Started since high school with a "viscomm course" then proceeded with College to design courses which included photoshop and illustrator. But really once you learn the basics theres not a whole lot more a teacher can teach you about how to use a program, you either surpass them or you need to branch out on your own. And thats why we love tutorial sites!
I find that if I can't figure out something or haven't used a technique yet that I look it up first, and then take it in your own direction. So I've pretty much self taught/read books and tutorials after college.