Columbus Gymnastics Academy
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Columbus Gymnastics Academy is highly praised for fostering confidence and skill development, particularly for beginners, through compassionate coaching and smaller class sizes. It offers a warm, community-oriented atmosphere with friendly staff and owners, providing an enjoyable long-term experience that extends beyond regular classes with additional fun activities.
Key Highlights
- ✓Fosters significant confidence and skill development in children, turning them into 'super stars'.
- ✓Excellent for beginners with no prior experience, as coaching is compassionate and helps eliminate fear.
- ✓Coaches (e.g., Ariel, Miss Jackie) are passionate, dedicated, and emphasize proper techniques and safety in every session.
- ✓Smaller class sizes ensure personalized attention and individual work with children.
- ✓Management is accommodating, and the faculty genuinely cares about children's safety, success, and enjoyment.
- ✓Facility is clean, organized, and staffed with knowledgeable front desk personnel who happily provide tours and information.
- ✓Cultivates a diverse environment among both staff and students.
- ✓Offers engaging 'fun activities outside of classes,' some specifically designed to give parents time away.
- ✓Classes are considered 'extremely reasonably priced' for the quality of instruction, facility, and equipment compared to other local gyms.
- ✓Owners are friendly and approachable.
Standout Features
- ⭐Compassionate and encouraging coaching methodology that builds confidence.
- ⭐Strong emphasis on safety protocols and proper technique instruction.
- ⭐Benefit of smaller class sizes for focused, individualized learning.
- ⭐Supportive and accommodating management and caring faculty.
- ⭐Cleanliness and organization of the facility.
- ⭐Additional 'fun activities' that include options for parents to have free time.
- ⭐Friendly and approachable owners and coaches.
- ⭐Ability to build significant self-confidence in children.
- ⭐Helpful and knowledgeable front desk staff providing tours and detailed information.
- ⭐Diverse community of staff and students.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Always confirm current operating hours directly with the gym before visiting, as online information may be outdated.
- →If you're awaiting a call back after an inquiry, be prepared for a potential delay or plan to follow up proactively.
- →Columbus Gymnastics Academy is an excellent choice for children beginning gymnastics, offering a supportive and fear-reducing environment.
- →Parents aiming for competitive team advancement should be aware of potential inconsistencies and emotional challenges related to the tryout process, and prepare their child for various outcomes.
- →Inquire about and utilize the 'fun activities outside of classes' as some offer valuable 'parents time away'.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Google Business hours may be inaccurate; the gym was open when Google indicated it was closed.
- ⚠Follow-up on inquiries after an initial visit can be slow; one parent reported not hearing back after a day.
- ⚠Tryout processes for advancing to higher levels (e.g., Pre-Team) can be perceived as chaotic, rushed (due to other events like birthday parties), and potentially unfair.
- ⚠During tryouts, equipment may not be age/skill appropriate (e.g., bar too high) and overcrowding can occur (e.g., 4 students on one bar).
- ⚠Inconsistent tryout results were reported, where a child with 6 years of experience and private coaching failed while others, perceived as less skilled, were accepted into Pre-Team.
- ⚠Some parents may feel the gym prioritizes financial gain ('money maker') over genuine athletic development, particularly concerning advancement decisions.
- ⚠Unjustified advancement decisions can significantly hurt a child's feelings and trust.
Price & Value
Classes are considered 'extremely reasonably priced for the quality of instruction, facility and equipment compared to other gyms in the area.' Long-term patrons feel it is 'worth every penny.' However, one reviewer suggests that the value proposition may diminish at higher, more competitive levels if advancement is not achieved despite significant investment (e.g., private lessons, years of enrollment), due to perceived unfairness.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •No specific accommodations for special needs are mentioned in the reviews.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •No specific information on outside food or drink policy for general visitors.
- •Birthday parties are held on-site, implying some food/drink accommodation for those events, but details are not provided.
🚗Parking Info
- •No specific information about parking availability or cost is mentioned in the reviews.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Regular classes likely maintain smaller sizes, contributing to personalized attention.
- •The facility can get busy enough to cause rushing during events like tryouts, especially when combined with birthday parties.
🛡️Safety Features
- •Strong emphasis by instructors on continuously displaying and relaying the importance of proper techniques and safety in classes.
- •Faculty is noted for genuinely caring about children's safety.
- •A concern was raised regarding safety during a specific tryout, where equipment (bars) was reportedly too high and too many students (4) were on a single bar, indicating potential inconsistencies in safety application during high-pressure events.
⏰When to Avoid
- • If your child or family is solely focused on a clear, unhindered path to competitive team advancement without potential setbacks or perceived inconsistencies in evaluation at higher levels.
- • Relying solely on Google for accurate operating hours or expecting immediate call-backs after initial inquiries.
- • If your child is highly sensitive to potentially unfair or chaotic tryout environments, particularly for advancement into 'Pre-Team' or similar competitive levels.
Pricing/Package/Events
Pricing & Packages
Birthday Party
Starting at $150Duration: 60 minutes of active fun, 30-60 minutes in the party room
Three different party types available: Standard, NinGym, Open Gym. Scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays after 1:00pm on specific weekends only. Schedule in advance to reserve your spot!
Includes:
- •60 minutes of active fun
- •30-60 minutes in the party room
- •Tables and chairs
- •Clean up
Open Gym for Tumble Katz
$5Duration: Check calendar for dates and times
The perfect time for your kids to experience the fun of gymnastics.
7+ Open Gym
$10Duration: Check calendar for dates and times
The perfect time for your kids to experience the fun of gymnastics. Parents are not required to stay with child/children. A PARENT/GUARDIAN MUST complete and sign a waiver for their children to participate.
Back-Handspring Clinics
$12 for current class members, $14 for non-class membersDuration: Check calendar for dates and times
Break down the back-handspring and drill each part. Students will learn the four phases: Entry, Flight, Impact, and Exit. Each phase will be broken down with mats and drills, and students will learn exercises that can be practiced safely at home. Benefits beginner to advanced students.
Includes:
- •Instruction on 4 phases of back-handspring (Entry, Flight, Impact, Exit)
- •Drills with mats
- •Exercises for safe home practice
Tumble Katz Olympiad
$20Culminating event for the Tumble Katz program. Students march from event to event showing off all their skills on 5 different pieces of equipment. All routines are taught in class. Students receive an Olympiad Medal. Pre-registration is required.
Includes:
- •Performance on 5 different pieces of equipment
- •Olympiad Medal
CGA Class Meet
$35Bring the whole family to see your child perform on all of the equipment. Students receive a trophy. Pre-registration is required.
Includes:
- •Performance on equipment
- •Trophy
Sleepover
$25Super Saturdays
$17 for 1 child, $30 for 2 childrenDuration: 3 hours (1:00 pm – 4:00 pm)
Join for 3 hours of fun, games, gymnastics, and a snack. Students can play with instructors and improve their skills. Check calendar for dates.
Includes:
- •Games
- •Gymnastics
- •Snack
Winter Camps
$15Duration: Check calendar for dates and times
Fun for kids over their winter break. Includes gymnastics, games, obstacle courses, a snack, and more. Pre-registration is required.
Includes:
- •Gymnastics
- •Games
- •Obstacle courses
- •Snack
Martin Luther King Day Drop Off (Half Day)
$17Duration: 3 hours (9:00 am – 12:00 pm OR 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm)
Fun-filled day of gymnastics, obstacle courses, games, a snack, and more on a school day off. Pre-registration is required.
Includes:
- •Gymnastics
- •Obstacle courses
- •Games
- •Snack
Martin Luther King Day Drop Off (Full Day)
$35Duration: 7 hours (9:00 am – 4:00 pm)
Fun-filled day of gymnastics, obstacle courses, games, a snack, and more on a school day off. Pre-registration is required.
Includes:
- •Gymnastics
- •Obstacle courses
- •Games
- •Snack
President's Day Drop Off (Half Day)
$17Duration: 3 hours (9:00 am – 12:00 pm OR 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm)
Fun-filled day of gymnastics, obstacle courses, games, a snack, and more on a school day off. Pre-registration is required.
Includes:
- •Gymnastics
- •Obstacle courses
- •Games
- •Snack
President's Day Drop Off (Full Day)
$35Duration: 7 hours (9:00 am – 4:00 pm)
Fun-filled day of gymnastics, obstacle courses, games, a snack, and more on a school day off. Pre-registration is required.
Includes:
- •Gymnastics
- •Obstacle courses
- •Games
- •Snack
Spring Egg Hunt
$15Events & Schedule
Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)
Birthday Party
Saturdays and Sundays after 1:00pm on specific weekends only (Schedule in advance)
Starting at $150
Three different party types (Standard, NinGym, Open Gym). Includes 60 min active fun and 30-60 min party room time.
Open Gym for Tumble Katz
Every Week (Check calendar for dates and times)
$5 per child
For ages 2 to 6 (Kindergarten). Kids experience the fun of gymnastics.
7+ Open Gym
Every Week (Check calendar for dates and times)
$10 per child
For ages 7 to 17 (1st grade and up). Kids experience the fun of gymnastics. Parents are not required to stay. Waiver required for participation.
Back-Handspring Clinics
Check calendar for dates and times
$12 for current class members, $14 for non-class members (non-refundable fee)
Focuses on breaking down and drilling the four phases of the back-handspring (Entry, Flight, Impact, Exit). Beneficial for beginner to advanced students.
Tumble Katz Olympiad
Pre-registration required (implied specific date)
$20 per child
Culminating event for the Tumble Katz program (ages 2-6). Students perform skills on 5 pieces of equipment and receive an Olympiad Medal.
CGA Class Meet
Pre-registration required (implied specific date)
$35 per child
An event for the whole family to see a child perform on all equipment and receive a trophy.
Sleepover
$25 per child
Super Saturdays
Saturday 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm (Check calendar for dates)
$17 for 1 child, $30 for 2 children
3 hours of fun including games, gymnastics, and a snack, allowing students to play with instructors and improve skills.
🍎Food Policy
- • For birthday parties, hosts are expected to bring their own food, beverages, cake, plates, cups, utensils, decorations, party favors, and candles.
🛡️Safety Policy
- • Masks are optional for all spectators and athletes due to decrease in hospitalizations and deaths; policy may change.
- • Self-monitor for symptoms; take advantage of make-up class if ill.
- • All children must have a waiver of liability signed by a parent/legal guardian on file to participate.
- • Anyone over the age of 18 is not allowed on any equipment (including trampolines and foam pit).
- • Workout attire is required for participation; no jeans, belts, buckles or snaps.
- • Children participate barefoot.
📅Booking Policy
- • Sessions run year round; check calendar for registration dates.
- • New students can register via the website.
- • Returning students (within last 2 years) can log into their Parent Portal account to sign up.
- • Birthday parties are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays after 1:00pm on specific weekends only; schedule in advance to reserve.
- • Pre-registration is required for Tumble Katz Olympiad, CGA Class Meet, Winter Camps, Martin Luther King Day Drop Off, President's Day Drop Off, and Spring Egg Hunt.
What People Say
What's Great
- Friendly and helpful staff (mentioned in 6 reviews)
- Safe environment for children (mentioned in 2 reviews)
- Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 3 reviews)
- Great for birthday parties (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Edgar Sarmiento
a year agoThis gym has seen my little girl grow. Has turned her into a super start. She has grown with lots of confidence in herself. I really love the coaches and love the owners they are so friendly I recommend this gym 100% go CGA!!!!!
Brittany R
a year agoThis will be our third session with this gym. Our daughter is new to the sport with no prior experience and they have been nothing short of amazing. Ariel has been her primary instructor and you can tell she truly loves her job and has a passion for teaching the skills and sport to others. The children are encouraged and coached with compassion; eliminating the fear of starting a new sport. The instructors continuously display proper techniques and safety in classes and relay the importance of both at every session. Children are personally worked with given the smaller class sizes and properly evaluated to assess readiness in advancing. The management is accommodating and you can tell the faculty truly cares about our children, their safety, success, and most importantly making this an enjoyable/rewarding experience. After exploring many gyms, we also think the classes are priced extremely reasonably for the quality of instruction, facility and equipment compared to other gyms in the area. Overall, we couldn't be happier with CGA!
RoViews by Romaine Roberts
a year agoWanted to share a review for those who wanted a perspective from someone with limited interaction with the gym. Scoping out a new gym home for my daughter and decided to take a drive to find out where this place was located. I was surprised to see they were open since Google business hours showed them as closed. There was someone at the front desk who greeted us kindly and happily gave us a tour and information about the gym. Thank you! I was impressed with a few things right off... *The diversity of staff and students *Clean and organized facility *Knowledgeable staff at front desk and willingness to help. *Current banners in the front lobby. I thought this was great placement! I left a note as advised by the person who helped me, but I still haven't heard back from anyone. (It's only been a day) Unfortunately, this is more common than I appreciate, (I've run into this at other gyms), but I get it. The person you really need to talk to is busy. Hoping to get a call after this review since they seem to be very diligent about responding to the reviews... Also to be noted. The replies are professional and not rude. Kids at the gym seemed happy as well as friendly. Instructors seemed pleasant. Parent dropping off seemed satisfied. I'm so excited to learn more about this place! 🤞🏾
Theresa Garee
5 years agoWe have been coming here for 7 years. We love yhe instructors, we love the atmosphere and we absolutely love Miss Jackie. Its more than gymnastics classes. They schefule plenty of fun activities outside of classes...and some give parents time away!! Worth every penny. 💙💚💛
Frank
a year agoI will share my experience with this place, so called " academy ". 6 years my daughter was in this school, from age 4 until yesterday, got in to juniors star level, and was ready to move into pre team level, and here what is happened, we took private lessons with her coach prior try out, everything seemed well, coach stated that she is ready and should not have any issues to pass this test. Guess what? They did not choose her, because she failed the test. What...? How? Everyone from her current team passed but her, they recommended to stay at the same class another year. We saw try out, and be honest this can be compared with a circus show, they rushed kids because they were ready for birthday party same day, it was awful, they put 4 students on the same bar, bar that they even couldn't reach. Students who couldn't do a split got accepted into pre team. Final verdict about this school is this is not sports or gymnastics oriented place but a money maker. Such a shame that we spent so much of time and trust, and all went up side down. Parents just be aware of this situation, because your kid Could be the next, and it's really hurts kid's feelings, when we as a parents cannot explain them this kind of unjustified decisions by some of adults who take a position to be as a coach.