Pastry & Baking degree questions - schools in South Florida

I am considering going back to school to get a Pastry degree, I have looked at Le Cordon Bleu in Miramar, their Patisserie certificate or the Art Institute of FTL for the Pastry & Baking AS, which is double the cost. Does anyone have any suggestions about these schools and any career advise, as far as starting my own bakery bizz. Thanks
BTW- cake decorating is what inspired me to check out these schools - see my blog at www.webbyzard.com and see some of my latest cakes! ;-)

I would think long and hard before going to culinary school. Le Cordon Bleu gives this big speach and makes you feel like it is exclusive to get accepted to their program. However, wait until orientation day when you see a lot of people that looked like they just got out of prison show up. Figure on starting out making 12.00 per hour, so figure the pay vs. school cost. The hours are long and treatment in the kitchen for women is still in the rock ages, especially when working in the high end restaurants/hotels. Most of the pastry chefs are french and they do not think women should be in the kitchen. What do you do then? If you are over 30, I would try to find a local bakery that you patronize and see if they will take on an apprentice. A lot of the local colleges give culinary classes and/or hospitality management.

Great post and thanks for the advice tips. I took afe

There are really great culinary schools in Florida. Here is a link to many many schools in Florida that offer Culinary classes. www.careerexplorer.net/search_results.asp There is so much to learn from these schools and so much fun to take the classes. Good luck with your Culinary school Search!

Sarah