MENU
SEARCHFor seven years, MODERN SALON Media has worked with the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS) to develop MODERN SALON’s Excellence in Education program to help the professional beauty school community gather, share and celebrate examples of great salon education experiences and beauty career development happening across the country. Here are the 2017 finalists.
Avenue Five Institute, Austin, TX
For seven years, MODERN SALON Media has worked with the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS) to develop MODERN SALON’sExcellence in Educationprogram. The purpose is to help the professional beauty school community gather, share and celebrate examples of great salon education experiences and beauty career development happening across the country.
In 2017, the crop of cosmetology schools entering the program brought plenty of benchmarks, measurable results and innovation into their application process.
“School pride and powerful results were very evident this year,” says MODERN SALON Editorial Director Michele Musgrove. “We are so impressed with the variety of top schools in the U.S. that entered MODERN SALON’s 2017 Excellence in Education program. We have chosen a select few that we believe show leadership and best practices that other schools can use to learn and grow.”
Finalists were determined based on key criteria in each category and grouped according to school size or whether or not they entered as a multi-unit school or single location.
Schools could enter one or more of eight categories:
Community Involvement
Facilities
Marketing Innovation
Next Level: Alumni Programs
Nails
Placement
School Culture
Technology
Two top honorees will be recognized in each category—one individual school location and a chain-school organization—and announced 2017 AACS Annual Convention & Expo.
“On behalf of the entire professional beauty industry, we express gratitude that there are so many professional cosmetology schools continuing to do amazing and valuable work to shape the future of beauty," says MODERN SALON Publisher Steve Reiss. "The purpose of Excellence in Education is to make sure more of these great schools get the attention they deserve.”
2017 Excellence in Education finalists in each category are listed below:
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Individuallocations:
Fewer than 75 students
State College of Beauty Culture, Wausau, WI
The Salon Professional Academy, San Antonio, TX
Aveda Institute, San Antonio, TX
76-125 students
DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology, West Springfield, MA
Toni&Guy Hairdressing Academy, Albuquerque, NM
Aveda Fredric's Institute Indiana, Indianapolis
Aveda Fredric's Institute West Chester, West Chester Township, OH
Summit Salon Academy, Tampa, FL
More than 126 students
Eric Fisher Academy, Wichita, KS
Advance Beauty College, Laguna Hills, CA
The Temple: A Paul Mitchell Partner School, Frederick, MD
Avenue Five Institute, Austin, TX
Chain schools:
Paul Mitchell Schools, Sandy, UT
Nurtur Aveda Institutes, Columbus, OH
Evergreen Beauty College, Everett, WA
FACILITIES
Individuallocations:
Fewer than 75 students
Alexander Paul Institute of Hair Design, Greenville, NC
State College of Beauty Culture, Wausau, WA
Raritan Valley Community College, Branchburg, NJ
76-125 students
Aveda Institute Nashville, Franklin, TN
Arrojo Cosmetology School, New York
Summit Salon Academy, Tampa, FL
More than 126 students
Avenue Five Institute, Austin, TX
Federico Beauty Institute, Sacramento, CA
Clary Sage College, Tulsa, OK
Chain schools:
Tricoci University, Chicago
Paul Mitchell Schools, Sandy, UT
Nurtur Aveda Institutes, Columbus, OH
MARKETING INNOVATION
Individuallocations:
Fewer than 75 students
Aveda Institute Madison, Madison, WI
State College of Beauty Culture, Wausau, WI
The Salon Professional Academy, San Antonio, TX
76-125 students
DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology, West Springfield, MA
Cameo College of Essential Beauty, Murray, UT
Summit Salon Academy, Tampa, FL
More than 126 students
Eric Fisher Academy, Wichita, KS
Penrose Academy, Scottsdale, AZ
The Temple: A Paul Mitchell Partner School, Frederick, MD
Institute of Beauty and Wellness, Milwaukee
Chain schools:
Bellus Academy, Poway, CA
Tricoci University of Beauty Culture, Chicago
Nurtur Aveda Institutes, Columbus, OH
Paul Mitchell Schools, Sandy, UT
NAILS
Individuallocations:
Fewer than 75 students
State College of Beauty Culture, Wausau, WI
Altoona Beauty School, Altoona, PN
76-125 students
Summit Salon Academy, Tampa, FL
More than 126 students
Penrose Academy, Scottsdale, AZ
Advanced Beauty College, Laguna Hills, CA
Institute of Beauty and Wellness, Milwaukee
Chain schools:
Paul Mitchell Schools, Sandy, UT
Evergreen Beauty College, Everett, WA
Individuallocations:
Fewer than 75 students
International Institute of Cosmetology, Plainville, CT
Aveda Institute Madison, Madison, WI
Crave Beauty School, Wichita, KS
76-125 students
Arrojo Cosmetology School, New York
The Salon Professional Academy, Onalaska, WI
Innovate Salon Academy South, Plainfield, NJ
Summit Salon Academy, Tampa, FL
More than 126 students
Paul Mitchell the School Esani, Roswell, GA
Institute of Beauty and Wellness, Milwaukee
Avenue Five Institute, Austin, TX
Aveda Institute Orlando, Winter Park, FL
Chain schools:
Paul Mitchell Schools, Sandy, UT
Tricoci University of Beauty Culture, Chicago
MC College Group, Edmonton, Alberta
Nurtur Aveda Institutes, Columbus, OH
PLACEMENT
Individuallocations:
Fewer than 75 students
Aveda Institute Madison, Madison, WI
State College of Beauty Culture, Wausau, WI
76-125 students
Aveda Institute Nashville, Franklin, TN
Aveda Institute Des Moines, Des Moines, IA
Arrojo Cosmetology School, New York
More than 126 students
Aveda Institute Minneapolis, Minneapolis
Paul Mitchell the School Esani, Roswell, GA
Institute of Beauty and Wellness, Milwaukee
San Francisco Institute of Esthetics and Cosmetology, San Francisco
Chain schools:
Nurtur Aveda Institutes, Columbus, OH
Evergreen Beauty College, Everett, WA
Paul Mitchell Schools, Sandy, UT
Aveda Institute Inspire Greatness, Denver
SCHOOL CULTURE
Individuallocations:
Fewer than 75 students
Aveda Institute Madison, Madison, WI
State College of Beauty Culture, Wausau, WI
Montage Academy, Longmont, CO
76-125 students
Aveda Institute Nashville, Franklin, TN
DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology, West Springfield, MA
Arrojo Cosmetology School, New York
Toni&Guy Hairdressing Academy, Albuquerque, NM
More than 126 students
Eric Fisher Academy, Wichita, KS
Parisian Beauty Academy, A Paul Mitchell Partner School, Hackensack, NJ
Aveda Institute Minneapolis, Minneapolis
San Francisco Institute of Esthetics and Cosmetology, San Francisco
Chain schools:
Paul Mitchell Schools, Sandy, UT
Nurtur Aveda Institutes, Columbus, OH
Tricoci University of Beauty Culture, Chicago
Aveda Institute Inspire Greatness, Denver
TECHNOLOGY
Individuallocations:
Fewer than 75 students
Aveda Institute Madison, Madison, WI
Alexander Paul Institute of Hair Design, Greenville, NC
76-125 students
Aveda Institute New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
Tenaj Salon Institute, The Villages, FL
More than 126 students
Avenue Five Institute, Austin, TX
Eric Fisher Academy, Wichita, KS
Parisian Beauty Academy, A Paul Mitchell Partner School, Hackensack, NJ
Paul Mitchell the School Esani, Roswell, GA
Paul Mitchell the School Houston, Houston
Chain schools:
Paul Mitchell Schools, Sandy, UT
Nurtur Aveda Institutes, Columbus, OH
Aveda Institute Inspire Greatness, Denver
Tricoci University of Beauty Culture, Chicago
At a time when many LGBTQ+ people felt compelled to hide parts of themselves, Carlos Valenzuela found a career in beauty and a community that offered opportunity based on what you could do and how well you could do it.
Whether it's social media, fashion, film, art, or culture, Chaz Dean advises stylists to stay aware of what's inspiring people. Take the elements that make sense for you in these five lessons learned through a life in beauty.
For Jessica Domoney, building a successful career isn't about saying yes to every opportunity, it's about protecting your time, investing in yourself and creating an experience clients won't forget.
MODERN SALON sat down with Samuels to discuss the book, beauty education, mentorship and the habits that help beauty professionals thrive.
"The mistake people make is treating AI like a vending machine instead of a personal assistant." Digital marketing expert Scott Moon shares how beauty professionals can use AI while staying authentic
Real-world advice on creativity, consultations, color, burnout, business, boundaries, inclusivity, client care, and career growth from educators and industry experts.
Today's clients are hearing more about longevity, biohacking, inflammation, and healthy aging than ever before. This article explores the science and language behind the skin longevity movement, and what it could mean for client consultations, treatment recommendations, and professional credibility.
Licensed to Thrive, Anna Manukyan's all-in-one beauty career and financial masterclass, is being gifted to professionals who enroll in L'Oreal LEVEL Rewards for a limited time.
From breaking free of external validation to creating joy-based goals, discover a more sustainable and fulfilling path to success.
A full day of education for hairstylists and salon pros focused on pricing, personal branding, client experience, social media, and long-term career growth.
From working backstage at multiple Paris Fashion Week shows to collaborating on four creative collections and expanding her international stage work, Michelle Bowden has had an incredible year of growth. Here, we break down her approach that drove her momentum, offering a framework for stylists looking to elevate their own careers.
This marks Ulta Beauty’s first scholarship partnership with Beauty Changes Lives, building on years of enthusiastic support for the organization and its mission.
Locally owned Great Clips salons offer a wide variety of career opportunities, competitive compensation, supportive salon teams and opportunities to grow your skills, both technically and professionally.
Sponsored by Great Clips
Salon suite consultant Karen Kaminski explains why cheap salon suite rent can destabilize the salon suite business model and why value-based pricing may be a smarter strategy.
These stylists practice hairdresser magic, transforming clients into unicorns, mermaids, rainbows and living works of art.
Keratin Complex is taking education on the road in 2026 with the launch of KC on Tour, a live event series featuring industry icon and salon business coach Tabatha Coffey.
Modern professionalism is evolving beyond hard skills. Technical training is essential but about 85 percent of job success comes from soft skills. In a world where AI and automation are increasing, human connection becomes more valuable, not less.
