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Two young girls at The Real Food Academy Tampa's cooking class for teens.

After School Courses

Perfect for:
Teens

In this course, your budding chefs will learn all the basics and techniques on how to become a Real Food Chef and more. Each week they’ll be introduced to a new culinary concept, we’ll cover the topics and create dishes accordingly. In each class, students can expect to make 2 to 3 dishes depending on the complexity of the recipes. This course is good for both beginners and intermediate levels of cooking experience. We’ll group them according to their age and cooking experience.

5.0 Star Rating
Day & Time
Wednesdays at 4:30 - 6:00 pm
Price
$400/Course or $50/Day
Duration
1.5 Hours Over 10 Weeks
Skill Level
Beginner+
A chef with a group of kids with fresh made sandwiches at The Real Food Academy's after school program in Tampa, FL.

After School Programs in Tampa, FL

Unleash Your Teen's Culinary Potential

Are you in search of exceptional and captivating after-school programs in Tampa, FL that will ignite your child's passion for culinary arts? Look no further than the Real Food Academy. Our dynamic after-school program is specifically designed to cater to budding young chefs aged 5 to 12. Running on Wednesday afternoons from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm, this immersive experience takes participants on an exciting journey into the world of culinary arts, fostering the growth and development of young minds in the kitchen.

At the Real Food Academy, we believe that cooking is not just a skill but an art form waiting to be discovered. Our after-school program offers a unique and engaging experience where children can explore their creativity and develop a love for culinary arts. From mastering basic techniques to delving into international cuisines, our program provides a comprehensive foundation for young chefs-in-training.

Upcoming Classes

Dish by Dish, Skill by Skill

After School Weekly Curriculum

The Real Food Academy Tampa - Intro to Culinary

Week 1

Intro to Culinary

Kick off your culinary journey with a hands-on introduction to kitchen safety, essential cooking equipment, and fundamental techniques. Learn the building blocks of great cooking while gaining confidence in the kitchen.

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The Real Food Academy Tampa - Real Food VS Processed Food

Week 2

Real Food VS Processed Food

An introduction and deeper explanation of what is considered "real food" and what "processed food" is and how they are different. Kids will also learn to create Healthy Bowls and Smoothies.

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The Real Food Academy Tampa - All About Pasta Making

Week 3

All About Pasta Making

Pasta from scratch is healthier and better tasting than store-bought boxed pasta. And it's easier than you think! This week's agenda covers making fettuccini from raw ingredients.

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The Real Food Academy Tampa - All About Bread and Pizza Dough

Week 4

All About Bread and Pizza Dough

Nothing beats the taste of homemade bread! Kids will learn the technique of creating bread and pizza dough, then put it to use creating their own from scratch pizza.

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The Real Food Academy Tampa - Plating and Food Styling

Week 5

Plating and Food Styling

Presentation and plating is covered with some Food Styling concepts. Kids will learn about natural syrups, using edible flowers and more.

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The Real Food Academy Tampa - Fancy Dinner

Week 6

Fancy Dinner

Kids will learn about what goes into making Gourmet meals. We also cover table etiquette as it's an important part of the fancy dinner.

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The Real Food Academy Tampa - The World of Hospitality

Week 7

The World of Hospitality

Kids will learn about the world of hospitality and how to create a buffet table. We'll do this while cooking items from the Chinese Cuisine Galore menu items.

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The Real Food Academy Tampa - Sushi Making Class

Week 8

Sushi Making Class

Kids will learn about making sushi with an emphasis on both vegetarian options and normal fish sushi. We've found kids are surprised by and really enjoy this class!

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The Real Food Academy Tampa - Halloween Treats

Week 9

Halloween Treats

We'll focus this week's class on some Halloween Treat favorites. You'll really enjoy the leftovers they bring home, if there are any! This class is one of the kids' favorites.

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The Real Food Academy Tampa - Food Challenge Competition

Week 10

Food Challenge Competition

Put your skills to the test in a fun, high-energy cooking competition! Students will apply everything they've learned in a creative challenge that showcases their talent and teamwork.

Book Now
The Real Food Academy Tampa - Intro to Culinary

Week 1

Intro to Culinary

Kick off your culinary journey with a hands-on introduction to kitchen safety, essential cooking equipment, and fundamental techniques. Learn the building blocks of great cooking while gaining confidence in the kitchen.

The Real Food Academy Tampa - Real Food VS Processed Food

Week 2

Real Food VS Processed Food

An introduction and deeper explanation of what is considered "real food" and what "processed food" is and how they are different. Kids will also learn to create Healthy Bowls and Smoothies.

The Real Food Academy Tampa - All About Pasta Making

Week 3

All About Pasta Making

Pasta from scratch is healthier and better tasting than store-bought boxed pasta. And it's easier than you think! This week's agenda covers making fettuccini from raw ingredients.

The Real Food Academy Tampa - All About Bread and Pizza Dough

Week 4

All About Bread and Pizza Dough

Nothing beats the taste of homemade bread! Kids will learn the technique of creating bread and pizza dough, then put it to use creating their own from scratch pizza.

The Real Food Academy Tampa - Plating and Food Styling

Week 5

Plating and Food Styling

Presentation and plating is covered with some Food Styling concepts. Kids will learn about natural syrups, using edible flowers and more.

The Real Food Academy Tampa - Fancy Dinner

Week 6

Fancy Dinner

Kids will learn about what goes into making Gourmet meals. We also cover table etiquette as it's an important part of the fancy dinner.

The Real Food Academy Tampa - The World of Hospitality

Week 7

The World of Hospitality

Kids will learn about the world of hospitality and how to create a buffet table. We'll do this while cooking items from the Chinese Cuisine Galore menu items.

The Real Food Academy Tampa - Sushi Making Class

Week 8

Sushi Making Class

Kids will learn about making sushi with an emphasis on both vegetarian options and normal fish sushi. We've found kids are surprised by and really enjoy this class!

The Real Food Academy Tampa - Halloween Treats

Week 9

Halloween Treats

We'll focus this week's class on some Halloween Treat favorites. You'll really enjoy the leftovers they bring home, if there are any! This class is one of the kids' favorites.

The Real Food Academy Tampa - Food Challenge Competition

Week 10

Food Challenge Competition

Put your skills to the test in a fun, high-energy cooking competition! Students will apply everything they've learned in a creative challenge that showcases their talent and teamwork.

Top 5 Reasons to

Get Kids & Teens Cooking in the Kitchen

1.

It teaches them about healthy eating.

Explaining to your teen why they can’t eat fast food every night gets tiring by the time they turn 12 years old. A great way to demonstrate the advantages of home-cooked meals over fast food is by regularly shopping for groceries and cooking with your teen. This teaches teens what goes into a healthy meal (ie. Real Food) and what isn’t healthy (ie. Processed food that includes preservatives, flavors, added extra sugar etc.).

Eating a “Real Food” diet is key to maintaining not only your physical health but also your mental health. This is especially important for teens, whose minds and bodies are still developing.

2.

It gives you quality time together.

Cooking together is a great way to hang out with your teen and chat with them about their day. The time together will help you feel socially connected. Cooking together with your teen can provide a great opportunity to check in with what’s going on and find out how they feel.

You’ll likely find that chopping onions and peeling potatoes makes you feel more comfortable to talk about the big stuff.

3.

They'll learn to fend for themselves.

There will come a time when your child needs to feed themselves. When this happens, it’ll be cheaper, healthier, easier and safer if they know how to cook at home.

4.

It boosts their self-confidence.

When a teen can shop for, prep, cook and serve a meal (or even a snack) all on their own, it gives them a tremendous sense of accomplishment and pride. It might not seem like a big deal, but these small things help teens to believe in themselves. A teen who knows they can look after themselves will be ready to take on life’s challenges.

5.

It keeps recipes in the family.

Teaching your teen how to cook is a great way to pass on those special family recipes. It provides an opportunity to talk about history and culture, and gives your teen a chance to learn more about who they are and where they came from.

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A group of kids at The Real Food Academy Tampa's cooking camps.

100%

Hands-On

All our classes are 100% hands-on and, unlike other cooking schools, we are not limited to any one cuisine!

A little girl at The Real Food Academy Tampa's after school program with a fresh plate of fruits and veggies.

Tampa After School Programs

Culinary Adventures After School

As the school bell rings, signaling the end of another day, another kind of learning awaits at the Real Food Academy. Our after-school program are a journey into the world of culinary arts, where children are not just passive learners but active chefs in training. In our state-of-the-art kitchen, the usual classroom rules don’t apply. Here, it’s okay to get your hands dirty, to play with your food, and to discover through doing.

Each session allows kids to dive into new culinary territories, exploring everything from basic cooking techniques to international cuisines. Our approach to after-school programs in Tampa FL goes beyond mere recipe following. We focus on teaching the fundamental principles of cooking and healthy eating, skills that will serve them for a lifetime.

The Real Food Academy Tampa reviews plate icon.

Rave Reviews for The Real Food Academy

proud to have a 5.0 star rating & 1000+ reviews

  • Jonathan Anderson

    Arthur Cummins is one of my favorite people in franchising. He and Maria have really built an amazing franchise model. I'm excited to see the nationwide growth over the next few years!
  • Schualita Chong

    We had our daughter's 5th birthday party here and it was such a success. Huge hit with both the kids and parents. The venue was great and they took care of everything! The party went so smoothly - everything is organized, well thought out and the owners and chef were so accomodating with all of our needs/requests. Highly recommend.
  • HILSA MUSALI

    We celebrated my son’s 9th birthday at The Real Food Academy, and it was an amazing experience from start to finish! The kids had so much fun cooking their own pasta and decorating cupcakes. It was such a creative and interactive activity, and they felt like real little chefs in the kitchen. We also hired the magician they recommended, and he was a huge success! The kids were completely entertained and laughing the whole time. We actually live in Coconut Creek, so many of our guests drove almost an hour to attend the party, and everyone agreed it was absolutely worth the drive. The kids had a fantastic time, and the parents were very impressed with the experience. The staff was organized, friendly, and made everything run smoothly. It was truly a unique and memorable birthday celebration. I would highly recommend The Real Food Academy to anyone looking for a fun and different party idea for kids!
  • Miami Sales Gallery

    What a great family experience! We hosted a big event and the food was delicious! It was great making food together. Must do in Miami.
  • Nick Welch

    Amazing!!!
  • Neil Dallas

    What a great experience! The people were wonderful and the food divine! Highly recommend!
  • Michelle Lynn

    Excellent instruction, great staff delicious food. We has SO MUCH FUN!! Thank you!
  • Aaron Pierre

    Chef Toni and her crew were amazing. We were a large group and they handled us well and allowed us to have a seamless experience. I look forward to doing this again in the future
  • Alex Ponce

    A most wonderful team building activity!! It was a fun experience making my own pizza and pasta 🍝
  • Dayron Hernandez

    Wow, what an amazing experience food was excellent!
  • Hunter Badillo

    Chef Toni was great! Great cooking experience , I highly recommend. We made fresh pizza , pasta , and salad. Great time
  • Maria Bulla

    Chef Tony was awesome! Great class
  • William Bodden

    Attended pasta night w Chef Paolo and we loved it ! Had a great time , learned new recipes that are delicious and healthy.
  • Grethel Bodden

    Amazing experience with Paolo! Not only was it delicious and fun but also health conscious when it came to the ingredients. Look forward to coming back for more classes.
  • Nicki Obeidzinski

    Such a fun group event!
  • Zuzana Tuso

    Nice for team building. Chef Toni was great!
  • Jorge Porto

    Amazing experience!
  • Iris Brautigam

    Amazing experience! We celebrated our daughter’s 10th birthday with a small group of friends and family. I felt ease and comfort knowing I didn’t have to do much and they handled everything from the moment we arrived. The kids, and even the parents, had a blast! Everyone loved this idea and how interactive it was for the kids. I’m so happy we chose Real Food Academy! 10/10
  • Nicolas Jubera

    Amazing sushi class — truly exceeded expectations. I learned so much, from knife skills to proper rice preparation and rolling techniques. Super hands-on, fun, and incredibly well organized. Huge thanks to Chef Toni, who was absolutely amazing — patient, knowledgeable, and made the whole experience both educational and entertaining. Highly recommend to anyone who loves sushi and wants to really understand the craft behind it. 🍣👏
  • Marina Goitia

    I loved the experience. I highly recommend it.

Real Food Blog

An image of The Real Food Academy's winter salad recipe - perfect for the holidays in Tampa, FL

5 Must-Try Healthy Holiday Recipes from The Real Food Academy Tampa

Are you looking for delicious and nutritious meals to serve this holiday season? The Real Food Academy team has put together a list of 5 recipes that you can follow step-by-step or use as inspiration for your own holiday creations!

Kids Birthday Party with The Real Food Academy in Tampa.

65 Ideas for an Unforgettable Kids Birthday Party in Tampa

At The Real Food Academy in Tampa, we know planning a birthday party can be overwhelming and stressful, but we're here to make it easy and fun. Read on to see a few of our favorite themes to choose from.

Knife Skills Every Beginner Cook Should Know with The Real Food Academy in Tampa

Knife Skills Every Beginner Cook Should Know

One of the first skills novice chefs need to acquire is proficient knife handling. Learn more about these key knife skills for beginners, brought to you by The Real Food Academy in Tampa!

4 Essential Tips for Overcoming Anxiety About Cooking with The Real Food Academy in Tampa.

4 Essential Tips for Overcoming Anxiety About Cooking

With these tips from The Real Food Academy in Tampa, you'll be able to conquer your fear of the kitchen and enjoy delicious homemade meals in no time.

Essential Tips to Make You a Better Cook with The Real Food Academy.

Essential Tips to Make You a Better Cook

It takes patience and practice to become a great cook. With a few tips from The Real Food Academy in Tampa, you'll be on your way to creating delicious and impressive dishes in no time.

How to Get the Most Out of a Cooking Class with The Real Food Academy in Tampa.

How to Get the Most Out of a Cooking Class in Tampa

At The Real Food Academy in Tampa, we believe that cooking is about creating an experience. Read on for some tips about how to get the most out of a cooking class!

Real Food Recipes

The Real Food Academy Tampa offers inclusive and fun cooking camps.

Nurture Culinary Creativity

With Real Food Academy’s Camps and Events

A goup of kids and teens at The Real Food Academy Tampa's after school program, learning healthy smart food choices.

Hands-On Learning Experience

A Comprehensive Culinary Education

Each week, our after-school program introduce a new culinary concept, allowing children to explore various aspects of cooking and food preparation. The program covers everything from the basics of kitchen safety to the art of creating their breakfast. We delve into topics like the difference between real food and processed food, teaching kids to make healthy bowls and smoothies, and exploring the delicious world of homemade pasta and bread.

Students in the program can expect to make 2 to 3 dishes in each class, depending on the complexity of the recipes. This hands-on approach ensures that each child is actively involved in the cooking process, making learning both effective and fun. Whether mastering pasta making from scratch or learning the intricacies of bread and pizza dough, our program offers a comprehensive culinary experience.

A little kid with flower on his face practicing his cooking skills at The Real Food Academy's after school program in Tampa, FL.

Diverse Culinary Themes

Catering to All Skill Levels

The program is designed to accommodate both beginners and those with intermediate cooking experience. We group children according to their age and cooking experience, ensuring that each child receives the attention and guidance they need to thrive.

Our after-school program is diverse and engaging, featuring themes like plating and food styling, gourmet meal preparation, and even the world of hospitality. We encourage creativity in classes like sushi making and celebrate fun occasions with special classes focused on Halloween treats or culinary competitions where kids can showcase their newfound skills.

Dietary Accommodations

Real Flavor for Everyone

At The Real Food Academy Tampa, we take pride in crafting culinary experiences that are not only delectable but also safe for every palate. Our dedicated team understands the significance of dietary accommodations, and we go the extra mile to ensure that every participant can savor our creations without worry.

From gluten-free alternatives to nut-free options, we're well-versed in a wide range of allergies and dietary restrictions. Our kitchen is equipped with the latest tools and techniques to prevent cross-contamination, and our instructors are adept at adapting recipes to suit individual needs.

You can trust that at our academy, your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities. Join us for a flavorful journey where allergies are never a barrier to delicious dining!

We offer a variety of dietary accommodations, including but not limited to:

Gluten Free
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Nut Free
Soy Free
Soy Free
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
Vegan
Vegan
Two little girls making healthy brownies at The Real Food Academy Tampa's after school program.

Join Us for an After-school Adventure

Book Today

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More than just a cooking class, our after-school program is about instilling a love for cooking and healthy eating in children. It’s one of the best Tampa after-school programs for your child to learn, experiment, and discover the joys of culinary arts in a nurturing and fun environment.

If you’re in search of Tampa after-school programs, enroll your child in our 10-week course and watch them transform into confident young chefs equipped with the skills and knowledge to explore the world of food. With a variety of classes covering everything from the fundamentals of cooking to exciting culinary challenges, the Real Food Academy is the perfect place for your child to embark on a delicious learning voyage where culinary dreams take flight, and each meal is the beginning of an adventure.

So, step into our kitchen, where each chop, stir, and whisk instills creativity and joy. Book a spot in our after-school program today!

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Master the Art of Flavor

Additional Cooking Classes at The Real Food Academy

Real Food. Real Connections

Elevate Your Culinary Expertise with Classes at The Real Food Academy

Special Announcements

The Real Food Academy Tampa Is Now Offering:

☀️ Summer Camps
🎒 Field Trips (We Come to You!)
🎉 Kids’ Birthday Parties at Your Home
🏫 After-School Enrichment Programs at Your School …and much more coming soon!