife skills, and basic food preparation. Students can earn their ServSafe certification during this year.
- Second Year: Builds on foundational skills with advanced topics like baking, pastry-making, and restaurant management.
- Capstone Course: Serves as the culminating experience, allowing students to showcase their skills through a final project.
Students gain practical experience in a commercial kitchen environment, using industry-standard equipment and participating in events. Opportunities include preparing and serving food in classroom diners, catering events, and working on Warren High School’s very own food truck, which gives students real-world experience in mobile food service operations. The program also incorporates the ProStart curriculum from the National Restaurant Association.
Graduates of the Culinary Arts pathway are prepared for careers as chefs, bakers, or restaurant managers. Many continue their education in hospitality management, often earning college credit through articulated agreements with local community colleges. Students also compete in SkillsUSA and ProStart competitions, showcasing their talents on a larger stage.
Former students have gone on to prestigious institutions such as:
- Culinary Institute of America
- Institute of Culinary Education
- Johnson & Wales University
- Cerritos College
- Long Beach City College
- Cal Poly Pomona (Food Science & Technology and Collins College of Hospitality Management)
The Culinary Arts pathway is one of the most exciting opportunities at Warren High School, and we are proud of the skills and experiences it provides our students. If you have any questions or would like more information, please reach out to our amazing teacher, Mr. Zegarra, at jzegarra@dusd.net.
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