Is your student passionate about food, culinary creativity, and the science behind a great recipe? Are they curious about careers in the culinary and hospitality industry, or excited by the challenge of cooking competitions and earning national accolades?

If so, the Magnet Academy of Culinary Arts at Wekiva High School is the perfect place for them to turn their passion into a career pathway.

Why Choose Wekiva Culinary?

As a premier ProStart Culinary Arts Program, our academy goes far beyond a standard high school cooking class. Students gain real-world industry experience in state-of-the-art facilities:

  • Commercial Kitchen & Teaching Bakery: Train on industrial equipment, espresso machines, pizza decks, and pastry stations.
  • Mustang Café & Creamery: Hands-on operational experience running an in-school restaurant, beverage service, and gelato/rolled ice cream company.
  • Mustang Events Catering: Full-service catering enterprise providing professional event service.
  • Industry Certifications & Credit: Graduate with industry-recognized certifications, job-ready skills, and opportunities for summer internships and college credit.

Join Us for Open House & Taste of Wekiva

Experience our kitchen in action before application deadlines close!

  • Date: TBD
  • Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
  • Location: Wekiva High School Culinary Arts Department
  • Event: Taste of Wekiva

What to Expect During Your Visit:

  • Watch Live Demonstrations: See Chef Christopher Bates teach and mentor students in real-time.
  • Meet Current Students: Ask questions and hear firsthand what it’s like to be part of our award-winning program.
  • Plan Your Next Steps: Meet with academic advisors to discuss program progression, magnet application steps, and high school scheduling.
  • Sample Student Creations: Get a literal “taste” of what being in the kitchen is all about!

Can’t Wait? Schedule an Early Visit or Shadowing Session

Spots in the Magnet Academy are competitive. If you want to get ahead of the application process or schedule an early campus tour, we are here to help.

Contact Chef Christopher Bates (Lead Instructor & Program Director) at christopher.bates@ocps.net or call (407) 297-4900 ext. 6192628 to inquire about scheduling an early visit.

See Us in Action

Still unsure? Watch the videos below to take a virtual tour of our kitchen and see our students at work!