Alternatives in Education for Figure Skaters

It's back to school time. For serious figure skaters, that means the days of summer training are over. Some skaters will be on the ice at 5:30 AM and skate until about 7:30 AM, and rush to be at school at 8:00 AM. When the school day is over at 3:00 PM, there will be more rushing to the rink to get in another hour or two of practice. Somehow, homework will get done.

Other figure skaters have chosen alternatives to their education. Many figure skaters are now attending virtual internet-based online public or private schools. Others choose private schools that adapt schedules for figure skaters and some skaters are independent homeschoolers.

Olympic Silver Medalist, Tanith Belbin, attended Laurel Springs School, a private distance learning program.

Many figure skaters are now participating in Connections Academy, K12, and other online public school programs. These programs offer free public education to their students through the internet. These programs usually provide students with a computer, curriculum, and teacher support.

There is no one solution or answer to the question on whether a figure skater should attend a traditional brick and mortar school or seek alternatives such as virtual education or homeschooling. Every family must decide what is best for their lives and for their children.

• Can Serious Figure Skaters Train and Also Go to School?
• Should Skaters Homeschool?