Upcoming PROGRAM Dates

14 Weeks (Daytime)_2024

26 Weeks (Evening/Sat)_2024

Start Date: Monday, January 15, 2024

End Date: Friday, April 19, 2024

IN-PERSON

Full-Time

MONDAY - FRIDAY

9AM - 5PM

OFF WEEK: Feb. 12-16

OFF WEEK: March 18 - 22

26 Weeks (Evening/Sat)_2024

Start Date: Monday March 18, 2024

End Date: Saturday, September 14, 2024

IN-PERSON

Part-Time

MONDAY - THURSDAY 6PM - 9:30PM

SATURDAY 9AM-2PM

OFF WEEK: April 15-19

OFF WEEK: July 1-5

OFF WEEK: August 12 -16

14 Weeks (Daytime)_2024

26 Weeks (Evening/Sat)_2024

26 Weeks (Evening/Sat)_2024/2025

Start Date: Monday, April 29, 2024

End Date: Friday, August 2, 2024

IN-PERSON

Full-Time

MONDAY - FRIDAY

9AM - 5PM

OFF WEEK: May 27 - 31

OFF WEEK: July 1 - 5

26 Weeks (Evening/Sat)_2024/2025

Start Date: Monday, September 23, 2024

End Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025

IN-PERSON

Part-Time

MONDAY - THURSDAY 6PM - 9:30PM

SATURDAY 9AM-2PM

OFF WEEK: Thankgiving

OFF WEEK: Dec 23 - 27

OFF WEEK: Dec. 30 - Jan 3

OFF WEEK: February 10 - 14

14 Weeks (Daytime)_2024

26 Weeks (Evening/Sat)_2024/2025

14 Weeks (Daytime)_2024

Start Date: Monday, September 9, 2024

End Date: Friday, December 13, 2024

IN-PERSON

Full-Time

MONDAY - FRIDAY

9AM - 5PM

OFF WEEK: October 7 - 11

OFF WEEK: November 18 - 22

Discover Metropolitan Culinary Arts Institute

Our Mission

MCAI's core mission centers on fostering a deep appreciation for culinary arts, nurturing creative aspirations, cultivating hospitality and service, comprehending food industry dynamics, and facilitating competitive prowess.

Our primary objective lies in alleviating student debt by providing financially sustainable culinary education.

Employing a contemporary gastronomic pedagogical framework, MCAI delivers a comprehensive curriculum spanning culinary arts, cooking methods, classical French cuisine, baking and pastry, ServSafe Food Safety, international cuisine, culinary math, inventory, and business acumen.

Distinctively, our small, immersive classrooms ensure comprehensive mastery of daily menu items, deviating from conventional group-based learning approaches.

MCAI constitutes an academic avenue towards culinary excellence and fiscal prudence.

Our Instructors

Our instructors are all experienced chefs with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in various cuisines. They are passionate about teaching and are dedicated to helping our students achieve their goals. Our small class sizes ensure that each student receives personalized attention and guidance.

Our Community

At Metropolitan Culinary Arts Institute, we believe that cooking is a communal experience. Our students come from all walks of life and form a tight-knit community of food lovers. We organize events and activities throughout the year to bring our students together and foster a sense of camaraderie.

Culinary Arts Certificate

Metropolitan Culinary Arts Institute (MCAI), a private post-secondary school nestled in Arlington, Virginia. Our mission is to light the path toward culinary excellence.

Our comprehensive culinary training encompasses brigade training, cooking fundamentals, a celebration of multi-cultural recipes, the elegance of French cuisine, the artistry of baking & pastry, savvy in business operations, and the intricacies of culinary math and inventory. As a result, our students graduate well-prepared to embrace the role of a junior sous cook.

Our flexible schedule options include a 14-week daytime program, Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, and a 26-week evening program, Monday to Thursday from 6 pm to 9:30 pm, with an additional session on Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm.

We are thrilled to share that our program has been closely examined by the State Council of Higher Education (SCHEV). Their watchful eye ensures your rights are safeguarded, and they serve as your advocate should any concerns arise. Our commitment extends to a steadfast refund policy, designed to provide fairness to all.

MCAI is also an American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF) APPROVED Program. As the culinary industry continues to thrive and educational offerings become more competitive, consumers are choosing institutions that have third party recognition. ACF approval ensures that the educational offering has clearly defined objectives and is taught by qualified instructors. - ACF

At MCAI, we stand apart with our modern gastronomic approach to culinary education. Every class is a journey where students conquer each dish, ensuring no one misses out on essential skills. It's a departure from traditional practices where students are split into groups, possibly leaving gaps in their learning.

Our program is designed for those seeking to forge new career paths. We take pride in offering comprehensive learning experiences, enabling you to appreciate the true essence of hospitality, navigate the intricacies of the culinary industry, and excel in food service.

Our classroom sizes are intentionally small, fostering personalized instruction. Daytime and evening classes accommodate various schedules. A Certificate of Culinary Arts, hands-on instruction from professional chefs, and the wisdom of National Restaurant Association Education Foundation textbooks enrich the journey. We provide realistic insights into life after graduation, ensuring you're well-prepared for what comes next.

We're not just educators; we're also headhunters, connecting students with job opportunities. Your growth remains our priority, nourished by continuous development and open communication.

Come explore the world of culinary artistry with us at MCAI. We're here to guide, inspire, and ensure your culinary dreams take flight.

Join us at our next open house tour!

Book a Tour!

Who is right for this program?

Have you ever dreamed about opening a food service business? This program is for the doers not the dreamers. It's a program designed to kick start your food service ideas, candy shop, cupcakery, or if you have a desire to become a personal chef to the stars. The sky is the limit.

Chefs & Cooks

Want to make your education complete? Longing to go to culinary school but can't afford it or find the time? We've got you covered.

Have you always wanted to go to culinary school?

Want to change professions? Are you looking to start a catering company or small food service company? Or maybe just want to have the satisfaction of a culinary education? Wherever you are, start right here!

Press Room

Cookology Recreational Culinary School

Check out our latest features and articles HERE

Cookology Recreational Culinary School

Our recreational school has been in business for 15 years. We are located in Ballston Quarter.

What Does SCHEV Mean?

Cookology Recreational Culinary School

What Does SCHEV Mean?

The goal of the State Council of Higher Education of Virginia (SCHEV), is "to advocate and promote the development and operation of an educationally and economically sound, vigorous, progressive, and coordinated system of higher education in the Commonwealth of Virginia...Read More.

Earn a Culinary Arts Certificate

Earn a Culinary Arts Certificate

CREDENTIALS

ACFEF APPROVED

ACFEF APPROVED

ACFEF APPROVED

SCHEV CERTIFIED

ACFEF APPROVED

ACFEF APPROVED

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Upcoming PROGRAM Dates

14 Weeks (Daytime)_2024

26 Weeks (Evening/Sat)_2024

26 Weeks (Evening/Sat)_2024

26 Weeks (Evening/Sat)_2024

26 Weeks (Evening/Sat)_2024

26 Weeks (Evening/Sat)_2024

14 Weeks (Daytime)_2024

26 Weeks (Evening/Sat)_2024

26 Weeks (Evening/Sat)_2024/2025

26 Weeks (Evening/Sat)_2024/2025

26 Weeks (Evening/Sat)_2024/2025

26 Weeks (Evening/Sat)_2024/2025

14 Weeks (Daytime)_2024

26 Weeks (Evening/Sat)_2024/2025

14 Weeks (Daytime)_2024

REGISTER NOW! ONLY 10 SEATS AVAILABLE.

Discover Metropolitan Culinary Arts Institute

Our Mission

Our Instructors

Our Community

Culinary Arts Certificate

Video

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Join Our Mailing List

Who is right for this program?

Chefs & Cooks

Have you always wanted to go to culinary school?

more

Press Room

Cookology Recreational Culinary School

Cookology Recreational Culinary School

Cookology Recreational Culinary School

Cookology Recreational Culinary School

Cookology Recreational Culinary School

What Does SCHEV Mean?

Cookology Recreational Culinary School

What Does SCHEV Mean?

Certified to Operate in Virginia by SCHEV