Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Culinary Institute of America Elite Culinary Intensive by Summer Discovery?
It’s a 7-day immersive pre-college culinary experience hosted at the world-famous Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Students learn real cooking skills in professional kitchens while exploring food culture, creativity, and future career pathways.
In short: it’s not cooking club. It’s elite culinary intensive (with exceptional food)!Who is this program for?
This program is designed for high school students who:
- Love food or are curious about cooking
- Want a hands-on, creative summer experience
- Are interested in hospitality, food culture, or culinary careers
- Want to explore an interest without long-term pressure
No previous culinary experience is required.
Do students need cooking experience?
Not at all. Whether a student can already julienne like a pro or just wants to learn which end of the knife is which — they’re welcome.
What makes this different from a normal summer camp?
Students don’t just “try cooking.” They:
- Train in professional teaching kitchens
- Learn from CIA faculty and industry chefs
- Work with real equipment
- Build real culinary skills
- Experience professional kitchen culture
It’s pre-college, not playtime.
What does a typical day look like?
Each day balances learning, independence, and downtime:
Morning
- Hands-on kitchen sessions
- Food production and chef-led workshops
Midday
- Lunch at CIA’s famous “Egg”
- Social time with fellow students
Afternoon
- Guest speakers
- Career planning sessions
- Culinary workshops
Evening
- Optional activities
- Campus events
- Group social time
Busy. Fun. Delicious.
What will students learn?
Students train in teaching kitchens and develop real culinary skills including:
- Core cooking techniques and kitchen fundamentals
- Knife skills and food safety
- Professional cooking methods
- Flavour building, seasoning, and presentation
- Italian, French and Asian cuisine foundations
- Baking and pastry from bread to plated desserts
- Teamwork and communication in fast-paced kitchens
Learning is progressive — students build confidence as the week goes on.
What is the Toque Ceremony?
At the end of the program, students take part in the Culinary Institute of America’s official Toque Ceremony.
Surrounded by peers and chef-instructors, students receive their chef’s hat and take a professional pledge — officially welcoming them into the global culinary community.
It’s a proper moment. Expect photos. Proud parents. Big smiles.
What is the daily schedule?
The schedule may change slightly each year, but a typical week includes:
- Day 1
- Registration, welcome, orientation, ice breakers and Sunday Dinner
- Day 2
- Chef demo, kitchen session, lecture on the physiology of taste, CIA garden tour
- Day 3
- Chef demo, kitchen session, olive oil tasting, student roundtable, admissions Q&A
- Day 4
- Chef demo, kitchen session, culinary science workshop, food photography, career services Q&A
- Day 5
- Chef demo, kitchen session, food truck innovation challenge, Menus of Change lecture
- Day 6
- Bakeshop production, mocktails and fermentation workshop, final food truck pitches
- Evening banquet, Toque Ceremony and certificate presentation (families welcome)
- Day 7
- Goodbyes and departure
- Day 1
What will students leave with?
By the end of the program, students receive:
- An official CIA certificate of completion
- The CIA Toque Ceremony experience
- Professional kitchen confidence
- Real culinary knowledge
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
- A network of like-minded peers
- Greater clarity about future study or career interests
And probably a much higher standard for restaurant food.
How are students supported?
Students benefit from:
- Dedicated on-site residential staff
- Daily structure and supervision
- A supportive peer community
- A strong focus on wellbeing, confidence, and inclusion
Parents can feel confident knowing students are supported academically and personally.
When does the program run?
Session 1
Sunday, July 19 – Saturday, July 25
Session 2
Sunday, July 26 – Saturday, August 1
Each session runs for 7 days.
Where is the program hosted?
t the Culinary Institute of America’s Hyde Park campus in Dutchess County, New York.
The campus features:
- Professional teaching kitchens
- Award-winning restaurants
- 170 acres overlooking the Hudson River
- A vibrant food and cultural scene
Students live in nearby Marist College dorms and are transported between campuses daily.
Is the program residential?
Yes. Students stay in supervised university accommodation at Marist College.
A commuter option is also available for local students.
What does tuition include?
Residential tuition: $4,499
Commuter tuition: $3,499
Tuition includes:
- Accommodation (for residential students)
- All instruction and kitchen training
- Program activities and workshops
- Materials and equipment
- Most meals
- On-program transportation
- Supervision and student support
Travel to and from New York is not included.
Who is Summer Discovery?
Summer Discovery is the world’s largest provider of pre-college enrichment programs for students in grades 1–12.
For over 50 years, we’ve helped students:
- Explore their interests
- Build confidence and independence
- Experience life on world-class university campuses
We work with more than half of the Ivy League and top universities around the world.
In short: we know summer. We live for summer. We are mildly obsessed with summer.
Why choose Summer Discovery?
Because we balance:
- Academic excellence without pressure
- Independence with strong pastoral care
- Personal growth with subject exploration
- Serious learning with real summer fun
We’re about discovery — not forcing early career decisions.
Why study at the Culinary Institute of America?
Because CIA is the world’s premier culinary college.
Students learn from:
- Master chefs and bakers
- Industry leaders and restaurateurs
- Food scientists and nutritionists
- Published authors and wine experts
CIA faculty literally wrote The Professional Chef — the global textbook for culinary education.
Other schools teach from it. CIA teaches the future.
Has CIA been featured on Netflix?
Yes. CIA is home to Netflix’s Next Gen Chef, where the world’s next great culinary stars compete.
Students train in the very kitchens seen on screen. No pressure.
Is this an official CIA program?
Yes. This is an official CIA pre-college program delivered in partnership with Summer Discovery and taught by CIA faculty and industry professionals.
How do I apply?
Students can explore available dates and start their application online to secure a place.
Spaces are limited and fill quickly.
Give your child the experience they'll never forget
Spots are limited and sessions fill quickly. Secure your child's place in our award-winning culinary programme today.
