Interested in the Culinary Arts? Apply for our PreApprenticeship Culinary Arts Program.

Watch this video to learn more about what is cooking in our Culinary Arts program.

 Course information: Read about our programs and courses for 2024-2025 by clicking on the link.

  Presentation about our Programs

CTE Programs available in this department are shown here.

The programs available to students in this department are focused on three main areas: Culinary Arts, Child Development and Fashion. 

If you are dreaming of becoming the next top chef, then the WOHS Culinary Arts program is for you. Our state approved CTE Culinary Arts program, prepares students to successfully complete a sequence of unique courses over a three-year period which prepares them for college and careers in the hospitality industry. In addition, select courses align with several at Hudson Community College, leading to dual-credit opportunities.  Over the last two years, after receiving a $200,000 Pre-apprenticeship Expand grant from the NJDOE, we partnered with the American Culinary Arts Federation (ACF)  to offer our students a unique opportunity. As a result, students may apply to participate in our ACF pre-apprenticeship program which leads to ACF stackable credentials and work experience in the hospitality industry prior to graduation. Select students have the opportunity to become ServSafe Food Handler and ServSafe Food Manager, certified, which puts them at the top of the list for job opportunities.

Our kitchens are fully stocked with the tools and equipment needed to provide students with a strong foundation in food preparation and technical skills. Students excel in kitchen safety and learn how to prepare recipes from around the world. Many of our students continue their culinary education at the top schools in the nation as a result of participating in our program.

If you are thinking about working with children in any capacity, such as an educator, doctor, nurse, or social worker, our Early Childhood and Family Studies courses are ideal. The three-level Early Childhood and Family Studies 6 credit courses are part of a state-approved Career and Technical Education program.  Students are taught positive parenting skills, learn about the developmental stages of children from birth-6, and are taught how to plan, develop, and deliver lessons to preschoolers. Students in the capstone course may earn college credit from Fairleigh Dickinson University. There is a fee and a minimum grade requirement. 

Students in grades 11-12  may also apply to participate in our Tomorrow’s Teacher program. The course provides students with a deep understanding of the teaching profession from grades K-12.  Part of the coursework includes practicum experience with select educators within the West Orange school district. Students may earn college credit from Rider University. There is a fee and a minimum grade requirement.

Are you thinking about a career in the fashion industry?  Our fashion program was designed with you in mind.  Students interested in fashion have several courses from which to select. Students learn construction skills in Fashion Clothing A and Fashion Clothing B. Students learn about Fashion Merchandising Management, which teaches them about product development, textiles, marketing, merchandising, buying, and clothing production in a global market.  The capstone course, Apparel Design Production, prepares students to dive deep into various aspects of the field while constructing advanced garments, working on costume designs for our Spring Musical, and creating portfolios they can use when applying to college. Many of our students attend the top fashion schools after graduating, such as FIT in NYC, LIM and many other top programs.  Interior Design is a project-based course with concentration placed on the study of design principles, color schemes, floor plans, furniture styles and architecture.

 nmullin@westorangeschools.org.