Costs & Benefits: Private vs. Group
The Value of Private Lessons vs. Group Classes in Figure Skating
Why a Balanced Approach Delivers the Best Return
When families start to understand the true cost of figure skating, one of the most common questions that follows is:
“Do we really need private lessons, or are group classes enough?”
It’s a fair question — and an important one. Private lessons are often viewed as the biggest line item in a skating budget, while group classes can feel like the more economical option. But the most effective (and cost-efficient) training plans don’t treat these as an either/or decision.
Instead, they rely on a thoughtful blend of both.
What Private Lessons Offer
Private lessons provide highly individualized instruction. Coaches can:
Tailor technique corrections to a skater’s body, learning style, and goals
Address specific elements (jumps, spins, footwork) in detail
Adjust pacing based on progress rather than a set curriculum
Build strong communication and accountability between coach and skater
For skaters working toward competitions, testing, or specific technical milestones, private lessons are often essential. They allow for precision, refinement, and long-term development planning.
That said, private lessons alone are rarely the most cost-effective way to train.
The Role (and Value) of Group Classes
Group classes are sometimes underestimated, but they provide benefits that private lessons simply can’t replicate:
Repetition and mileage on foundational skills
Peer motivation and healthy comparison
Exposure to different teaching styles and feedback
Development of skating stamina and consistency
A sense of community and shared experience
From a financial perspective, group classes offer significant value: skaters receive quality instruction at a lower per-session cost while reinforcing skills learned in private lessons.
Perhaps most importantly, group classes help skaters learn how to apply corrections independently, a skill that directly impacts long-term success.
Why a Hybrid Model Maximizes Value
When private lessons and group classes work together, families often see better results for their investment.
Private lessons are where skills are introduced, refined, and personalized.
Group classes are where those skills are practiced, reinforced, and stabilized.
This balance:
Reduces the need for excessive private lesson time
Helps prevent burnout by adding variety and social engagement
Encourages independence and confidence on the ice
Creates more durable, competition-ready skills
In other words, a hybrid approach ensures that families aren’t paying for the same correction to be repeated in a private lesson when it could be solidified through structured group practice.
A Note on Burnout, Balance, and Long-Term Success
More lessons don’t always equal better results.
Skaters who train exclusively through private lessons can:
Become overly dependent on coach feedback
Experience faster burnout
Miss out on peer motivation and community
A balanced schedule keeps skating engaging, encourages independence, and supports emotional well-being — all of which contribute to longer, healthier skating careers.
Cost Isn’t Just About Price — It’s About Progress
When evaluating skating expenses, the real question isn’t “What costs less?” but “What helps my skater progress in a healthy, sustainable way?”
A well-rounded training plan:
Uses private lessons strategically
Leverages group classes for skill development and consistency
Aligns training intensity with a skater’s age, goals, and stage
This approach often leads to fewer plateaus, fewer injuries, and a more positive skating experience overall — outcomes that matter just as much as the financial investment.
The Skate VIDA Philosophy
At Skate VIDA, we believe that the most valuable training plans are not the most expensive ones — they are the most intentional.
Our programs are designed to support:
By combining private instruction with group classes, we help families make smart, informed decisions that maximize both development and value, ensuring that skating remains a meaningful investment in the whole athlete — and the whole person.
Ready to Build the Right Training Plan?
Choosing between private lessons and group classes doesn’t have to be overwhelming — and it doesn’t have to be all or nothing.
At Skate VIDA, we help families create customized, well-rounded training plans that balance individualized instruction with group learning, ensuring skaters receive the best return on both their time and financial investment.
👉 Explore our Group Class Programs
👉 Learn more about Private Lessons at Skate VIDA
👉 Contact us to build a personalized training plan
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The Financials of Figure Skating
This series explores the financial, logistical, and emotional commitments of figure skating, helping families make informed, sustainable decisions.Read the full series:
• The Financials of Figure Skating
• Private Lessons vs. Group Classes
• Figure Skating Equipment Essentials
• The Hidden Costs: Time, Energy, and Family Commitment