Our Chef Instructors bring diverse experience from across the culinary world, all with the shared goal of helping you turn your passion into reality.
MEET OUR CHEF INSTRUCTORSAbout Us
Kristen Kish
Emmy-Nominated Top Chef Host & Escoffier Chef-in-Residence
Learn About KristenEscoffier is the #1 ranked culinary school in the world.* We offer career-focused training built for today’s culinary industry – online or on campus.
*#1 Culinary School in the World 2026, Cozymeal
What Sets Escoffier Apart
Best Online Schools
Newsweek 5-star Award 2026: America’s Top Online Learning Schools.*
Most Students Receive Financial Aid
Most Escoffier students use federal financial aid to help pay for culinary school.**
Largest in the Nation
Escoffier is the largest culinary school brand in the United States.†
Nationally Accredited
Boulder, CO campus (including online programs) accredited by ACCET, and Austin, TX campus accredited by COE.
*America’s Best Online Learning Schools 2026, Newsweek
**95% of Austin students and 59% of Boulder students who entered postsecondary education for the first time received some financial assistance in 2022-23 for those who applied and qualified, College Navigator, National Center for Education Statistics
†Based on comparable student population data for Austin and Boulder as currently reported in the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Who We Are
Founded in 2010, Escoffier brings together innovative learning environments, a strong professional focus, personalized support, real-world application, and business fundamentals to help students build their culinary futures.
100+ Professional Chef Instructors
Fully Online Programs With Hands-On Industry Externships
Our online programs allow you to learn in the comfort of your own home and gain real-world experience through industry externships.
Learn How Online Culinary School Works
Career Prep & Job Search Support Through Career Services
Career Services can provide support with goal setting, resume building, and interview preparation, plus access to job listings from our partners.
EXPLORE CAREER SERVICES
Training Beyond the Classroom With the Farm To Table® Experience
Experience food at its source by visiting farms, ranches, and artisans, and connect with roots of food and the people who produce it.
Discover the Farm to Table® Experience
Standards of Excellence Established by Auguste Escoffier
Guided by the legacy of the legendary chef Auguste Escoffier, our curriculum is rooted in strong fundamentals, culinary excellence, and a deep respect for the craft.
The History Behind Escoffier
“King of Chefs” Auguste Escoffier changed the way the world cooks, bringing clarity, structure, and intention to the kitchen. His approach to technique and teaching continues to guide chefs today, grounding our school in a legacy that’s as relevant in today’s kitchens as it was a century ago.
Emmy-Nominated Top Chef Host & Escoffier Chef-in-Residence Kristen Kish brings a fresh perspective to the Escoffier tradition. Her authenticity, curiosity, and commitment to inclusive kitchens show how the culinary arts can evolve while remaining anchored in time-honored values.
The Escoffier–Kish connection embodies what defines our school: a deep respect for foundational technique paired with a willingness to evolve. Auguste Escoffier gave the culinary world its structure and shared language, a legacy his great-grandson Michel Escoffier continues to build on through his involvement with the school. Kristen Kish expands that legacy with creativity, inclusivity, and a contemporary point of view, carrying it forward to the next generation of chefs.
At Escoffier, we aim to cultivate culinary excellence through integrity, passion, and purpose.
Our Campuses
From working in your own kitchen to immersing yourself in our vibrant city campuses, explore the learning environments where Escoffier students can train, connect, and explore their passion for food.
Escoffier Has Graduates from Around the World
Escoffier’s online programs do not require entry to the United States, so students can remain in their own country while completing a degree or diploma program. Our Boulder and Austin campuses also welcome international students.
Escoffier x Ducasse: A Global Culinary Partnership
Escoffier’s partnership with École Ducasse in France, a culinary school with a worldwide reputation for excellence, reflects our shared commitment to industry leadership and high culinary standards.
This collaboration connects Escoffier to a globally recognized culinary school and gives students the opportunity to study in France and discover the renowned philosophy of the iconic Chef Alain Ducasse.
Get DetailsPartnered with Leading Industry Names
*Some esteemed employers that have hired Escoffier students
The Escoffier Student Experience
“I would recommend the [Escoffier] program to any person that I come across in my career because I enjoyed it myself, and it has helped me a lot to become who I am today as a chef.”*
“Chef Instructors here truly care about the students […] Having gone through the entire Escoffier experience in Boulder now, that’s the one thing that stands out to me.”*
“The doors that are opened by being at the Austin campus are mind-blowing. You get to meet with a lot of chefs that you probably wouldn’t be able to meet in your normal life. You can’t match that.”*
*This information may not reflect every student’s experience. Results and outcomes may be based on several factors such as geographical region or previous experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Escoffier
What makes Escoffier different from other culinary schools?
Escoffier combines a modern French culinary foundation with innovative learning options. True to our namesake Auguste Escoffier—who believed that “cooking must evolve with time”—our programs blend classical French techniques with contemporary approaches that reflect how today’s chefs cook.
Escoffier has pioneered online culinary education, creating programs that deliver similar curricula as our on-campus offerings with the flexibility to study from home. Regardless of where you study, you can have the opportunity to learn from seasoned Chef Instructors—experienced industry professionals who are invested in their students’ progress.
We offer eleven programs across six disciplines, from the Culinary Arts to Hospitality & Restaurant Operations Management, designed to help prepare students for a variety of careers in the restaurant and hospitality industry. As a nationally accredited institution, we’re committed to maintaining high educational standards across all our programs.
What programs can I study at Escoffier?
Escoffier offers eleven programs across six culinary and hospitality disciplines, each designed to help prepare you for entry-level positions in your chosen field. Many programs are available in both diploma and associate degree formats—both can include hands-on training and business-focused education, while associate degrees incorporate additional coursework.
All programs conclude with an in-person industry externship experience, where you have the opportunity to apply your skills in a professional setting.
Our six program areas include:
- Culinary Arts – French techniques, professional cooking methods, and culinary business fundamentals
- Baking & Pastry Arts – The science and artistry of baking and dessert creation
- Food Entrepreneurship – Business essentials for starting and running food businesses
- Plant-Based Culinary Arts – Vegetables take center stage with modern plant-based techniques
- Holistic Nutrition and Wellness – Science-backed nutrition education and wellness coaching
- Hospitality & Restaurant Operations Management – Leadership, guest services, and operational excellence
Need help determining which program may be suitable for your career goals? Reach out to our Admissions Department for personalized guidance and support.
How do Escoffier’s online programs work?
Escoffier’s online programs follow a structured weekly workflow designed to help you develop your skills from home. Each week includes assigned readings and video content to introduce new techniques and terminology. You can attend live virtual sessions led by professional Chef Instructors who can guide you through techniques and lesson content and answer your questions in real time. You also have the option to review session recordings later to accommodate your personal schedule.
Your weekly assignments involve cooking in your own kitchen and documenting your process with photos. Chef Instructors then review your submissions and provide personalized feedback with tips for improvement.
Like on-campus students, you’ll complete at least one required in-person externship before graduation, with support from Career Services and dedicated Success Coaches throughout your journey.
Does Escoffier offer financial aid or scholarships?
Yes! As a nationally accredited institution, Escoffier students may qualify for federal financial aid, including federal student loans, Pell Grants, and other assistance. Most Escoffier students who entered postsecondary education for the first time received some financial assistance in 2022-23 for those who applied and qualified.*
Escoffier also offers various scholarships and grants that don’t need to be repaid. Examples include competitive awards like the Escoffier Crown High School Scholarship Competition, the Work & Learn Education Partner Scholarship, and institutional scholarships such as the Student Veterans Scholarship, Alumni Scholarship, and Passion Award. These awards can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs or the amount you’ll need to repay through student loans.
To explore your options, complete the FAFSA® (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and review our current scholarship opportunities. Our Financial Aid Office is available to help you navigate the application process and understand what funding sources you may qualify for.
*95% of Austin students and 59% of Boulder students who entered postsecondary education for the first time received some financial assistance in 2022-23 for those who applied and qualified, College Navigator, National Center for Education Statistics
Does Escoffier help students find jobs after graduation?
Escoffier’s Career Services department offers ongoing support to help students and alumni navigate their career paths. While Escoffier can’t guarantee specific jobs or salaries, we do provide resources designed to help you pursue your personal goals.
Career Services can assist with resumé development, interview preparation, and building a professional portfolio that showcases your culinary work. Whether you’re applying for your first line cook position or exploring entrepreneurship opportunities, the team is available to offer personalized guidance.
You also have the opportunity to gain hands-on industry experience through required externships before graduation, which can help you build real-world connections and practice your skills in professional kitchens. Many students find these externships lead to valuable mentorship and even job opportunities.
Beyond Career Services, you can join a network of thousands of Escoffier alumni worldwide. Through the Alumni Association, graduates may access mentorship, continuing education, job postings, and a supportive community that can extend well beyond your time in school.
