For decades, the Mariposa School of Skating has been recognized as a leader in the skating community. While its reputation is rooted in a rich history of developing athletes and coaches, Mariposa continues to evolve by embracing innovation, collaboration and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Founded on Doug Leigh’s philosophy that coaches and skaters are stronger when they learn together, Mariposa has always brought people from different clubs and communities together with a shared goal: creating excellence both on and off the ice.

“Collaboration is still such a big part of who we are,” says the Mariposa team. “Our coaches share ideas, support one another and bring their unique expertise to the table. We’re proud of our history, but we’re always looking ahead and finding new ways to help skaters and coaches continue learning.”

Creating an Environment Where Everyone Thrives

At Mariposa, the focus extends well beyond individual lessons. The team is constantly exploring ways to make the skating experience engaging, supportive and memorable for skaters, coaches and staff alike.

One of the school’s newest initiatives is Spirit Quest, an interactive app that encourages skaters to participate in trivia, photo challenges and team-based activities throughout the summer. Skaters are grouped into teams named after Olympic host cities, building camaraderie and connection that continues even after athletes return to their home clubs.

The school has also introduced its innovative Sweet Spot Reward System, which helps skaters develop goal-setting skills and positive training habits. Working alongside their coaches, skaters set achievable goals, track their progress and celebrate milestones along the way. Success is recognized with lobby displays, collectible candy charms and, of course, a sweet treat.

Another popular addition is Mariposa’s Challenge Card program, which encourages skaters to explore new skills across jumps, spins, skating skills, field moves, transitions and choreography. Featuring photos of Mariposa’s high-performance athletes, the cards reinforce strong technique while promoting independence and confidence.

Supporting coaches and staff is equally important. This summer, Mariposa partnered with local businesses to host a weekly Thursday Soup Showdown for coaches and introduced Tuesday lunch deliveries for campers, skaters and staff—initiatives that foster connection while supporting the local community.

Living the Values of Leadership, Accountability, Collaboration and Excellence

Mariposa’s commitment to continuous improvement is evident throughout its programming.

The school has embraced the CanSkate and STARSkate Excellence programs by developing supplemental resources that include videos, photographs, diagrams and coaching tools designed to promote consistency and enhance learning experiences for skaters.

A comprehensive review of its CanSkate program has led to standardized lesson plans, lower skater-to-coach ratios, structured teaching stations and improved digital progress tracking. Through a custom-built app, coaches can assess skaters efficiently while families receive clear progress updates aligned with Skate Canada standards.

Accountability is also embedded within the organization’s culture. New coaches are supported through a structured onboarding process, detailed policies and a culture handbook. A dedicated Coaches App provides access to class lists, skater information and session details, helping coaches arrive prepared and deliver consistent programming.