A lot of fans have written to me asking about a good school for creature effects. Although this isn't directly Star Wars related it is critical info for budding movie makers and model builders hoping to be the next generation of Star Wars techies. So, I'm going to take a moment to answer the question.

Special effects covers a LOT of ground and so it's hard to pinpoint specific courses that may be of help. Depending upon your field of choice you might look to acquire knowledge about general engineering, hydraulics, pneumatics, radio control, chemistry mold making, art, cosmetology, hairdressing, wig making, puppetry and in today's world of CGI effects, a multitude of computer related areas too. Although most of my comments below refer to creature effects, the general principles apply to other effects fields.

Most written material on the subject is written in very general terms, often by someone who got the information second hand, or is unemployed a lot. However, the Make-up Artist Magazine had a good book section that might help.

Many fans have asked about Make-up schools. But most FX make-up designers put store by portfolios... not certificates. If you do a 6 or 12 week course don't think that makes you a pro. Generally speaking, courses are only good in pointing you in the right direction (although some point you in the wrong direction). They may help you persuade an established pro to take you on as a trainee. I used to teach at Middlesex Polytechnic (now Middlesex University) and other schools back in the early 70's. As soon as I could get regular work in movies full time I gave it up! Rick Baker doesn't/didn't teach class.... he's too busy. Stan Winston didn't teach class either. What does that say for the qualities of those who do teach? Most quality pros don't work for teacher's pay either. The only make-up effects supreme being who does (to my knowledge) occasionally teach is Dick Smith (who Rick Baker interned with) and his classes are ONLY for advanced students. He specifically asked me to DISCOURAGE inquiries about his advanced correspondence course.

MANY SCHOOLS ARE NEXT TO USELESS and charge thousands $$$. Some are renowned... but don't let that fool you. Their are many schools that claim to teach animatronics, special make-up etc. but I know of none that I would recommend. What they teach is usually well out of date or so superficial that it just gives students a false sense of security.
When I started out there were NO schools teaching the subject. There were very few people in the country doing effects make-up work.

Almost every professional that I know followed the following route into the business...
* They read all they could in movie magazines like FANGORIA, CINEFANTASTIC, STARBURST, FANTASTIC FILMS, MAKE-UP ARTIST MAGAZINE, AMERICAN CINEMATOGRAPHER, etc.
* They gained whatever specialist knowledge they could in a related subjects.... mechanics, model making, puppetry, make-up, wig making etc from books and videos. Then they applied that limited knowledge to things they made, (usually in their basement or garage). Even though they didn't really know what they were doing, and they made portfolios of the things they produced.
* They stayed up to date with current production through trade papers like VARIETY, SCREEN INTERNATIONAL etc. It is important to understand the daily details of how movies are made, where they are being made and who are the key personel that can give you work. There is no point in writing to the studio or or head of the company. They don't give jobs to trainees. The people they hire do. So they got to know who are the Heads of Departments getting the best jobs in their chosen field.
* Then they bugged those working professionals with letters and requests for interviews in order to get the opportunity to show their portfolio. Eventually someone they showed their work to liked it enough to sign them on as a trainee.
* Even after they got that first job, they spent 4 to 7 years learning their craft by gaining professional experience assisting other full time professionals. THERE IS NO PRACTICAL ALTERNATIVE TO APPRENTICING WITH A WORKING PRO.

No school course can teach you what an apprenticeship will and it's very difficult to actually get into the business unless you make contact with a working professional in your field of choice. You might try approach the relevant Unions for current addresses for their members in the branches that interest you. You could also try searching those fields through contact sites like Mandy's International Film & TV Production Directory.
Ignore the movie Companies (unless you see that they are advertising for interns). Concentrate on Effects companies, Model making Companies and Supervisors.

Build a portfolio of anything you do that might be relevant. When you do finally make contact they won't just give you the job. They will want to see how much you achieved on your own as a gauge of your determination & resourcefulness.