1st Academy of Beauty

The school trains students for careers in manicuring, esthetics, cosmetology, barbering and hairstyling at its Garvey Avenue location in Rosemead. The academy describes itself as a leading institution in beauty training, a claim it makes about itself.

Each program combines classroom theory with practical hours. The cosmetology course includes 370 classroom hours and 630 practical hours, the barbering course 345 and 655, the esthetician course 235 and 365, the manicurist course 165 and 235, and the hairstyling course 190 and 410. Full-time students can finish the manicurist course in 10 to 15 weeks, the esthetician course in 15 to 24 weeks, the hairstyling course in 15 to 26 weeks, the cosmetology course in 25 to 42 weeks and the barbering course in 25 to 43 weeks.

Up to 25% of program theory can be completed online through Milady MindTap, and programs are offered in English and Vietnamese, including theory-only options. Students who finish receive a certificate and build a professional portfolio. The programs are certificate programs below college level and are designed to prepare students for licensure in their field.

Every location includes lecture rooms, practical training floors, and studios set aside for photography and creative projects. According to the school, it enforces a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination and misconduct.

Students learn through classroom theory paired with supervised hands-on practice in each program.

Classrooms and practice areas sit alongside dedicated spaces for photo shoots and creative work.