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About FlowerSchool

​FlowerSchool brings together the most sought-after designers from all over the world to share professional tips & tricks in our uniquely comprehensive programming with real-world applications and experience. 

With a 73% job placement rate, our alumni network is comprised of a robust group of floral enthusiasts working in this amazing and inspiring industry. 

Located in the heart of New York City's design district, FlowerSchool New York is one of the most celebrated floral design schools in the world, offering a variety of floral and event design programs led by world renowned designers.

FlowerSchool is the premier institution to begin your floral design and business education with first hand exposure to the dynamic world of contemporary floral arranging. We bring together the most sought-after designers from all over the world to share professional tips & tricks in our uniquely comprehensive programming with real-world applications and experience. 

With a 73% job placement rate, our alumni network is comprised of a robust group of floral enthusiasts working in this amazing and inspiring industry. 

Established in 2003, FlowerSchool has locations in New York City and Los Angeles, California. 

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Our Space

Located at 253 West 28th Street, we are conveniently located in the heart of Chelsea and just a block away from New York City's expansive Flower District.

Our Space boasts a large room for workshops, a gorgeous bar rooms for before or after class or for smaller, private classes, as well as a rooftop!

Interested in hosting an event in our space? Our sister company, ILA Penthouse, specializes in all things events -- whether you are planning a corporate meeting, social party, wedding, or private class. 

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What We Value

Learning is a wonderful thing and we often learn as things evolve in our own lives.  But in order to create luxury, you must live luxury.  That is why FlowerSchool strives to proved the most spectacular experience.  Staying in a safe clean environment, working with the best vendors and creating the best possiuble expeirience is pinnicle.

Meet The Team

Calvert Crary

Executive Director

master florist and instructor Calvert Crary

Calvert Crary is the Executive Director of both FlowerSchool New York and FlowerSchool Los Angeles, and author of Flower School: A Practical Guide to the Art of Flower Arranging (Nov 2020).

An internationally recognized instructor and mentor, Calvert has taught programs across the United States, Holland, Mexico and Australia, and was this year’s judge for the prestigious PHS Philadelphia Flower Show.

Calvert has trained and coached thousands of students on how to work in the floral industry with top designers, start new businesses, or reorganize existing floral businesses into thriving careers.

FlowerSchool Los Angeles Director

Tara Sandonato

Tara is from the East Coast and has settled in Los Angeles.  

Event Director

Francesca Cigola

Francesca, a published author and art historian, inspires events with Italian flair and passion.  

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Operations Manager

Grace Halligan

Grace is from Charlotte, North Carolina and currently resides in New York City. She is your point person for all things events, programs, and flowers!

Sustainability Matters

Here at Flower School NY, we firmly believe that sustainability is essential to our mission of educating people about the beauty and importance of flowers. We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint and encouraging others to do the same. Proudly partnering with Filco Carting, FlowerSchool actively reduces its environmental impact by composting all of its green waste, including flowers, leaves, and food scraps. 

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  • I can’t make myself available for 6 consecutive weeks! How can I complete the 6-week Floral Design Program and earn my Floral Design Certificate?
    We offer an option for potential students in these situations. You can register as an ‘interval students’. The Floral Design Program is New York Board of Education certified and after completing all of the required coursework, you will receive an official Floral Design Certificate, regardless of how long it takes. For example, a student may take half of the program in the Spring I session, and finish the other half in the Spring II session or take one week of programing over the 6 times it's offered over the year, making it a 6 week program.
  • I want to dive into my passion for floral design, but I’m not ready to commit to the full 6-week program. What do you recommend?
    The 6 week floral design program can be a big commitment! To get a small dose of what the full course is like, we often recommend shorter-term series, such as The Weekend Florist, the 5-Day Intensive Series, or even the 2-Day Introductory Series.
  • I love flowers as a hobby, and I am not particularly interested in a career in florals yet. Does FlowerSchool have a course for me?
    Our Introductory to Floral Design Classes are extremely popular, fun, and welcome to all! These classes typically only take an hour and a half, and they always follow a seasonal color palette, and trend-focused theme! You will learn how to make professional flower arrangements with a few easy tips.
  • I want to take a class at FlowerSchool, but I work full-time and none of the timing works for me! What can I do?
    This is exactly why FlowerSchool offers The Weekend Florist. This course is popular with those who have full time weekday commitments but also want to take their skills to the next level. This includes Introductory, Intermediate, and Advanced. Take all 3, and you’ll end the course with an official FlowerSchool Certificate!
  • I want to celebrate a special occasion at FlowerSchool.
    Flower arranging is an amazing way to bond and have fun with your friends and family. We offer private flower arranging classes for your big day. With ample flexibility on color, style, and size preferences, we’ll customize your party and bring your vision to life! Additional organic and sustainable food, beverage, and bar packages are available through our sister company ILA Penthouse.
  • Do you offer payment plans?
    We do! We have a couple of options for payment to make the experience as comfortable as possible for our students. Option #1: Floral Design Program Students may pay 50% of the total tuition for the first half of the program, and the other 50% by the end of the program. Option #2: Floral Design Program students may make weekly payments of $1,887.50, with the first payment on the first day of the program. These payments are due after the initial $600 deposit is paid.
  • Where can we stay nearby FlowerSchool?
    FlowerSchool works closely with the Selina Hotel, which is only a 10-minute walk from FlowerSchool, and just steps away from popular cultural hotspots like Hudson Yards, High Line, Madison Square Garden, and Chelsea Market. Click this link for 30% off any night stay, and enjoy a steep discount for long term stays of 14 nights or more.

Become An Insider.

Become A FlowerSchool Insider & Receive 15% Off Your First Class!

Join our flower-loving community and get Insider exclusive early-access to class sign-ups, floral industry networking events, discounts, and giveaways.

Kianna Gonzalez

Kianna Gonzalez is a horticulturalist and landscape designer, with passions in permaculture, floristry, and herbalism. She is the owner of Green Thread Gardens, a landscape design and consultation business and is a proud graduate of the New York Botanical Gardens’ School of Professional Horticulture. With a degree in Fine Arts, Kianna is driven by unique and creative ways to use plants in all facets of her work. She loves sharing that excitement and creativity with others.

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Horticulture Instructor 

Brenden Gregory

Brenden Gregory is a botanical & visual artist with 10 years of work in Film & Theatre under his belt before discovering his love for floral design at FlowerSchool. After freelancing and creating across the industry, he founded the Brooklyn-based design company Beyond The Rose Garden with the goal of bringing elevated storytelling, innovation, & collaboration to every project. Brenden brings those same principles and plenty of good vibes to every class he teaches!

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Expert Floral Instructor 

Jessi Owens

Jessi has been a FlowerSchool's gem for years.  Truly a professional in all things beautiful, Jessi uses her ample experience in Event and Floral Design to make each class special. A class with Jessi is never a class to miss out on.

Expert Floral Instructor 

FlowerSchool Instructors

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