Here are some Frequently Asked Questions on how to get started with Emerald City Gymnastics Academy!
How do I sign up for classes?
Registration may be done in person, via email at ecga.redmond@gmail.com, or by calling the gym at 425-861-8772.
When can I sign up for classes?
Anytime, given space available! Our classes are continuous rather than session based. Most of our classes have waitlists, so reach out to the front desk to get on up to 2 waitlists.
What forms do I need to fill out?
Do you offer free trial classes?
In lieu of a free trial, your first class is free and tuition is prorated accordingly. If you feel like the class may not be a good fit, let us know within 48 hours of your first class to avoid any unnecessary charges. If we do NOT hear from you, we assume you DO want to continue and you will be responsible for the month’s remaining balance.
How do I pay for the classes?
Payments are done through our Parent Portal. Please contact the gym if you are having trouble logging in.
Can I request a certain Instructor?
While we cannot guarantee availability in the classes, we certainly do try to accommodate requests. We understand that different students respond differently to different teaching style and we want what’s best for your child. Instructors do change classes and levels from time to time, however, all our class instructors use the same lesson plans and should be teaching awesome classes all the time!
Do you offer drop in classes?
When room permits, we accept drop-ins for our High School/Adult tumbling classes and morning preschool classes. Drop-ins can be booked up to 24 hours in advance if there is space available in the class.
Do you offer private lessons?
Yes, we do. Please call the office at 425-861-8772 to schedule.
May I watch my kids do gymnastics?
ABSOLUTELY! You are welcome to stay and watch we just ask that parents stay in the viewing areas at all times, and that siblings and other children not in a class be closely supervised. We also kindly ask that you not “coach” your child from the sides, and respect the coach/student relationships we are trying to create.
Am I allowed to leave while my child is in class?
If your child is under the age of 3 years old, we request that a parent stay in the building during his/her class. If your child needs assistance using the bathroom, a parent or guardian must also stay. All other students do not need a parent present but we do remind you that there is late fee for late pick up after 15 minutes or more. Please make sure Emergency Contact Information (someone other than you or your spouse) is on your account if you plan to leave during your child’s class time.
When do classes end?
Because ECGA runs classes year round, your class enrollment will continue indefinitely until you withdraw from our program.
What can I expect my child to learn in gymnastics?
Our class program is designed to teach the basics of gymnastics along with strength and flexibility in a fun environment. We break down skills into progressive steps and use safe equipment. Our goal is to develop happy, healthy and confident children.
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions on proper attire.
What should my child wear?
Students must wear clothes that are non-restrictive and free of buttons and zippers. Jewelry (stud earrings OK), jeans, hooded sweatshirts, dresses, skirts, tutus, cropped tops, or sports bras (worn without a shirt over the top) are not permitted. Long hair must be pulled back off the face. Bare feet are preferred for easy traction. Leotards for girls are highly recommended.
Why does my child have to have their hair tied back?
We require all hair to be pulled back from the face and in a ponytail for safety reasons. We want to ensure safety every time your student steps foot onto the gymnastics floor. Loose long hair can momentarily obscure vision, can get caught in the instructor’s hands while spotting a skill, and can create a hazard when upside down.
Do you sell leotards and other gymnastics retail items?
Emerald City Gymnastics Academy proudly sells Destira, Snowflake, Plum, Pelle, GK and Dare Devil leotards. Please visit our Pro Shop for a wide variety of leotards, shorts, ECGA Apparel, grips, tape and more!
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions on schedules, such as snow days, missed classes and more!
How do I change the date and time of my classes?
Our front desk team would be happy to adjust your class schedule for you. If class options are not available, you may put your name on up to 2 waitlists at a time.
Is the gym opened year round for classes?
We offer classes year-round and our scheduled closures are listed on our calendar and policies, as well as posted in a timely manner in the facility. We do close two weeks a year for maintenance and one weekend a year for extensive staff training.
Does the gym close if it snows?
Emerald City Gymnastics Academy follows the Lake Washington School District for all inclement weather closures. If school is on late start, our morning classes will be canceled. Afternoon classes are canceled when school is closed for the day.
Do we need to call when our child is missing a class?
All Developmental and Team athletes MUST communicate all absences with their coaching staff. Preschool and Rec class students do not have to call in.
Can we get refunded for missed classes?
Once enrolled, your child holds that spot and it must be paid for in full. The monthly rate is determined based on the entire calendar year and charged monthly. Some months your child may have three classes, some four, some five but price will always stay the same.
How do we make up a class?
Each student is given one free Open Gym a month for missed classes; regardless of how many classes you miss, you still get one (unless otherwise communicated). Make-ups expire 3 months from the date of the missed class, pre-registration required. Students must be currently enrolled to do a make up. If you withdraw from the program, you are forfeiting any owed make-up classes. In order to cancel a make-up session, you must notify our Front Desk Staff at least 48 hours before the make-up session in order to reschedule. Missed Open Gyms may not be rescheduled.
There are no makeups for those enrolled in Developmental or Team programs.
Why can’t we make up a missed class during other regularly scheduled classes?
Due to the fullness of our program, we do not have the capacity to do make-ups within other classes and we strictly adhere to our teacher/student ratios. Utilizing Open Gyms as make-ups is quite common in gymnastics programs.
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions on levels and competitive gymnastics.
How do I know when my child is ready for the next level?
Once your child has achieved all the skills required to move up to the next level, their instructor will communicate with the front desk staff indicating they are ready for level mobility. The front desk staff will then reach out to you to arrange a class transfer or to get on waitlists. If you are curious where your child stands, feel free to speak with his/her instructor. Our move-up skill requirements are posted in the lobby area.
Does your gym have competitive teams?
Emerald City Gymnastics offers 3 different competitive teams, Dev (Men & Women’s teams), Xcel, and Rec Op, to cater to the abilities and commitment preferences of those who qualify. All 3 team programs are by invitation only.
How can my child try out for a team?
If your child shows promise towards being a successful competitive athlete, one of our Directors will reach out to schedule a skill evaluation. Keep in mind, the skill evaluation does not guarantee a spot on one of the teams.
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions on our cancellation and withdrawal policies.
What if I have to cancel my child’s classes?
We require a minimum written 2-week’s notice in order to withdraw from class. You can either send us an email to ecga.redmond@gmail.com or fill out the withdrawal form available at the front office. Include your child’s name, current class, and the reason for your withdrawal. We appreciate your feedback so please let us know if there is anything we can do to make your experience better in the future. Keep in mind, your children will be automatically enrolled from month to month until we receive a 2 week written notice.
Why do I need to give a 2 week notice before withdrawing from a class?
Due to the popularity of our program, there is typically a long list of children that are waiting to fill your spot. This advance notice allows us the time we need to make the necessary adjustments.
If I need to withdrawal, will my preferred time, day, and instructor be available when I return?
While we cannot guarantee that there will be place in your desired spot, we will do everything we can to work with your schedule and preferences. For this reason, we highly recommend that you remain enrolled if you are only going to miss a few weeks.
