Small classes, hands-on learning and personal attention — for over 30 years this unique apprenticeship model has been the New England Culinary Institute’s recipe for success. With over fifty faculty members serving a student body of less than 300 students in residence, NECI students receive a level of personal attention and instruction that inspires them throughout their careers. Since 1980 NECI has grown from seven students in our first graduating class to an accomplished group of nearly 4,000 alumni. Throughout this time our commitment to small classes and intense real-life experience in a caring and personal community has never changed. Our unique and rewarding education is defined by students working side by side with skilled, dedicated chef-instructors. The mission of New England Culinary Institute is to be the recognized leader in delivering hands-on, standards-based education for the food and beverage industry. New England Culinary Institute is dedicated to providing a high quality, student-centered, and career-focused education, which is grounded in culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, and hospitality and restaurant management. By actively participating in NECI's reality-based curriculum, engaging with working food and beverage operations, and completing extensive internships, students are prepared for professional advancement in a dynamic world. Through NECI’s varied learning methodologies, students develop a broad range of skills and the flexibility that will help them adapt to the diverse opportunities in a quickly-evolving food and beverage industry. Toward that end, NECI embraces four Cornerstones of Distinction: small classes that promote active learning; strong reliance on learning by doing and real-life experience; an emphasis on interdisciplinary learning that supports NECI’s concept of the educated person; and a focus on promoting excellence in professional conduct and ethics.