JCAA Mission
The mission of the Jacobson Culinary Arts Academy at Tarpon Spring High School is to promote the interest and welfare of the high school students participating in the culinary arts program. Students will learn how to conduct themselves in a confident, professional and ethical manner and will demonstrate procedures using basic and advanced knowledge related to the hospitality industry.
Who We Are
The Jacobson Culinary Arts Academy at Tarpon Springs High School is proud to be recognized as an Academy of Distinction with Honors by Pinellas County Schools and to hold Exemplary Program Status from the American Culinary Federation.
Our students train in a premier 11,600-square-foot culinary facility featuring two fully equipped teaching kitchens with 48 student cooking stations, a 50-seat teaching kitchen/auditorium, and a 100-seat dining room. This state-of-the-art environment makes JCAA one of the most advanced high school culinary academies in the country.
Through immersive, hands-on learning, students gain the skills needed for success in the dynamic world of foodservice and hospitality. The program goes beyond the kitchen—offering education in nutrition, marketing, catering, restaurant design, hospitality and lodging, and business management.
Graduates are well prepared to pursue advanced culinary education or begin rewarding careers in the culinary and hospitality industries.
Program Statistics
Program graduation for full 4-year students is 100%
For 2023, job placement is 48% of students working in the hospitality industry within 9 months of graduation.
ACF certification for CFC is 100% of year 4 graduates.
A Few Of Our Accolades
2025
2024
Regional SkillsUSA
Job Skill Demo – 1st & 3rd Place
Baking & Pastry – 1st Place
ACF Collard Green Competition – 1st & 2nd Place
2023
Regional SkillsUSA
Culinary 1st & 2nd Place
SkillsUSA Florida State
Entrepreneurship 1st Place
Culinary Quiz Bowl 1st Place
SkillsUSA Nationals
Entrepreneurship 6th Place
PCS Grilled Cheese Competition – First place Judges Award
Florida State Fair Cake Decorating – First, Second & Third Place
Florida State Fair Cake Decorating – People’s Choice Award
2022
SkillsUSA Florida State Champions
First place in Wedding Cake Décor
First place MRE challenge
First place Culinary Quiz
2019
First Place – ProStart State Edible Centerpiece Champion
2018
Second Place – ProStart State Overall Champions
First Place – ProStart State Edible Centerpiece Champions
Fifth Place – SkillsUSA Florida State Commercial Baking Champion
First Place – SkillsUSA Florida State Job Demo Champion
2017
First Place – ProStart State Overall Champions
First Place – ProStart State Management Team Champions
2016
First Place – ProStart State Overall Champions
First Place – ProStart State Edible Centerpiece Champions
2015
First Place – ProStart State Overall Champion
First Place – ProStart State Edible Centerpiece Champions
2014
Second Place – ProStart State Overall Champion
First Place – SkillsUSA Florida State Commercial Baking Champion
2013
First Place – ProStart State Overall Champion
First Place – ProStart State Edible Centerpiece Champion
First Place – SkillsUSA Florida State Culinary Arts Champion
2012
Second Place – ProStart State Overall Champion
2011
First Place – ProStart State Overall Champion
2010
First Place – ProStart State Gourmet Meal and Management Team Champions
First Place – ProStart State Overall Champion
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