Wekiva Culinary
Magnet Academy of Culinary Arts at Wekiva High School
Wekiva Culinary
Magnet Academy of Culinary Arts at Wekiva High School
New and Returning Student Orientation, 2024-2025
This is where new returning Culinary Arts students should begin. On this page, students and parents will find answers to many of their questions regarding the Syllabus, Course Information, Supply Lists, and the Contracts they will be asked to sign.
Read moreWhat We Learn
Our program focuses on six key topics of Culinary Arts study: Gastronomy, Baking & Pastry, Safety & Sanitation, STEM: Food Science and Culinary Math, Business: Accounting and Inventory, Sales: Marketing and Customer Service. Click on any link for more information.
What people are saying about Wekiva Culinary
The best advertisement for Wekiva Culinary is what our students, parents, and business partners have to say about us.
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Good Afternoon Chef,
The students preparation of the food and service of the food was perfect. I have had nothing but praise for this aspect and the quality of the meal. So far, the salad dressing has been a topic of conversation around here, folks wanting to know the recipe, which to me is very high praise 😊 I did not get a chance to eat during the presentation ( I figured I would have left overs with the night shift) so I cannot give you my opinion. Everyone I have spoke with was exceedingly pleased.
All in all, the food and the service was impeccable.
Thank you,
Kim Walsh
Administrative Sergeant
Public Information Officer
Apopka Police Department
- Apopka Police Department Banquet
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Dear Chef Bates,
OMG…. What a blessing was yesterday!!! The Foliage Garden Club of Apopka was in awe of your students. The level of performance you would have been over the top proud.
The norm of this 30-year event is the cater plates puts on the counter to be served. I work with the student servers in a corner and the take action to serve at specific time in the schedule of events. It did not happen that way. When I went back, and the students were in the kitchen I started to remove them and then saw HOW WELL THEY were WORKING WITH CATER AND SHE PRAISED THEY WERE HELPING. They dished fruit, kept the tea, coffee bar in guest filled cleaned and serviced and more. They were told should guest have special request they were to come to me. The couple times needed they did so, and each event had the solution before I needed to act. Which was so thoughtful and made my day! Great future leaders.
The ladies were so pleased with the service, brought them out and introduced them to guests. The guests expressed excitement to see students of quality.
Students were about cleanliness. All were on time. THEY WERE A LIFE SAVER FOR FASHION SHOW EVENT. We are small club of 20, this Fashion Show is one of beauty and we have a waiting list of attendees, we sell out tickets in January. So many dignitaries in attendance as well as all the “ladies who get things done in Apopka”. Including Cornel Loretta Forlaw from the VFW who gave me your contact. I will be at the police department with Sergeant Wiggins and Walsh this week and will let them know what outstanding job your students performed.
Side note: I worked at Orangewood Christian School many years with desk at each campus for events and student activities (over seas trips, choir band , plays etc.) so for me to write this glowing “student” email it is appropriately earned – it would normally be a quick thank you.
They “all” went above-and-beyond the original request, worked as TEAM and showed great respect to every guest, as well as to willingness with smiles and fun.
You would be proud. If I can help you in any way, please let me know.
Charlotte White
President of Apopka Citizen Police
President of Apopka Woman’s Club
DDVII of Florida Federation of Garden Clubs
- Students Serve Foliage Garden Club Fashion Show -
- From the Great Cookie Gift Box Sale…
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- Magnet Academy of Culinary Arts Testimonial Video
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- In Their Own Words
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Good Morning!
You and your crew did an amazing job Friday. The food was perfect, the service was amazing and the clean up and packaging were most appreciated. I have heard nothing but positive comments and praise regarding the cuisine and your staff. Thank you so much for the professionalism and leadership you provide to the youth you are mentoring at the Wekiva High School Academy of Culinary Arts.
Best Regards and Thanks,
Kim Walsh
Administrative Sergeant
Apopka Police Department
- Apopka Police Banquet and Awards Ceremony
Four Years of Culinary Education
Wekiva High School Academy of Culinary Arts is a four year, progressive system of study. Students are encouraged to pursue individual passions during their senior year.
2021 MustangChef Culinary Bootcamp
The MustangChef Summer Bootcamp is an intensive 2 week culinary camp for current Wekiva Culinary…
Culinary 1
This freshman-level course is an introduction to the Culinary Arts and covers the history, tools, equipment, processes, techniques, as well as all the background information necessary to be successful in further Culinary Arts study. Personal Safety in the workplace and safe food production in the kitchen are emphasized. Students will master basic recipe preparation, using various measurement tools, knife skills, some equipment use, and professional standards while learning to cook a limited variety of soups, stocks, classic French sauces, yeast and quick breads.
Culinary Arts 2
In this intermediate level course, students will prepare and creatively present Quick & Yeast Breads, Sandwiches and Pizza, Salads, Salad Dressings, and Dips, Fruits, Vegetables, Eggs, Dairy, Breakfast Foods, and some Starches. Students will be introduced to catering and event management while learning about the business aspects of the Culinary Arts through an overview of Food and Personal Safety; FOH and BOH Operations, Management Skills, Presentation, Plating, along with exploring Taste and Food Preferences.
Culinary Arts 3, Honors
In this course, students will focus on the business aspects of the Culinary Arts through intensive study of menu development, food costing, marketing techniques, inventorying, facility management, business management, and resume writing. Students will be introduced to catering and event management while expanding their culinary knowledge. Students will prepare and creatively present various proteins, pastas, starches, desserts, centerpieces, pastries and yeast breads.
Gastronomy and Culinary Management
This course provides students the opportunity to fully operate the catering arm of Wekiva Culinary through both the operation of the “Mustang Bistro” and through providing internal and external event management. Students apply acquired learning and skills in a real-world Food and Beverage business environment while expanding their hands-on knowledge of Food Science, International Cuisine, Nutrition, and Molecular Gastronomy.
Faculty Members
We are lucky to have a devoted culinary education team that truly loves their students, is excited about the Culinary Arts, and is well-versed in the most recent food science discoveries.
Chef Christopher Bates
Program Director and Lead Instructor
Teacher of the Year, 2021
Florida ProStart Educator of Excellence, 2023
National James H Maynard Award for Classroom Instruction, 2023
National Teacher of the Year, the Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education, 2024
Chef Bates started his foodservice career at 14, working after school every day at Gooding’s Bakery, learning the basics of quantity production of fine pastries. He continued to work in foodservice outlets through high school and into his college years in Orlando, then again during graduate school in Texas. After deciding to radically change directions, he returned to Florida and enrolled in the Florida Culinary Institute (now the Lincoln Culinary Institute) in 1993.
Since then, Chef Bates has worked in more than 20 restaurants, resorts, and catering companies including:
- Chef Christopher Events, Orlando
- PF Chang’s China Bistro, Orlando
- Gotham City Bar and Grill, Boca Raton
- Legal Seafoods Restaurant, Boca Raton
- Walt Disney Resorts, Yachtsman Steakhouse, Orlando
- TGI Fridays, South Beach, Orlando, Boca Raton, Jupiter, & West Palm Beach
- Top of the Tower, Boca Raton Resort and Spa, Boca Raton
- Bistro Zenith, Palm Beach Gardens and Boca Raton
- Pebbles, Manuel’s on the 28th, Harvey’s Bistro, Orlando
After a long career in foodservice, Chef Bates decided in 2010 to hang up his black and whites and start a second career teaching English. After only three years teaching, he made the move to the Career and Technical Education department, assuming control of the Culinary Program. Since then, he has shepherded Wekiva Culinary through tremendous growth, Magnet status, and many “firsts,” such as catering the Superintendent’s Luncheon, winning multiple grants, and forming relationships with business leaders and companies across Central Florida.
Chef Bates is proud to serve the students of Wekiva Culinary as Program Administrator and looks forward to the many exciting “firsts” yet to come.
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Our Featured Sponsors
Advanced Pastry
Culinary students are starting our first EVER Advanced Pastry and Chocolate class this year. More details coming soon!
Get in touch
We love visitors! Get in touch with Chef Bates and schedule a tour, a day assisting in the classroom, or a field trip to your place of business. Need a caterer in the Apopka, FL area? Reach out! There is a chance that our talented students will be able to cater your event.
407.297.4900 ext 6192628
christopher.bates@ocps.net
2501 N Hiawassee Rd Apopka FL 32703