Here at New Prague Gymnastics Club we have 7 different class level options to choose from. Our goal is to provide our students with an experience that is challenging, yet appropriate to their developmental level. It is for this reason that we provide guidelines on age for our younger students and take the time to do testing for the older children.
Testing takes place in Beginner I through the Advanced class. There is no testing for advancement in Tot/Pre-K or Pre-team. Testing usually takes place weeks 7-10, at the conclusion of which parents will receive a slip of paper with a recommendation on what level to register for in the next session they attend.
THE SKILLS TESTED NEED TO BE MADE TWO TIMES IN A ROW ON TWO DIFFERENT DAYS (without help from the coach) IN ORDER TO RECEIVE A SILVER OR GOLD STAR. IF THE STUDENT RECEIVES A SILVER OR GOLD ON ALL THE SKILLS, OR ALL BUT ONE, THEY WILL BE ALLOWED TO SIGN UP FOR THE NEXT LEVEL.
If you would like to know the skills your child is being tested on and a general idea of what we are looking for in testing them you can check out the Skills by level attachment at the bottom of the page.
General class descriptions:
PARENT/TOT CLASS (2 and 3 year olds)
This is a 45 minute class where a parent or guardian is out on the floor with the gymnast and coach, assisting the young gymnast with the class as they are introduced to the sport and learn to take turns, follow directions and distinguish body parts and movements. Advancement from this level is determined between the coach and the parent. Once the parent and coach think the student will be ok going for an hour without the guidance of a parent they may advance into the pre-k class.
PRE-K CLASS (4 and 5 year olds)
This class is a one hour class. Where the students are further exposed to basic gymnastics skills and equipment, while continuing to practice listening, following directions and taking turns. Advancement from this class is determined by the teacher. When the instructor feels that the child is strong enough and has a good enough attention span to succeed in the beginner I class they can inform the parent that the child is ready to move up at the start of the next session.
BEGINNER I (typically 6-8 yrs): 1 hour
The beginner I class is our first class option to involve testing. With parent discretion, five year old children are permitted to this class. Pre-requisites include: ability to listen, follow directions, wait turns and enough strength to support their own body weight.
BEGINNER II (8 AND UP): 1 hour
Beginner II is the beginning of the next skill set. The students in this class level will continue to work on developing the strength and technique needed to master basic gymnastics skills.
INTERMEDIATE: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Those passing beginner II can start in our intermediate group. This group will start to build on the skills from beginner I and II to begin working a more advanced skill set.
ADVANCED: 1 and 1/2 hours
The next step up in skill progression is our Advanced class. These students will continue to build on the skills they have learned in the beginner I, beginner II and intermediate classes (must pass intermediate to move to advanced).
PRE-TEAM: 2 hours
Once a student has passed the advanced class they may move up to our pre-team. This class prepares gymnasts for our MAGA competition team. Students can stay in this class as long as they choose before trying out for team and are not required to try out for team. There is no testing for this level and students are chosen for team by the team coaches during tryouts (in the Spring). Skills worked in this class vary depending on the skills of each gymnast, but build on all the things the gymnast can already do. It also includes time spent working on form and technique refinement on the skills already acquired.
