The Academy of Culinary Arts engages students in a curriculum that integrates academic and technical training to students for a variety of careers in the food service industry. Students learn about the history of Culinary Arts and study international cuisine. Textbook theory and hands-on skill development focus on workplace safety, safe food handling, basic food science, basic nutrition, recipe conversion, food preparation, baking and pastry art, proper use of commercial tools and equipment, menu planning, front of the house and back of the house duties, and food service management. Students are engaged in project-based service learning, job shadowing, and internships in partnership with local restaurants and hospitality entities. Industry credentials and certifications earned in the Academy are SafeStaff Food Handler and ServSafe Certified Food Protection Manager.
Mission
The Academy of Culinary Arts provides students with high quality, industry relevant curriculum and instruction to assure success in post secondary education and/or academy related career opportunities. Through collaboration with our business partners, students are engaged in applied learning and develop confidence, long lasting relationships, and a sense of community.
Program of Study
Taste of the Tech 2025
Academy Flyer
Academy News
The Academy of Culinary Arts students recently had the opportunity to sharpen their skills in a hands-on cooking session focused on making a classic frittata. The experience began with knife skills practice, as students diced fresh peppers and onions—an essential foundation for any savory dish. Under the guidance of Maria Crann from Create-A-Cook, one of the
At the Academy of Culinary Arts, we believe that culinary excellence goes hand-in-hand with strong communication and organizational skills. Recently, our students had the opportunity to learn just that through a hands-on lesson led by one of our esteemed chef business partners, Chef Rosaria Cammarata. The focus of the lesson was the Banquet Event Order (BEO)
Starting in January 2025, the Academy of Culinary Arts invited industry partners who attend our quarterly advisory board meetings to stay and participate in a small group roundtable discussion about the Culinary & Hospitality industry. For an hour and a half, academy students talked with Nick Massie, General Manager and Co-Owner of Blackfly the Restaurant
Chef Sebastian Sikora, Chef de Cuisine at La Cocina International Restaurant, and respected member on the SJTHS Academy of Culinary Arts advisory board, spent a day in the classroom with our young culinarians cooking up a tasty meal for our final Dining with Dignity event. Chef Sikora and students baked chicken thighs which were later
The Academy of Culinary Arts enjoyed preparing two hearty meals for Home Again St. Johns and their Dining with Dignity program this year. Students planned, prepped, cooked and served a full hot meal and dessert to homeless community members in November and again in March this school year. In November, students prepared an Italian pasta
Contact
- Andrea Williamson Armstrong, Career Specialist
(904) 547-8130
Location
2970 Collins Avenue
St. Augustine, FL 32084
Map & Directions