Culinary Arts

Culinary Arts prepares students to practice the managerial, production, and service skills used in food establishments and related food industry occupations. Students begin to prepare for occupations in the food service industry, such as chef/cook, baker/pastry chef, and hospitality worker.

Throughout the program, students have the opportunity to plan, select, store, purchase, prepare and serve food and food products; study basic nutrition, sanitation, and food safety; learn the use and care of commercial equipment; and practice the operation of institutional food establishments. Students also have an opportunity to practice serving and dining room management including real-world experiences working cooperatively with various food establishments in the community and local business owners. This two-year program of study begins in 11th grade and includes:

  • Culinary Arts I
  • Culinary Arts II

Note: Applications for this program are open for rising 11th grade students.

Program Type

Transport Program – Students participating in this program attend all core classes, non-CTE classes, and activities at their base school.  A PWCS bus transports students between their base school and the program school daily, returning in time to ride their regular bus home. 

Program Locations

Gar-Field High School

Coordinator: Mr. Bassett

Telephone: 703-730-7000

Email: [email protected] 

View the Gar-Field HS website

Information Meetings

November 15, 2023, 7 p.m. at Gar-Field HS

January 9, 2024, 7 p.m. on Zoom

Attendance Areas

Gar-Field HS, Hylton HS, Osbourn Park HS, and Woodbridge HS

Patriot High School

Coordinator: Ms. Moore

Telephone: 703-594-30200

Email: [email protected] 

View the Patriot HS website

Information Meetings

November 28, 2023, 6 p.m. at Patriot HS

January 9, 2024, 6 p.m. at Patriot HS

Attendance Areas

Battlefield HS, Brentsville HS, Gainesville HS, Patriot HS, and Unity Reed HS

Potomac High School

Coordinator: Ms. Norwood

Telephone: 703-492-3986

Email: [email protected] 

View the Potomac HS website

Information Meetings

October 25, 2023, 6:30 p.m. at Potomac HS

January 17, 2024, 6:30 p.m. at Potomac HS 

Attendance Areas

Colgan HS, Forest Park HS, Freedom HS, and Potomac HS