High School Culinary and Cougar Café Bus Enhancements

The Cottage School (TCS) students have mild to moderate learning differences and need more resources to learn and grow. The program objective of TCS is to provide our students with hands-on guidance, and individualized learning plans which allow them to thrive and achieve their educational goals. TCS understands that students with mild to moderate learning differences need more support and tools to do their best and focuses on three main pillars of success: Academics, Socialization, and Emotional Wellness. To achieve this, TCS customizes a learning plan for each student to teach skills that will last a lifetime. Our “Business Based” model allows students to strengthen executive function and exercise financial literacy at every grade level. This engaging curriculum teaches students to manage their time, follow directions, interact with others, and complete projects on time and allows them to see the rewards of their actions. TCS' experiential business-based learning model means that TCS uses technology, off-campus experiences, internships, and more to provide students with resources that other schools lack. TCS students learn essential skills for college, careers, and life through this learning model. With a robust academic curriculum, dedicated educators, and a supportive community, TCS provides a dynamic learning environment where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. TCS employs small class sizes, and balances academics with afternoon experiential classes, a comprehensive music program, and culinary kitchen. Sports, clubs, electives, and field trips support students in developing appropriate means of communication and interaction and improve self-esteem, and students thrive.

 The Culinary vocational program is a natural extension of TCS’s work-based and incentive-driven model. In the kitchen, students apply executive functioning skills daily by planning menus, organizing tasks, and managing time to prepare and serve meals. They practice social and communication skills by working collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, learning to follow directions, problem-solve, and adapt when plans change.

Culinary also strengthens life skills essential for independence. Students learn food safety, meal preparation, and budgeting. These are skills that will support them well beyond graduation. For some, Culinary may even open doors to future vocational opportunities, whether through ServSafe certification (students take the exam at the end of the course), job shadowing, or eventual employment.

Ultimately, the TCS Culinary Program reinforces our mission of preparing students who learn differently to become confident, independent adults. It blends hands-on learning with responsibility and teamwork, allowing students to see immediate, tangible results from their efforts.

TCS seeks to partner with The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation to enhance our Culinary and Food Service Program. Our goal is to strengthen the TCS Culinary vocational elective, which provides students with hands-on experience in food preparation, service, and business operations—skills that support both vocational pathways and independent living.

Through this partnership, we aim to convert the TCS Cougar Café Bus into a fully functional vendor truck, expanding our students’ learning opportunities beyond the classroom. The mobile café will allow students to manage a snack cart business and operate concessions at school events and within the broader community. This initiative will empower students to develop practical employment skills, foster entrepreneurship, and engage meaningfully with the community.