Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) is pleased to announce that Northern Garrett High School (NGHS) will launch a new Culinary Arts program beginning with the 2025–26 school year. This addition enhances Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities for students in the Northern attendance area and aligns with GCPS’s commitment to expanding hands-on, career-focused learning.
The Culinary Arts program will introduce students to foundational skills in food preparation, safety and sanitation, nutrition, and hospitality management. As part of the district’s broader effort to prepare students for both post-secondary education and direct entry into the workforce, this program opens new pathways for industry-recognized certifications and future employment in the culinary and hospitality sectors for NGHS students.
After a comprehensive review of potential locations, including Garrett College, the GCPS administration determined that upgrading an existing classroom at Northern Garrett High would best support the long-term goals of the program. The former Home Economics classroom will serve as the program’s instructional kitchen for the 2025-26 school year.
The district considered several key factors in making this decision:
- Cost Efficiency: Utilizing space at Northern High avoids transportation costs and facility rental fees associated with an off-campus site, while allowing for targeted investments in on-site infrastructure improvements.
- Scheduling Flexibility: Housing the program at the school simplifies student and teacher scheduling, reduces disruptions to the school day, and ensures program access for a greater number of students.
- Instructional Leadership: GCPS has hired a Culinary Arts instructor, Mr. Jason Fickes.
Funding for the program is being utilized from a pending Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Grant of $300k in federal funding. Additionally, increased Perkins Grant Funding through the state is being utilized for supplies and equipment. Combined, over $500k in state and federal funding is being utilized to start the program. The future classroom will undergo a two-year build-out.
More information about course registration, certification options, and future program expansions will be shared with students and families as it becomes available. For further inquiries, please contact Northern Garrett High School at 301-746-8668 or the GCPS Secondary Education Office at 301-334-8913.
