This article is about how the West Boca Raton Community High School's Culinary Arts Academy achieved national model status as it works to prepare the next generation of culinary artists. The culinary academy, established in 2004, adopted national standards that have served as a foundation for its excellence. In November 2007, the National Career Academy Coalition (NCAC) recognized the academy for its achievements with the National Standards of Practice "Award of Distinction." Drawn from many years of research and experience, the National Standards of Practice were developed by an informal consortium of national career academy organizations--including NCAC and the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE). Introduced at a press conference in Washington, D.C., in December 2004, and endorsed by the U.S. Departments of Education and Labor, the standards are framed around 10 key elements for successful, sustained implementation of academies. West Boca's model academy story is shared to inspire CTE educators to develop academy programs that focus on academic rigor and relevant career preparation--programs that will equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in an international marketplace.