Group vs. Private Lessons: What’s Right for Your Skater?
One of the first big questions skating parents ask is: “Is my child ready for private lessons?”
It’s a great question — but not always a simple one.
With group, semi-private, and private lessons all available at most rinks, it can be hard to know which path is best for your skater, your budget, and your goals.
As a coach (and skating mom) with decades of experience, I’ve guided hundreds of families through this exact decision — and I’m here to help you do the same.
Group Lessons: A Great Place to Start
What they are:
Group lessons are usually part of the Learn to Skate USA program, with 6–12 skaters learning basic skills together, led by a certified coach.
Pros:
• Budget-friendly
• Social and fun
• Low pressure
• Great for very young or brand-new skaters
Cons:
• Less individual attention
• Progress can feel slower
• Skaters may advance at different rates
Best for:
Brand-new skaters getting comfortable on the ice, ages 4–10, or skaters of any age who just want a fun weekly activity.
Semi-Private Lessons: The Sweet Spot for Many Families
What they are:
Two skaters of similar level share one coach for a custom 20–30 minute lesson. Skaters can be friends or paired by the coach.
Why I love them:
Semi-private lessons offer the best of both worlds — personal coaching with a built-in friend or practice buddy. I’ve found this setup especially helpful for:
• Skaters who feel shy or intimidated
• Kids who do better when learning side-by-side with a friend
• Parents looking for an affordable upgrade from group lessons
Bonus:
If your child brings a friend from home, they start their skating journey together — which makes the experience more exciting and motivating.
As a coach, I often match two group skaters who are progressing at the same rate. It creates healthy competition, shared accountability, and lots of laughs. If one skater pulls ahead in ability, we simply transition to private lessons — and the skater now has an instant practice buddy on freestyle ice.
Best for:
Skaters ready for more focused instruction without jumping straight into a private lesson budget.
Private Lessons: The Fast Track (At the Right Time)
What they are:
One-on-one instruction tailored to your skater’s strengths, weaknesses, and goals. These can be added to practice sessions or done as a standalone lesson.
Pros:
• Fully customized instruction
• Faster progress
• Deeper relationship with coach
• Best preparation for testing and competition
Cons:
• More expensive
• Requires more parent planning (freestyle ice, off-ice, etc.)
• Not always necessary for early beginners
Best for:
Skaters preparing for their first test, those who have outgrown group lessons, or athletes with serious goals.
How to Know What’s Right for Your Skater
Ask yourself:
• Does my child need extra help on certain skills?
• Are they progressing faster (or slower) than their group peers?
• Do they focus better with fewer distractions?
• Are they asking for “more skating time”?
Also consider your family’s budget, schedule, and goals. Not every child needs private lessons to enjoy or improve in skating — and many skaters thrive with the structure of group and semi-private combinations for years.
Final Tip: Communicate with the Coach
Your child’s Learn to skate coach (or director) can be a valuable partner in this decision. They’ve seen your skater on the ice and can give honest feedback about what type of instruction would help them grow most.
And remember: this is just the beginning. Many skaters start in one format and transition as their goals evolve.
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