About Us
The José A. (Tony) Santana International School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts (ISHCA) has two locations: the main campus in Carolina offering all programs, and a secondary campus in Cabo Rojo providing an associate degree in Culinary Arts and a bachelor's degree in Culinary Management. All programs at the Carolina campus are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA) and the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF). The Culinary Arts program at the Cabo Rojo campus is also ACFEF-accredited.
Founded in 1997 to meet industry needs, ISHCA initially offered degrees in Hotel Management. In 2006, the school aimed to become the leading hotel school in the Caribbean, enhancing its programs and achieving prestigious accreditations. In 2008, the school was renamed to honor José A. (Tony) Santana, a pioneer in hospitality education in Puerto Rico.
In September 2023, ISHCA established the Bacardí Center of Excellence, a significant milestone in the school's history. This dynamic educational partnership focuses on developing future leaders in beverage management, mixology, fine spirits, industry innovation, sustainability, entrepreneurship, hotel operations, and event production. Serving Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and Latin America, the Bacardí Center of Excellence bridges academia and industry, providing students with unique opportunities to engage in a pioneering educational experience that enhances their journey and prepares them for successful careers in the hospitality and culinary arts sectors.
With over 25 years of excellence, ISHCA offers associate degrees in Culinary Arts, Hotel Operations, and Commercial Baking & Pastry, as well as bachelor's degrees in Culinary Management, Hotel Management, and Event Production. Our commitment to quality education ensures our graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles in the hospitality and culinary industries.
The Bacardí Center of Excellence at the José A. (Tony) Santana International School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts (UAGM) is a bold partnership that will elevate ISHCA’s visibility and set it as the gold standard for mixology, beverage management, culinary arts, tourism, and entrepreneurial hospitality education in Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
Recognized as the best hospitality school in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, ISHCA, together with Bacardí’s rich legacy and expertise, aims to shape the future of the hospitality industry through innovative education and real-world experiences. Our unique collaboration will mark the future of global hospitality, culinary, and tourism management through excellence in education and industry innovation.
The Bacardí Center of Excellence envisions becoming the global leader in beverage education. We are committed to inspiring and cultivating the next generation of leaders in mixology, spirits, and food and beverage management. Through continual innovation in education, technology, creativity, and entrepreneurship, we aim to set new standards of excellence, drive sustainable practices, and shape the future of the global hospitality industry.