Located in Oakwood, just south of Dayton, The Little City Cooking School is a hidden gem for food lovers and their families. This cottage cooking school started in 2014 by Jo Dyck, a chef and educator, and is housed in a 1926 home that’s warm, cozy and inviting. Foodies of all ages can enter through the back porch, grab an apron, and enjoy a couple of hours of cooking and learning about food together.
The Little City Cooking School offers cooking classes for kids as young as 6 years old. Junior Chef Classes, for ages 6 to 10, let kids learn recipes and kitchen skills by themselves while their adult hangs out in the lobby nearby and watches. Family Classes are for kids and an adult to share in the cooking fun. The school offers a Family Time Level 1 class for kids ages 6 to 10 and their adult, and Family Time Level 2 for kids ages 10 to 16 and their adult.
All of the cooking classes are hands-on, so students can fully immerse themselves in the cooking process. Students get their own cooking station, complete with a cook-top, cutting board and all the tools to create three to four courses. Professionally trained and self-taught chefs guide students through a menu based on a theme. 
In February, Junior Chefs can participate in the “Breakfast in Bed” class, where kids will learn how to make their adult breakfast in bed — in style! Young kids learn how to make individual peach cobblers, a country skillet breakfast and cheesy scones, as well as how to set a breakfast tray. In March, older kids and their adult together can learn how to make an Italian meal in the Family Time Level 2 class. Families learn how to make chicken alfredo, chicken parmesan and artisan bread, among other foods.
For little foodies who are ready to take their cooking skills to the next level, The Little City Cooking School offers a Junior Master Chef Course for ages 10 and older. This four-week class is a great way to introduce your child into the world of cooking. The course is taught by trained chefs, and includes lessons on knife skills, how to make sauces and stocks, fresh pasta and more. These courses finish with a cook off and graduation for the little master chefs.
70 Wisteria Dr., Dayton | thelittlecitycookingschool.com
