Please see below for a list of commonly asked questions... If you have a question that is not listed below, or would like a more thorough answer to a question, feel free to email our Academy Director, Debbie Tallen.

Do you take late registrations?
We currently do take late registrations with no late fee. You do, however, run the risk of a class filling up if you register late in the session and you may have to wait until the next session of lessons.

If my skater misses a class, can they make it up or get a refund?
Currently, we are offering the opportunity to make up a missed class. The make up lesson must be within the same session (ex: a missed lesson in Winter Session I must be made up for during Winter Session I). We do not offer refunds for missed classes. If you need to make up a class, please contact the Academy Director and she will assist you.

How do I know what level to sign my skater up for?
If your skater has taken lessons with us before (or in any USFS program) they will have a record book filled with stickers. Each sticker represents a skill that has been mastered. When all skills in a level have been completed, your skater is ready for the next level.
If your skater has not taken formal lessons before, they should register for either Snowplow 1 or Basic 1 (depending on their age) and they will be evaluated on the first day of class and placed accordingly.
On the first day of any new session, our instructors will evaluate the skaters in their class to ensure they are in the proper level.

Can my skater progress through more than one level per session?
Absolutely! Your skater can progress just as quickly as they master the skills. Skaters who practice hard can easily get through one or even two levels in one session of lessons. However, please keep in mind that some skaters will take two or even three sessions in a level before they master all the skills, this is not uncommon.

My skater wants to register with their friend, how can I make sure they are in the same class?
Skaters are placed by age and by ability. Because of this, we cannot promise that friends or siblings can be in the same class.

My skater took lessons last year, why do they have to repeat a level?
Skating skills are progressive, they build on each other... if a skater has not skated in some time, they will need to revisit some old skills before they are able to continue moving forward. This is why we strongly encourage skaters to continue with their lessons all year round.

Can my skater use double runners?
We do not allow double runner blades for lessons. The skills that are taught require single runner blades - these can be hockey skates or figure skates - but they do need to be single runners so the skater can learn to utilize their edges properly.

What should my skater wear to their lessons?
Skaters should always dress in layers. No matter how warm it is outside, lessons are held in an ice arena and the ice needs to stay cold. Long underwear, undershirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, snowpants... these are all good ideas. Jackets can always be taken off if your skater feels to warm, but if you don't even bring one to the rink, they certainly can't put one on! Glove are always a must, for all levels. Keep in mind that skaters in the Snowplow levels and the Basic 1 level may spend a good portion of their lesson sitting and/or falling on the ice and they will need a little more insulation.

My 4 year old does not want to wear their helmet, do they really have to wear it?
Yes. We do require helmets for skaters under the age of 6. A simple bicycle helmet or a hockey helmet will work just fine.

Can I come to class with my skater?
We do not allow parents to come to class with their skater. We offer classes for adults and parents of skaters are encouraged to sign up to learn the same skills as their young skaters, but the adult classes are held separately.

Can I practice with my skater?
Currently, we do allow parents of skaters to come on the ice with their skater during practice time. Parents must wear skates... This may change at any time as enrollment/space dictate. Shoes or boots are not allowed on the ice at any time.

Is there any type of recital or chance for my skater to demonstrate their skills for friends and family?
We have an ice show each year held at the end of April and all of our skate school participants may register... any age, any ability.
We also offer the Robin Lee Midwest Open competition. This is another opportunity for your skater to demonstrate the skills they have learned. The competition is held early August each year and has a Basic Skills component to it.
Both the ice show and the competition are open to skaters in Snowplow 1 or Basic 1 and higher.