Program of Studies (2023-24)

FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCES

CULINARY ARTS

CULINARY ARTS I ProStart

Full Year | 5 credits | Grade Level: 9, 10, 11

Prerequisite(s): None

The Culinary Arts I ProStart class is part of a four-year program designed for students in grades 9-11 interested in pursuing a career in culinary and pastry arts, hospitality management, and a host of associated similar careers. The ProStart program is unique in that it gives students practical experience in the culinary arts field as well as post-secondary options after high school. Units of study include: Food Safety Management, Workplace Safety, Kitchen Essentials, Cooking and Baking Methods, Restaurant Management and Careers.

Important Note: This is not a traditional cooking class. Instead, the course is designed for students with a demonstrated interest in exploring culinary arts as a potential career path and who are considering taking additional courses in the sequence. This course request can only be submitted through conferencing with the school counselor and cannot be selected by the student in the Genesis Portal. If the number of requests exceeds the seats available, a random drawing will determine which students will be offered the available seats. Interested students must provide an alternate elective request, which will be entered in the course requests until course seat capacity has been determined. Course planning conferences will be held between mid-January and early March, beginning with the rising seniors.

CULINARY ARTS II ProStart

Full Year | 5 credits | Grade Level: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite(s): Culinary Arts I ProStart + Teacher Recommendation

This second-level course is designed for students in grades 10-12 who wish to acquire skills needed to prepare restaurant-quality meals. Students will be immersed in hot topics within the industry, such as sustainability and global cuisines. Just as important, students will become equipped with the skills needed to find and keep a job within the restaurant industry. ProStart II students have the opportunity to put their skills to the ultimate test in the National ProStart Invitational. This demanding culinary and management competition invites top students to represent their state, with winning teams competing for scholarships.

At the conclusion of the program, ProStart graduates possess a solid foundation for their future careers and receive the ProStart National Certificate of Achievement. This certificate recognizes students who have successfully completed the program by passing 2 national exams and by participating in-field experience. If a student earns a COA, they are eligible to earn special scholarships and college credit from colleges and universities across the country.

Important Note: The teacher recommendation for level II will be based on the student’s cumulative performance in the class. Students will be assessed in the following categories: 1) grades for the first three marking periods, 2) ProStart exam, 3) culinary aspirations, 4) kitchen and classroom etiquette, and 5) willingness to work within a team. The teacher recommendation will be submitted no later than mid-May. Interested students must provide another elective request during the course selection process. If a student is recommended for the course, the schedule will be adjusted accordingly.

CULINARY ARTS III ProStart

Full Year | 5 credits | Grade Level: 11, 12

Prerequisite(s): Culinary Arts II ProStart + Teacher Recommendation

ProStart III is an advanced level of the ProStart program designed for students in grades 11 and 12. In ProStart III, students will be challenged to hone their culinary skills and techniques in preparation for culinary school or work within the restaurant industry. Students will design and develop recipes, map station flow, analyze the operational costs of items, and determine the effectiveness of a recipe. The students will also refine interpersonal communication, marketing, food safety, sanitation, and management skills. ProStart III students have an opportunity to put their skills to the ultimate test in the National ProStart Invitational. This demanding culinary and management competition invites top students to represent the state of New Jersey, with winning teams competing for scholarships.

Dual Enrollment Opportunity: For this course, students have the option to register for the Bergen Community College dual enrollment program. The tuition is approximately $200.00 for three college credits through Bergen Community College. Dual credit is awarded to those students who successfully complete the course.

CULINARY ARTS IV ProStart

Full Year | 5 credits | Grade Level: 12

Prerequisite(s): Culinary Arts III ProStart + Teacher Recommendation

ProStart IV is the capstone class of the ProStart series. Students in the 12th grade will utilize the tools and techniques acquired in the previous courses to create an operational café for Paramus High School. Students will create menus based on customer survey data and study demographic data in order to analyze their customers and the marketplace. The operation of the café will teach students the following skills: purchasing, inventory control, financial planning, profit and loss, cost control, gross profit margins, safety and sanitation, customer service, and daily menu development.

Students in ProStart IV will participate in the National ProStart Invitational. This demanding culinary and management competition invites top students to represent their state, with winning teams competing for scholarships.

ProStart graduates possess a solid foundation for future careers and receive the ProStart National Certificate of Achievement. This certificate recognizes students who have successfully completed the program by passing national exams and by participating in field experience. If a student earns a COA, they are eligible to earn special scholarships and college credit from colleges and universities across the country.