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South High School
Grosse Pointe

Family and Consumer Sciences

Culinary Courses Offered

 

Course Description
Foods & Pastries- **Visual, Performing and Applied Art Credit**  (9-12)
  • Improve and maintain personal health
  • Demonstrate many basic culinary techniques and job skills
  • Prepare a wide variety of nutritious foods and desserts- all made from scratch
Global Foods **Visual, Performing and Applied Art Credit**  (9-12)  
  • International cuisine from countries around the world
  • Students will explore how food has shaped culture
  • Prepare a wide variety of foods and desserts- all made from scratch
The Art of Pastry and Dessert Preparation *Visual, Performing and Applied Art Credit* (9-12)
  • Gain experience in food preparation and advanced pastry and dessert techniques
  • Learn the science behind baking
  • Beginner techniques all the way through advanced skills needed for a career 
  • Prepare for job opportunities in local pastry shops, restaurants or bakeries
Culinary Arts *Visual Performing and Applied Art Credit*  (9-12)
  • Learn of the many job opportunities available in the foodservice industry
  • Demonstrate organization and proper operation of a food service facility
  • Master preparation and customer service skills necessary for a future culinary career
  • ALL students will earn their ServSafe Certification which can be useful when looking for employment
Advanced Culinary Arts- **Visual, Performing and Applied Art Credit** (9-12)
  • Designed for students with a commitment to Food Service
  • Gain skills needed for entry-level job positions in the food service industry
  • Practice high volume food preparation, baking techniques, vegetable cookery, garde manager (cold food preparation), entree creation, and menu planning

Family and Consumer Sciences Courses Offered

 

Course Description
Child Development and Parenting (9-12)
  • Study the physical, social, intellectual and emotional development of children from conception through age six
  • Learn observation techniques and take part in observations in a GPPSS preschool or kindergarten classroom
  • May offer the RealCare infant simulators
Child Care Services (11-12)
  • Work weekly with children (4 days per week)
  • Travel GPPSS and observe students and teachers in a variety of different classrooms
  • Designed for students planning a career with children or related to children 
  • Plan and direct a variety of activities and lessons
  • Transportation is required- carpooling is recommended

Principles of
Interior and Fashion Design (Levels I-IV)

Visual, Performing and Applied Art Credit* (9-12)

 
  • The class is centered around learning, implementing, and manipulating the elements and principles of design using the latest technology
  • Learn about careers in the Interior Design field
  • Self select Interior Design, Fashion Design, or both
  • Work independently on projects of your choice according to interest, ability level, and skill set
  • Study the design industry as a whole
  • Develop personal design style 
  • Career exploration in the design industry
  • Study famous designers and create an individual portfolio creation that can be taken to college and beyond

Independent Living Courses Offered

 

Course Description

Independent Living with Personal Finance I

Math Credit for 12 grade only
(11-12)
  • Learn how to manage your money
  • Explore careers
  • Credit cards, spending plans and savings
  • Identity theft
  • An emphasis is made to incorporate modern technology through the use of online financial simulations
Independent Living with Personal Finance II 

Math Credit for 12 grade only (11-12)
  • Develop long-term financial plans 
  • Understanding paychecks and taxes
  • Moving out of your parents house- rent, insurance, utilities, dorm life
  • An emphasis is made to incorporate modern technology through the use of online financial simulations

For more Information:

Andrea Gruenwald - Department Chair
GruenwA@gpschools.org

Taylor Barczyk - Department Chair
BarczyT@gpschools.org

Chef Nick Lopez
lopezn@gpschools.org

Nicole Westfall
WestfaN@gpschools.org

Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) courses help students build practical life skills that support success in school, work, and everyday life. Through hands-on learning, students explore topics such as nutrition and wellness, personal finance, child and human development, housing and interior design, career readiness, and problem-solving skills. FCS connects real-world applications to academic learning and prepares students to make informed decisions for themselves, their families, and their communities.

FCS courses are ideal for all students, regardless of future career plans. Whether a student is interested in healthcare, education, business, design, hospitality, skilled trades, or simply wants to gain essential life skills, FCS provides relevant, transferable skills that support independence and lifelong success.