How large are the classes?

CSCA is proud to provide a low student to instructor ratio to optimize learning potential. Class size is limited to 12 students per instructor.

How many hours a week am I in class?

All programs meet for 19 hours per week: 8 hours per lab class and 3 hours per seminar. Many students continue to work full or part time while in school.

How long are the programs?

The Professional Chef’s Program is 37 weeks long or 744 clock hours.
The Professional Pastry Program is 37 weeks long or 744 clock hours.
The Culinary Certificate Program is 16 weeks long or 326 clock hours.
The Certificate Pastry Program is 16 weeks long or 326 clock hours.

What is the class schedule?

Lab class times vary by semester and are listed on our Academics Page. Students must elect a lab schedule from the available options each semester and an evening lecture schedule from either Tuesday or Wednesday nights.

Please Note: All day (AM) lab classes are 8:30am-4:30pm and all evening (PM) lab classes are 4:30pm-12:30am.

All seminars are held in the evening (PM) 6:00pm-9:00pm.

What degree will I receive?

With successful completion of the Culinary Certificate Program, students earn a Certificate of Completion
With successful completion of the Certificate Pastry Program, students earn a Certificate of Completion
With successful completion of the Professional Chef’s Program, students earn a Culinary Arts diploma
With successful completion of the Professional Pastry Program, students earn a Pastry Arts diploma

Can I get a student loan to help pay for classes?

CSCA is not a Title IV school and not eligible for federally subsidized loans. Students should contact our admissions office for information about payment plans and assistance.

Is the tuition due in full before I start school?

Tuition can be paid in full, half, or on a quarterly basis. Tuition costs can be found HERE.

Does Cambridge School of Culinary Arts offer scholarships?

We do not offer any at this time, but there are culinary certificate scholarships from outside organizations that we are happy to refer.

Am I required to live on campus?

CSCA does not provide student housing. There are plentiful apartments and housing options available in the area.

Will I receive job placement assistance during or after school?

CSCA posts job opportunities on a private portal for current students and alumni. Students may set up appointments to discuss job aspirations, resume building, stage opportunities, and more with our Manager of Admissions and Student Life.

What type of job can I expect when I graduate?

Upon graduation, you will be prepared for positions such as a line cook, sous chef, caterer, personal chef, CSCA recreational instructor, and more. Many students go on to quickly launch successful ventures of their own including restaurants, food delivery services, and specialty food shops.

 

License
This school is licensed by the Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure’s Office of Private Occupational School Education. Any comments, questions, or concerns about this school’s license should be directed to occupational.schools@mass.gov or 617-727-5811, dial “0.”

Will I receive a confirmation through the mail?

CSCA does not send confirmation notices for class enrollment through the mail. If you provided an email address we can send you an email confirmation. To confirm enrollment in a class, please contact us during the week prior to your class.

What should I wear to class?

CSCA recommends that students wear closed-toe shoes and to dress appropriately for a cooking environment. Shorts, tank tops, and open-toed shoes are not allowed to be worn during class.

An apron will be provided for use during your cooking class.

How long are your classes?

Please plan to be in class an average of 3 to 4 hours. Due to subject matter, some classes may run shorter or longer than the designated time span.

What form of payments do you accept?

All payments must be arranged with the Recreational Program Department at the time of registration. CSCA accepts MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover.

What is your cancellation policy?

CSCA does not offer refunds on any reservation or purchase. If CSCA cancels or postpones any class due to state or city mandate, inclement weather, or other unavoidable reason, a 100% account credit will be issued, or classes will be rescheduled.

Cancellation for Account Credit Guidelines:

• Attendees may cancel up to 7 days prior to the class start date, using their online account or by calling our office at 617.354.2020, an account credit will be created in your online account for a future reservation.
• Cancellations are not allowed less than 7 days prior to the start of a class.   Therefore, no credits or refunds will be issued. Your seat has been reserved, the Instructor scheduled, and the ingredients purchased and packed for your class.  You may, however, send someone else in your place by simply notifying CSCA of the change in participant.

If you can’t make it to a class in a multi-session series, you are welcome to send a friend in your place. Due to the small size of our classes, we do not offer make-up classes for missed sessions in a series.

All gift certificate sales are final and may be redeemed toward any class experience. Gift certificates that have not been redeemed will expire 7 years from the time of purchase. No cash back.

What do I need to bring to class?

CSCA will supply everything for the class. If you would like to bring a notebook, you may. If you are taking one of our series classes, such as Techniques of Cooking I or II, you may bring your knife set if you would like. We do have knives, and all other tools here for Recreational students to use during their classes. Students taking our pastry-focused classes will often go home with a box of treats. You are welcome to bring a reusable tote bag to bring your goodies home, but we also have CSCA totes available for $2.

Where do I go when I arrive?

We have four kitchens at CSCA and three are accessible from Massachusetts Avenue with instructor assistance. The doors will be locked from the outside, so please ring the bell outside any kitchen door to be let in.

Can I bring in alcohol?

CSCA does not allow students to bring in alcohol during ANY class. The instructor has the right to ask a student to leave if alcohol is brought in to the school.

What if I cannot attend a class that is in a series?

Classes cannot be made up, but you may always send a friend in your place if you are unable to attend.

Are the classes at Cambridge School of Culinary Arts suitable for children?

All classes are designed for adults (ages 18 and over). Younger students may attend some of our adult classes with permission from CSCA if accompanied by an adult. We offer teen classes throughout the summer months and during school vacations that denote the acceptable age range for attendees.

Do you have parking?

There is on-street metered parking available. Meters are free after 8:00 pm and are free all day Sunday. Students are responsible for adhering to all posted parking signs and city regulations. Cambridge School of Culinary Arts is not responsible for parking tickets or violations assessed to the student. We suggest that you use public transportation whenever possible. The closest MBTA stop is Porter Square (Red Line). We do not have a parking lot or parking garage near the school.

 

Disclaimer
CSCA reserves the right to limit class sizes, revise any or all menus, cancel a class, change class time or location, and/or substitute instructors. If a class is cancelled due to low enrollment, CSCA will contact the students registered and arrange a credit or a refund. In case of inclement weather, CSCA will announce its intent to cancel courses on our Class Cancellation Line: 617.497.8488. It is the responsibility of the student to call for information. Please plan to be in class an average of 3-4 hours.

Due to subject matter and individual class dynamics, some classes may run longer or shorter than the designated time period.

Liabilities
Recreational Programs provide cooking classes. CSCA does not intend, nor does it promise, that these courses will result in job placement or gainful employment in the culinary field. CSCA is not an allergen-free school, but we take allergies seriously and do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions. Please alert your chef instructor of any allergies prior to class. Students participating in Recreational Programs take classes at their own risk. Neither CSCA nor its staff is liable for any injury sustained in the class. CSCA is not responsible for personal property left unattended in the building.

Nondiscrimination Policy
CSCA does not discriminate against race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, or disability, and offers its programs, privileges, rights, and activities to all students. Some courses may be offered in an environment that could be problematic for certain students. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that he/she can participate in the course as offered. We may not be able to accommodate every person. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

 

Contact the Recreational department with any questions regarding class policies and procedures: recclasses@cambridgeculinary.com or 617.354.2020, ext 143.