I started in the US doing JAA licenses, there is a place in Long Beach that does them all the way to ATPL I think
http://www.ukft.com/ . I started flying at Naples Air Center in FL
http://www.naples-air-center.com/index2.htm , they were very good but I think they have closed due to insurance dificulties. If I were you I would look into schools in Florida or Los Angeles as they seem to be the best value in the states. I just finished my multi with a frelance guy in LA, very good value
http://www.freewebs.com/cplamel/. Hope this helps and good luck.