Our Learn to Skate program is designed to build strong skating fundamentals for both hockey and figure skating. We focus on correct technique, safe development, and measurable progress — so skaters gain confidence quickly and develop the foundation needed to skate at a higher level.
Whether your goal is recreational skating, hockey, or figure skating, this program is built to produce real results.
We follow the nationally recognized Learn to Skate USA curriculum, developed in partnership with U.S. Figure Skating and USA Hockey. This provides a clear progression system while allowing our coaching team to maintain higher standards for technique, safety, and real skating ability.
Skaters learn:
Our goal is simple: build skaters correctly from the start.
Our Learn to Skate program runs in 8-week sessions, allowing skaters enough time to build consistency, improve technique, and progress safely.
Each session includes:
Your Learn to Skate session includes:
Our program supports both hockey and figure skating development through a structured progression system. Skaters progress through levels focused on:
As skaters advance, we provide clear development pathways:
For skaters stepping on the ice for the first time, we offer a First Strides Session — a short, low-pressure introduction designed to help new skaters feel comfortable before joining a group class.
This 15-minute session focuses on:
Especially helpful for first-time skaters, younger children, and skaters who may feel more comfortable starting outside of a group setting.
$20 — 15-minute session
Recommended for first-time skaters. This optional add-on is designed to build early confidence and set skaters up for success in their first class.
Skaters progress at different speeds — and we embrace that. Our coaching team evaluates progress continuously, and skaters may advance when they demonstrate consistent control and technique at the next level.
Our Learn to Skate program is built around the Three A's philosophy: Assess. Accelerate. Advance. We believe skating progress should be driven by skill — not by the calendar. Skaters are continuously assessed by our coaching staff, and when they demonstrate readiness, they are able to accelerate their development and advance accordingly.
For families seeking a formal mid-session placement review, we offer the Accelerated Advancement Assessment (AAA) — a structured one-on-one evaluation designed to keep advancement decisions fair, objective, and standards-based.
We take advancement seriously because strong skating fundamentals create safer, more confident skaters — and better long-term results.
AAA is a structured, one-on-one mid-session evaluation completed with one of our coaches. AAA includes:
Important note: AAA is an assessment service — advancement is earned, not purchased. Skaters move up only when skills meet standard.
Our program runs in an academy-style format built around strong fundamentals, clean technique, and measurable progress.
Standard skills assessment
Extended evaluation + guidance
AAA is available Weeks 3–6 only. One AAA per skater per session.
Private lessons are available for skaters who want to progress faster or focus on specific skills.
Private lessons start at: $45 / 30 minutes + ice time
This policy is designed to keep the program fair, consistent, and safe for all skaters.
The #1 factor in skating success — especially at the beginner and intermediate levels — is having skates that fit correctly and provide the right level of support. Skates that are too large, too soft, or poorly fitted can slow progress, cause discomfort, and make learning key skills much harder than it needs to be.
That's why we strongly recommend properly fitted skates for all Learn to Skate participants. When skaters are in the right equipment, they gain control faster, feel more confident on the ice, and advance more consistently.
At Stay Sharp Sports, skates are selected and fitted with a focus on:
Our goal is simple: remove equipment problems from the learning process so skaters can focus on skill development.
As a benefit of enrollment in our Learn to Skate program, currently enrolled skaters receive exclusive Stay Sharp Sports student benefits during active session dates.
Not sure what skates your skater needs? We can recommend skate models and support levels based on the skater's current Learn to Skate level and goals (hockey or figure). Ask our team for help — choosing the right equipment early makes a major difference.
Learn to Skate student equipment benefits apply to select skate purchases only, during active session dates, and may require proof of current enrollment. Discounts do not apply to all merchandise storewide, services, sharpening, lessons, or gift cards. Cannot be combined with other promotions, clearance pricing, or manufacturer MAP restrictions. Limited to one (1) discounted skate purchase per enrolled skater per session. Not transferable.
If your skater is brand new to skating, begin with our entry-level Learn to Skate class. If your skater has prior experience (from another rink or program), we recommend registering for the closest appropriate level — our coaches will confirm placement and may adjust level as needed to ensure the best fit.
Yes. Skaters are placed by readiness — not by the calendar. Our coaching staff continuously evaluates progress, and skaters may advance mid-session when they demonstrate consistent skill control and technique at the required level.
For families seeking a formal mid-session placement review, we offer our premium one-on-one evaluation service: AAA: Accelerated Advancement Assessment. AAA provides an objective skills review and placement recommendation based on level standards. AAA is offered Weeks 3–6 only, and is limited to one (1) AAA per skater per session.
No. AAA is an assessment service — advancement is earned, not purchased. Skaters will only advance if they demonstrate the required skills, control, and readiness to meet the program standard.
Because Learn to Skate is a structured program with limited class capacity, no refunds or credits are provided for missed classes due to absence, illness, travel, or scheduling conflicts. To maintain safe class ratios, missed classes cannot be made up by joining a different group lesson time. As a courtesy, each skater may request one (1) make-up option per session if space and scheduling allow (not guaranteed).
If a class is canceled due to weather, facility closure, or an operational issue, we will provide either a scheduled make-up date or a credit applied to the skater's next session.
Yes — skate rental is included for Learn to Skate class sessions.
Yes. Our curriculum is based on the nationally recognized Learn to Skate USA progression framework developed in partnership with U.S. Figure Skating and USA Hockey. This ensures a structured level system and clear skill progression for both hockey and figure skating fundamentals.
Yes. Enrollment includes 8 free public session passes, valid only during current session dates. These passes are non-transferable, not applicable to family members or friends, and not redeemable for cash value.
No. Learn to Skate student equipment benefits apply to select skate purchases only and are designed to help enrolled skaters get properly fitted equipment for success. Discounts do not apply to all merchandise storewide, services, sharpening, lessons, or gift cards. Cannot be combined with other promotions, clearance pricing, or manufacturer MAP restrictions. Limited to one (1) discounted skate purchase per enrolled skater per session.