About
iCook After School is a hands-on after-school cooking program where kids learn how to make and enjoy recipes and dishes. During classes, students practice culinary skills, recipe reading, and learn about the nutritional value of what they cook, while also discovering the science behind cooking. The program includes activities that let kids practice math and reading skills, collaboration, and executive function skills.
• Ages: 5–13 years old
iCook After School began in 2014 as an after-school cooking school for kids to explore culinary adventures and was started by two friends, Lesya and Olga, who are passionate about food, cooking, and health. Its mission is to encourage young chefs to enjoy the simple goodness of food and cooking through hands-on classes that include nutrition, cultural diversity, and sustainability. The program uses recipes that tend to be easy and colorful, mostly with fresh ingredients, and often have fun names such as “Super-Power Smoothie” and “Godzilla Veggie Bites.” It focuses on “slightly healthier” balanced recipes, with treats included at times, and follows the motto, “Everything in moderation, even moderation.” Classes include recipes that teach students about food and cultural diversity, and cultural awareness is described as an important part of the program, with a focus on discovering new flavors from around the world. The program keeps waste to a minimum and recycles and composts when possible. It is a nut-free establishment and does not use any raw eggs or shellfish in its recipes, and parents are asked to include all important allergy information when registering a child. iCook After School offers both in-person and virtual classes, and its classes are described as fun, engaging, and interactive. The program started in one community in Chicago and is now in hundreds of schools across fourteen states. Families receive recipes, cooking tips, and talking points to make recipe sharing and learning at home easier and more fun. One principal from Hannah G. Solomon Elementary School shared that students have enjoyed the opportunity to create in a collaborative environment with this program and expressed interest in another good year.
Last updated May 12, 2026.
• Ages: 5–13 years old
iCook After School began in 2014 as an after-school cooking school for kids to explore culinary adventures and was started by two friends, Lesya and Olga, who are passionate about food, cooking, and health. Its mission is to encourage young chefs to enjoy the simple goodness of food and cooking through hands-on classes that include nutrition, cultural diversity, and sustainability. The program uses recipes that tend to be easy and colorful, mostly with fresh ingredients, and often have fun names such as “Super-Power Smoothie” and “Godzilla Veggie Bites.” It focuses on “slightly healthier” balanced recipes, with treats included at times, and follows the motto, “Everything in moderation, even moderation.” Classes include recipes that teach students about food and cultural diversity, and cultural awareness is described as an important part of the program, with a focus on discovering new flavors from around the world. The program keeps waste to a minimum and recycles and composts when possible. It is a nut-free establishment and does not use any raw eggs or shellfish in its recipes, and parents are asked to include all important allergy information when registering a child. iCook After School offers both in-person and virtual classes, and its classes are described as fun, engaging, and interactive. The program started in one community in Chicago and is now in hundreds of schools across fourteen states. Families receive recipes, cooking tips, and talking points to make recipe sharing and learning at home easier and more fun. One principal from Hannah G. Solomon Elementary School shared that students have enjoyed the opportunity to create in a collaborative environment with this program and expressed interest in another good year.
Last updated May 12, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.