I have not heard anything much about the schools other than you need a certificate from them to get an insurance policy so they know you are edumacated. hahahahaha
I would go learn with a company that is way out of your area so you are not turning into their competition, they don't like that too much.
There are a lot of great guys out there, contact them and see what you can work out. Chances are you will still need to go to the school for the certificate.