Lake Technical College’s Commercial Food and Culinary Arts program was recently named one of the best culinary schools in Florida. Best Choice Schools created the ranking by looking at each school’s reputation in the industry and its program offerings. Additionally, the program must have received exemplary status from the American Culinary Federation and include hands-on learning in a kitchen laboratory. Lake Technical College was ranked 8th in the State. According to Best Choice Schools, their mission is to “provide expert, well-researched rankings and other resources for individuals looking for information about top quality higher education.” The article is available on their website: http://www.bestchoiceschools.com/rankings/culinary-schools-florida.
In 2014, Lake Technical College’s Culinary program received an Exemplary rating from the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission (ACFEFAC) during their accreditation visit. In order to achieve this high score, the program underwent an arduous onsite evaluation. The evaluating team assessed the program through a checklist and comparison of the program to the nationally recognized ACFEF Standard areas of Eligibility, Program Mission and Goals, Organization and Administration, Faculty and Staff, Curriculum, Facilities, Students Services, Assessment, and Environmental Sustainability. Christopher Koetke, Chair of the ACFEF Accrediting Commission, stated in the award letter that Lake Tech’s Culinary program “substantially met the entire and required nine Standard areas.”
In response to these awards, Chef Koenig, Lake Tech’s Culinary Department Chair, said, “This is a huge honor for Lake Tech. We have always set the bar high and these distinctive awards are proof that the students are highly trained and qualified to get started in their culinary careers. Traditionally, the ACFEFAC accreditation is for five years, but due to our ‘Exemplary rating,’ we’ve been granted a seven year certificate of accreditation.” Chef Koenig, Chef Cooper, and Chef Evans have over 40 years of combined experience teaching at Lake Tech and their greatest desire is to see Lake Tech’s Culinary students thrive in the profession.
Lake Tech will open registration for the fall semester on July 5th. Interested persons should contact the Admissions Office now to get more information on the enrollment process, 352.589.2250.