Catering

The Culinary Arts program, part of the Washington Network for Innovative Careers (WANIC), offers students a hands-on introduction to the fundamentals of cooking and the professional kitchen. Students learn French cooking techniques, knife skills, food presentation, baking, and sanitation procedures while exploring a variety of cuisines. They also gain experience in restaurant management, customer relations, and team leadership. Industry field trips provide real-world insights into culinary careers. Successful completion of Year 1 may lead to eligibility for Year 2.

In Advanced Culinary Arts, students refine their culinary skills and gain advanced knowledge in food production, planning, and communication, preparing them for both employment and further education in the culinary field.

Program fees may apply, and financial assistance is available for qualifying students.

Culinary Arts

Location: Newport High School

This course is part of Washington Network for Innovative Careers (WANIC), a seven-district partnership whose primary mission is to provide quality, diverse, and cost-effective career and technical education for all students through interdistrict cooperation. WANIC courses are challenging, relevant, specialized programs that meet for 3 periods per day all year. BSD students do not need to fill out a WANIC application for courses held at Bellevue schools. Learn more about all the opportunities available through WANIC at their website.  

Culinary Arts is a comprehensive, career focused introduction to the fundamentals of culinary arts and the professional kitchen in a commercial kitchen classroom. Students will learn French cooking techniques, culinary terminology, knife skills, aesthetics of food presentation, baking and pastry techniques, and explore a wide variety of foods and cuisines. In addition, students will have the opportunity to practice safety and sanitation procedures, restaurant management, customer relations, team and leadership skills, and catering and table service. There are also industry related field trips to observe professionals and explore career possibilities. Students who successfully complete Year 1 may be eligible to apply for Year 2. Program fees may apply. Financial assistance may be available for qualifying students.

Advanced Culinary Arts

Location: Newport High School

Students in Advanced Culinary Arts will expand and refine their culinary expertise. Students are prepared with broad and transferable planning, management, communication, and advanced food production skills for employment and post-secondary education.

Post-Secondary

Seattle Central College – Seattle Culinary Academy: Offers comprehensive programs in Culinary Arts and Specialty Desserts & Breads.
Renton Technical College – Culinary Arts: Provides an Associate in Applied Science degree in Culinary Arts, focusing on professional cooking techniques applicable to catering services.
Spokane Community College – Culinary Arts: Offers an Associate in Applied Science degree in Culinary Arts, preparing students for various culinary roles, including catering.
Lake Washington Institute of Technology – Baking Arts: Provides programs in Baking Arts and Culinary Arts, with courses relevant to catering and hospitality management.

Careers in this Pathway

Catering Manager – Oversees all aspects of catering operations, including planning menus, managing staff, coordinating logistics, and ensuring customer satisfaction at events.
Event Coordinator – Specializes in organizing and executing events, from corporate functions to weddings, ensuring that catering services run smoothly and meet clients’ needs.
Executive Chef – Leads the kitchen team in creating innovative, high-quality dishes for catering events.
Sous Chef – The second-in-command in the kitchen, helping the executive chef with food preparation and supervision of kitchen staff during large catering events.
Catering Sales Manager – Focuses on selling catering services, developing client relationships, and managing event bookings.