Junior Chef Academy
# Where Indianapolis Teens Become Confident, Skilled Cooks —
Junior Chef Academy Indianapolis offers hands-on after-school cooking classes for ages 12–16 that teach knife skills, recipe reading, meal planning, nutrition, kitchen safety, and teamwork. Small classes with experienced instructors emphasize safety, practical projects, and a final family showcase to build confidence, independence, and healthier habits.
One in six Indiana residents suffers from food insecurity. The ratio is higher among children.
Many Junior Chef Academy participants face food insecurity every day.
The Junior Chef Academy Indianapolis empowers local teens (ages 12–16) to fight food insecurity at its source by teaching hands-on culinary skills, nutrition education, and community food leadership. Our after-school programs build healthy-eating habits, boost kitchen confidence, and connect students with neighborhood food resources — turning today’s learners into tomorrow’s food-savvy leaders across Indianapolis neighborhoods.
Quick Frequently Asked Questions — Junior Chef Academy Indianapolis
Who can enroll?
Students ages 12–16 who attend school in or near Indianapolis. We may make exceptions in limited cases—contact our office to discuss.
How long is each session, and how many classes are in a session?
Sessions run 1–10 weeks, depending on whether they're after-school or all-day. Each class is 2 hours unless otherwise noted in the session description.
What is the student-to-instructor ratio?
We maintain a small-group format, with a typical ratio of 8–10 students per instructor, to ensure hands-on attention and supervision.
Do students need prior cooking experience?
No prior experience is required. Our curriculum is designed for beginners through intermediate learners and progressively builds skills.
.Join Junior Chef Academy Indianapolis — the premier after-school program for young cooks ages 12–16 in Indianapolis! Ignite your child’s passion for cooking with hands-on culinary classes that teach essential kitchen skills, food safety, and creative recipe development. Our expert instructors guide students through knife skills, baking, international cuisine, meal planning, and plating techniques in a fun, supportive environment.
Why families in Indianapolis choose Junior Chef Academy:
Location-focused classes in Indianapolis designed for teens (ages 12–16)
Small class sizes for personalized instruction and safe practice
Real-world skills: from knife safety and measuring to budgeting and nutrition
Confidence-building: students lead cooking projects, mentor peers, and present dishes
Career exploration: exposure to culinary careers and hospitality industry basics
What students gain:
Practical culinary techniques and kitchen confidence
Understanding of nutrition and healthy food choices
Teamwork, time management, and leadership skills
A portfolio of dishes and recipes that they can recreate at home
Register your teen for Junior Chef Academy Indianapolis today and let them discover the taste of success. Limited spots available — enroll now to secure a place in Indianapolis’ top after-school culinary program for young teens.
Combating Food Insecurity Through Education
How can students get involved?
Applications for the Junior Chef Academy Competition Cohort open every February, with open tryouts taking place on March 2 at 4 PM at the Paramount Englewood Cafeteria.
