I love cooking, and have dedicated my life to it. Unfortunately, I don't have the resources to get into a culinary program right now. I have heard about receiving chef status through apprenticeship only, but am wanting to learn more about this. The books will go long way towards understanding why things go wrong. Be careful what you pick.
Some community colleges are notoriously bad.
Selfserving instructors and lousy curriculum, don't rock the boat type of environment.