Classic Cooking Academy Receives Accreditation From ACCET

Arizona's only non-profit culinary school now available for federal financial aid

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Feb 15, 2011, 02:00 ET

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Feb. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Classic Cooking Academy, Arizona's only 501(c) 3 nonprofit, private, post-secondary culinary school, has been granted accreditation from Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET), enabling Classic Cooking Academy students to qualify for federal financial aid.

"We're honored to have successfully completed the two-year process to become accredited by ACCET," said Classic Cooking Academy co-founder and executive chef Pascal Dionot. "Now when students want to attend our six-month, professional culinary program, they can apply for federal financial aid, including Pell Grants."

ACCET has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education since 1978 as the "reliable authority" as to the quality of education and training offered by institutions.

Classic Cooking Academy actively recruits Native Americans to attend their culinary program, which has been designed to combine classic French techniques with modern and Native American cuisines to provide a solid foundation for a culinary career.

"With the growing number of resort casinos with multiple restaurants throughout the country – including 16 in Arizona -- it only makes sense for Native Americans to consider a career in the culinary arts," said Dionot. "We are the only culinary school to incorporate Native American foods and cuisine in our full-time professional course. We include Native American aspects of food in every facet of our program."

A recent graduate of Classic Cooking Academy's full-time program, Izat Ghanem, was recently promoted to main cook at the renowned Mitsitam Cafe at the National Museum of the American Indian at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. Since the Academy's inception in 2005, Native American students from the Gila River, Hopi and Southern Ute nations have successfully graduated from the full-time program.

The next six month, full-time program begins Monday, March 7. Students can register by contacting Donna Dionot at 480.502.0177.

About the Classic Cooking Academy:

Established in 2005 by executive director and chef Pascal Dionot and his wife, Donna, Classic Cooking Academy is committed to culinary education for aspiring culinary professionals.

The six-month, full-time culinary program includes 432 hours of hands-on, supervised training, working independently to enhance creativity and in groups to develop team work concepts.

A majority of the curriculum focuses on classic French training – the foundation of contemporary culinary culture – with an emphasis on Native American culinary history and culture which demonstrates how indigenous foods play a vital role in today's diet. The six-month program approaches food from a Native American perspective, including culinary customs and technologies, concepts of sustainable agriculture, health and nutrition.

For more information, please visit www.ClassicCooking.net.

SOURCE Classic Cooking Academy