Student Life at CIA California

Food is Your Community.

At CIA California, our on-campus Student Garden Project, clubs and organizations, and student lodging ensure that you’ll always have a place to hang out with classmates, explore your mutual love of all things food, and have fun along the way!

Located in the Napa Valley, our Greystone location is just short drive away from the historic vineyards and restaurants of the region, in addition to hot air ballooning, hiking, horseback riding, and bicycle trails. You’ll also be close to some of the food industry’s biggest CIA events, such as the Worlds of Flavor® Conference and Festival and the Healthy Kitchens, Healthy Lives® Conference.

California Campus Tour with Our Admissions Counselor

We’re a college with a culinary twist, which means you’ll have the full student experience on campus. Here’s what you can expect.

Three people in white chef jackets and checkered pants are having a conversation about student life in a dorm room. Two are sitting on a bed with a black and white floral comforter, one with a laptop featuring their culinary school's brand logo. The third person is sitting on a chair at a desk, facing the others.
A group of people stand outdoors, smiling and laughing, all covered in various colors of powder, embodying the vibrant essence of student life. They wear white shirts, some have shorts, and others have jeans. The sky is partly cloudy, and trees are visible in the background at this lively location. Everyone looks happy and relaxed.
Three chefs are in a kitchen, busy preparing and serving various dishes. One chef in the foreground is handing a plate to another chef, while a third chef focuses on a task in the background. The warm, rustic ambiance of the stone-walled kitchen reflects the essence of student life at our unique location.
A person in a chef's uniform and another in business attire sit across from each other at a small round table, engaged in conversation. An open book lies on the table between them, adding a touch of student life. A window with wooden trim reveals the bustling location outside.

Student Takeover—California Campus

Watch along as TJ ’22 shows us what it’s like being a Baking and Pastry Arts student at our California campus! Get a peek into the bakeshops, kitchens, and classrooms while he answers questions about his classes, internship, lifelong friendships and connections. You’ll even get to go behind-the-scenes with TJ after class as he takes you along to his job—making Instagram reels for CIA!

Chat With a Student

Are you curious about what it’s really like to attend CIA? We’ve got you covered. Our students are ready to answer the questions you haven’t asked anyone else, share their own personal experiences, and give you genuine advice—because they’ve gone through it, too.

Connect with your Admissions Counselor

admissions

Food is your pathway. Plan a visit to learn more about student life on campus.

Are you ready to explore the #onlyatcia experience? Throughout the year we offer campus tours, open houses, and online events so that you can ask questions, learn more about our programs, and chat with admissions counselors. Do you have specific questions about student life at our California campus? No problem! We’d be happy to help and tell you more about our on-campus opportunities.

Connect with Us

Here’s what happening at CIA California…

The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone

2555 Main Street
St. Helena, CA 94574