P-CEP CULINARY ARTS PROGRAM EARNS PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL ACCREDITATION

One of only two high school culinary programs in Michigan to receive American Culinary Federation Education Foundation accreditation

CANTON, Mich. — Plymouth-Canton Community Schools (P-CCS) is proud to announce that the Plymouth-Canton Educational Park Culinary Arts program (located at Salem High School) has earned accreditation from the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF), becoming one of only two high schools in Michigan to receive this prestigious distinction.

The accreditation is a rigorous national recognition that validates the program's curriculum, instruction, facilities, safety practices, student support systems, and career preparation. Salem joins fewer than 50 comprehensive high school culinary programs nationwide and fewer than 150 institutions overall to earn ACFEF accreditation, placing the program among an elite group recognized for excellence in culinary education. Approximately 100 of those accredited institutions are regional technical centers, technical schools, or culinary magnet programs, making Salem's achievement as a comprehensive public high school especially significant.

"This achievement is an incredible testament to the dedication, expertise, and passion of our Culinary Arts teacher, Diana Woodward, and the outstanding students who bring the Rock Café to life each day," said P-CCS Superintendent Dr. Monica L. Merritt. "To become the first comprehensive high school in Michigan to earn this accreditation reflects the exceptional opportunities available to students at P-CCS and our commitment to providing authentic, career-connected learning experiences."

Students in the P-CEP Culinary Arts program gain hands-on experience through the student-operated Rock Café, where they develop technical skills, professionalism, teamwork, and customer service while serving authentic meals to staff and community members. The accreditation confirms that these real-world learning experiences are aligned with the expectations and standards of today's culinary industry.

"This recognition reflects years of hard work and a shared commitment to excellence," said Diana Woodward, Salem High School Culinary Arts instructor. "I am incredibly proud of our students, whose dedication, creativity, and professionalism made this achievement possible. It also represents the tremendous support we've received from our district leadership, colleagues, industry partners, and families throughout this process."

Earning ACFEF accreditation required an extensive self-study and a comprehensive external review examining every aspect of the program, including curriculum alignment, instructional practices, facilities, safety procedures, student outcomes, and industry partnerships. The achievement represents the collective efforts of teachers, administrators, district leaders, operations staff, students, families, and community partners working together to create an exceptional learning environment.

The accreditation further strengthens P-CCS's commitment to preparing students for college, careers, and lifelong success by providing high-quality Career and Technical Education programs that connect classroom learning with real-world experiences.

To learn more about Career and Technical Education opportunities at Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, visit pcep.pccsk12.com.