International School Of Baking
where the mastery of baking becomes an Art
Meet Marda Stoliar
Marda Stoliar is the founder and guiding spirit of the International School of Baking in Bend, Oregon.
Her journey into baking began after a successful career as a fashion and shoe designer — a world that took her through Europe and Tokyo, where she discovered her passion for European bread and pastry.
In 1979 she opened a European-style bakery in Bend - Breads of France. Although the bakery ultimately closed in the early 1980s due to health challenges, Marda turned that setback into a new beginning: in 1985 she founded the International School of Baking.
Since then, she has welcomed aspiring bakers — from hobbyists to professional chefs — to her one-on-one international school. Over her decades-long career, she estimates that hundreds of bakers from across the globe have trained under her guidance.
Marda’s teaching philosophy is deeply personal and hands-on. At ISB, students don’t simply observe — they bake, work side-by-side with Marda, and learn the real methods used in the most excellent European bakeries. The curriculum is custom-tailored for each student’s background and goals.
Today, decades later, ISB endures as a singular school where baking traditions from around the world are passed down through personal mentorship — a legacy sustained by Marda Stoliar’s lifelong dedication to the craft.
"In a bakery the choice is made with your eyes, but the memory is made in the taste, texture and lingering flavors."
Bakery Consultant
Comprehensive guidance for new and established bakeries—improving product quality, optimizing systems, solving production challenges, and strengthening overall profitability.
Baking Courses
ISB’s baking courses offer personalized, hands-on training in European-style bread, pastry, and cake production, tailored to each student’s skill level and goals.
The Bread Doctor
20 Days of baking with Marda Stoliar
One of Marda’s former students, Ezdan Fluckiger of The Bread Doctor, documented his twenty days of intensive training at the International School of Baking so future students could see what the experience is truly like. His blog reads like a window into the craft—early-morning doughs, hand-shaped loaves, exquisite pastries, and the steady rhythm of learning alongside a master baker.
“What a wonderful experience it has been to learn the art of baking from Marda Stoliar. Her knowledge and experience in European baking is extensive, and she graciously and willingly imparts that knowledge to her students. She takes a keen interest in anyone wanting to learn the art of beautiful breads and pastries. I have taken three classes at her school in Bend, Oregon, and she has traveled to teach on site at my bakery five times.”
Ezdan Fluckiger, The Bread Doctor
How Working with Me Works…
1-1
I work with each student 1-1 to help them achieve the results they desire as bakers or in their bakeries.Our programs foundation is built on three core components including education, implementation and improvement.
Education
Custom tailored education to meet your baking interests and needs.
Implementation
Working with you side-by-side to improve your baking skills or bakery.
Improvement
1-1 expert mentorship and guidance to continually become a better baker and bakery operator/owner.
