I'm at this point where I really need to decide what direction I'd like to go in and start working hard toward that aim. I'm presently updating my skills with all the Wilton classes (If I could afford it, I'd be doing the Master Course).

I'm torn between going to full culinary school or going to just pastry school. I'm fortunate in that the French Pastry School is local to me.

Thoughts? The only input I had gotten before was from a friend who is in culinary school. She said do the whole thing so that I could match and pair courses and desserts.

Eventually I want to open a pastry shop - desserts, cakes, mini pastries, some specialty things like allergy-free, Vegan, etc... There's a great need in my area for all these things.

If you have the opportunity to go, I say go. It has to be beneficial.

If you want a career in pastry, the pastry school would probably make more sense. A full culinary program in a lot of work, a lot of money and a lot of stuff that won't apply to your pastry shop.

Anyone who has access to a good wine shop can learn to pair desserts and wines. The people I have worked with have been extremely generous with their knowledge-freely.

There are many successful decorators and pastry shop owners who did not attend any culinary program.

Pastry school is likely to be helpful teaching you time management and production. But a passion for the work and lots of practice can do the same. how much time and how much money do you have?

I would go the Pastry route, since that is the area you are most interested in. Besides it is local and will probably save you money in the long run. You can always pick up tidbits of info on the other stuff. If you are going to spend the money, spend it on the worth while stuff, culinary school is long hours, alot of time on your feet, and you may only get a small portion of what you really want to do.

Here's a thought and what I almost did. Apply at you local upscale hotel or at a highend catering company as a pastry chef's assistant. You can get paid to learn faster than you would in school.
Andrea

Thank you for all your input. I'm leaning towards the pastry school myself. Eventually I'll be getting a divorce (long story) and I want to be able to support myself and keep a roof over my head and food in my stomach.

I also would have excellent help available to me, as my oldest daughter (in her 20s) is also interested in doing this and is the Vegan in the family - thus has found a great need in this area.

This is where I'm looking at:
http://www.frenchpastryschool.com/

I'll have loans out the wazoolie! Yikes!