2024 NICHE BEST COLLEGES
Culinary Institute LENOTRE Rankings
Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.
Best Colleges for Culinary Arts in America
#1 of 140
Values
Our Students are VIPs
Our students are the most important people in our college, and we’re thrilled to see their legacy in hospitality and culinary organizations across the world.
Students find lots to do at CIL:
- Competing in culinary contests
- Seeing world-renowned chef demos
- Presenting their own work each day to other students
We Give Back to the Community
CULINARY INSTITUTE LENOTRE® support is provided to several professional and charitable communities. These associations include:
- Icing Smiles – This nonprofit organization provides custom cakes and treats to children and families impacted by critical illness. CIL’s baking and pastry students provide beautiful cakes and pastries in hopes of creating positive memories during difficult times.
- Best Buddies Friendship Walk – Best Buddies International are dedicated to creating valuable opportunities for for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). They have chapters in almost every High school. The friendship walk helps collect funds to keep all chapters open or open new ones. CIL is proud to donate to and participate in the Best Buddies Friendship Walk.
- EFGH (Éducation Française Greater Houston) – The CIL pastry team donates 150 to 175 galettes to this association every year. They sell these to raise funds to open French classes for kids and promote the French language and culture.
We’re an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
Our professional chef instructors are invested in our students – and our college. CIL has an employee stock ownership plan, with our employees owning 22.70% of capital in the school.
We Provide Scholarships and Financial Aid
The Gaston Lenotre Scholarship fund has donated over $885,000 of scholarships in the past 16 years.
Connections With Food Businesses & Professionals
CULINARY INSTITUTE LENOTRE® college maintains close professional relationship with many food business, chefs, and its alumni business owners in Houston that benefit the students’ Practicum placement and Job placement.
We Offer EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT AFTER GRADUATION
CIL nurtures close professional relationships with restaurants, chefs, and our alumni. This benefits our students as we help place them in practicums and jobs at growing businesses in Houston, Paris and beyond.
See Our Job Opportunities- Certificate of Appreciation from the City of Houston
In 2019, Alain and Marie Lenotre were CKW LUXE Top 20 CEOs and Entrepreneur Honorees. The certificate noted: “The caring, kindness, and wisdom that you have demonstrated show your outstanding dedication to bettering the lives of others, and inspiring others to do the same.”
- Certificate of Congressional Recognition
Rep. Pete Olson on May 19, 2019, noted, “Alain Lenotre’s commitment to bettering the lives of others has transformed our community and inspired others to do the same.”
- US House of Representatives Commendation
Culinary Institute Lenotre was recognized as a finalist for the Small Business of the Year Award in 2005 by US Rep. Kevin Brady.
- Honorary Texan
Gov. Rick Perry named Alain Lenotre an Honorary Texan on Jan. 14, 2002.
- International Wine & Food Society Certificate of Appreciation
Culinary Institute Lenotre earned this recognition on Jan. 11, 2012.
- Small Business Award
CULINARY INSTITUTE LENOTRE® college was recognized as a finalist for this award from the Business and Community Advisory Council of North Harris Montgomery Community College District on Nov 2, 2005.
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