What are some of the best Culinary schools/ colleges out there?

Culinary Institute of America, (CIA), The New England Culinary Institute, (NECI), Johnson and Wales. There are alot really. These are some of the best. J&W has many campuses all over the country. These produce some of the best chefs on the world. Their curriculum is based on in class and demonstration as well as real world application. Most run several school affiliated restaurants. If you are really serious, and can afford it you should go to one of these. There are some higher end trade schools that do a great job, but, you have to take some of your education into your own hands and work somewhere that has a chef that is willing to teach you what he/she knows while your in school. It isnt an easy profession, and you dont get alot of sleep. You never get to spend holidays that involve food with your family, but the rewards can be great. It is an expensive, hard road, I wouldnt reccommend it for anyone that isnt willing to do the work to get where you want to be, and you wont really get paid well for a while, but with a culinary education, you will advance faster in the kitchen and able to do,eventually, what makes you happy. Also, when you do start to work, or if you are already in the industry, my suggestion would be to experience all facets of the industry. (IE. hotels, restaurants, country clubs, catering, private chefing) to get a good handle on what you are good at and what would truly make you happy.

Le Cordon Bleu is one of the best but there are plenty of others around and better yet in Italy.