The North American Pizza & Culinary Academy in Lisle celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 11. THE NAPCA offers culinary classes to students of all skill levels, including a five-day program that will allow students to earn the designation of Certified Pizzaiolo. A part of the prestigious Scuola Italiana Pizzaioli in Venice, NAPCA is one of two schools in the United States to offer this level of accreditation.

Although pizza is the primary focus of the school, a wide variety of other culinary classes are offered, covering everything from basic knife skills and artisanal baking techniques to explorations of specific culinary themes. Pizza classes are led by a master instructor and all other classes are led by professional chefs.