Our gymnastics classes are designed around a station-based rotation. Each class follows a pre-planned schedule that’s tailored to the students’ age group and level.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• The instructor introduces the day’s skills with general instruction.
  
  

• Students then rotate through different stations, each focused on a specific skill or progression. This will typically begin with stretching and mobility movements.
  
  

• While students work independently or with peers at these stations, the instructor moves among them.
  
  

• At each stop, the instructor provides individualized feedback, adjusts drills as needed, and offers spotting for safety and confidence.
  
  

This approach balances structure with flexibility. Every student gets exposure to the full range of skills, while also receiving personalized guidance at their own pace. It also keeps classes moving smoothly, avoids long wait times, and makes sure each gymnast spends more time moving than sitting.

We hold evaluations during the last 2–3 classes of each session. These classes look much like regular ones, but move at a slightly slower pace so instructors have time to observe each student individually.

How it works:

• Students continue rotating through stations as usual, but one at a time they’ll be asked to demonstrate certain benchmark skills.
  
  

• Instructors use these demonstrations, along with what they’ve seen over the session, to evaluate readiness for the next level.
  
  

• Evaluations are passed along to the program director, then typically processed during the final week of the session. Occasionally they spill over into the break between sessions.
  
  

Move-ups

• Families of students who are ready to advance will receive an official “move-up” email (or, in some cases, a direct phone call from the office).
  
  

• If no email or office call is received, students should plan to stay at their current level for the next session.
  
  

A quick note of caution:

Do not rely on information about move-ups that comes directly from an instructor or from your child.

Not all instructors apply the same standards when giving feedback, and families sometimes interpret encouragement as a sign of advancement. It’s very easy for well-intended comments to be misunderstood as an official decision, especially when everyone is excited about progress.

Instructors may also say something supportive “in the moment” that gets taken as confirmation of a move-up, when in fact the final decision is made only after evaluations are reviewed by the program director.

The program director reviews evaluations across classes to account for all factors and makes the final determination. The only reliable communication channel for advancement is the official email (or phone call) from the office. Anything received through another channel should be taken with a large grain of salt.

A note on pacing:

• Most kids take the same class more than once before moving up, and that’s not only normal, it’s the most common experience.
  
  

• The higher the level, the more complex the skills, and the longer it usually takes to master them.
  
  

• We see this as a positive: steady, repeated practice builds stronger foundations, confidence, and safety.

We do not require parents to notify us if their child will be absent or late. It can be helpful, but our attendance system is not designed with the expectation that we will receive advance warning of absences. This is because we rely on a simple, reliable process:

• The instructor checks in whoever is present at the door when class begins.
  
  

• Anyone not present is automatically marked absent.
  
  

• When attendance sheets are later transcribed into our digital system, the absence is logged.
  
  

This ensures consistency and avoids confusion.

What if you’re running late?

• Often, a staff member is at the door and can direct your child to the right class.
  
  

• If no one is there, just pop into the office via the front steps — we’ll get you squared away quickly.
  

Make-up policy:

• At the end of fall, winter, and spring sessions we hold a dedicated “make-up week.” During this week, only students with an absence attend, so everyone gets at least one guaranteed make-up opportunity.
  
  

• For additional absences, we’ll do our best to find openings in other classes of the same level. This depends on schedule compatibility and class availability, so while we’ll work with you, we can’t promise unlimited make-ups.

For safety and focus, parents are not permitted inside the gymnastics facility itself. The only exception is the office area, and then only for brief needs such as escorting a child to the restroom or asking a quick question. (We also ask that parents avoid using the restroom themselves whenever possible, since it is limited and primarily for our young athletes, some of whom may not be able to wait.)

This is a priority policy for several reasons:

• Student safety: We cannot allow adults who have not been background-checked or cleared to freely enter a space filled with children.
  
  

• Staff focus: Our instructors must give their full attention to supervising and teaching; unplanned adult interactions can compromise that.
  
  

• Student focus: Even well-meaning parent presence is distracting for kids who need to keep their eyes on the coach.
  
  

• Insurance requirements: Allowing unrestricted adult access would significantly increase liability and insurance costs.
  
  

Spectating options outside the facility:

1. Parent Viewing Room – An enclosed room adjoining the gym, with large windows for clear visibility.
   
   

2. Outdoor Viewing Area – At the top of our loading ramp, behind a fence. When weather allows, the overhead door is open for viewing.
   
   

We kindly ask parents not to engage with staff or students during class time from these areas. Even short interactions can create distractions, safety risks, and loss of valuable class time.

Our gymnastics program is organized by age and skill level, with three main tracks:

1. Standard Progression – the default path for most students.
   
   

2. Advanced Progression (Tidepools) – for students performing above the expectation for their age group.
   
   

3. Competitive Track – where both progressions eventually converge for students preparing for team gymnastics.
   
   

It’s important to note that not every child needs to be headed toward competition. In fact, only a minority of our students pursue the competitive track. Competitive gymnastics requires a significant commitment of time, energy, and focus and should not be considered the “end goal” for every student.

For most students, the goal is broader: to develop discipline, build strength and confidence, and become familiar with the process of learning and self-improvement. These are lifelong skills that will serve them well in any future endeavor, not just gymnastics. The key to fostering those skills is ensuring that each student is consistently challenged—and that principle is the foundation of our entire progression system.

It’s only when the brain is confronted with new challenges that it is pushed to adapt—forming new pathways, strengthening connections, and developing the resilience needed to overcome obstacles. A student’s progression in gymnastics is, in this sense, a byproduct of that process, and a sign that the deeper work of growth and adaptation is happening as it should.

For students who want to keep pursuing that growth through gymnastics at higher levels—without the additional demands of competition—we offer an Advanced Gymnastics class at Level 4 and above, outside the competitive team structure.

Standard Track (most common path)

• Wild Things – toddler, unstructured (ages 0–3)
  
  

• Make Way for Ducklings – toddler, structured (ages 0–3)
  
  

• Stellaluna Preschool – preschool (ages 3.5–4)
  
  

• Tigger’s Kindergarten – preschool (age 5)
  
  

• Ripples – Level 1 (ages 6–7)
  
  

• Riptides – Level 1 (ages 8+)
  
  

• Currents – Level 2 (ages 8+)
  
  

• Rapids – Level 3 (ages 9+)
  
  

• Advanced Gymnastics – Level 4+ (non-competitive track)
  
  

Advanced Track (Tidepools – accelerated, optional)

Students who demonstrate above-average performance for their age may be placed in the Tidepools program. In simple terms, if a child is ready for the skills of a given level but is younger than the standard age range, they will be placed in the corresponding Tidepools class. These classes provide added challenge and, for those who wish, preparation for eventual team participation—though competition is never required.

• Tidepools 1 – Level 1 (ages 4–6)
  
  

• Tidepools 2 – Level 2 (ages 6–8)
  
  

• Tidepools 3 – Level 3 (ages 6–9)
  
  

Competitive Track (where both paths converge)

• Pre-Team – Level 4+, pre-competitive
  
  

• Team – Level 4+, competitive
  

Entry Points for Beginners (by age)

For brand-new students, placement is always determined by age:

• Age 3.5–4 → Stellaluna Preschool
  
  

• Age 5 → Tigger’s Kindergarten
  
  

• Ages 6–7 → Ripples
  
  

• Age 8+ → Riptides
  

(Note: students beginning at age 6+ skip toddler and preschool levels.)

This progression system ensures that each child is challenged appropriately, whether their goal is to compete, continue advancing recreationally, or simply build strength, confidence, and a love for movement.

We do our best to keep families informed about any changes to the class schedule.

Scheduled closures (such as official holidays) are announced at the start of each session so you can plan ahead.

Unscheduled closures may happen due to weather, instructor absences, or other unexpected circumstances. In these cases:

• We will notify families as soon as we’re certain a closure is necessary.
  
  

• Sometimes these decisions must be made very close to class time.
  
  

For that reason, the best practice is to always check your email before heading to class. This ensures you’ll see any last-minute updates.

We want ACM to feel safe, welcoming, and respectful for every child and family. To help maintain that environment, we ask everyone on our property to follow these expectations:

• No smoking anywhere on the premises.

• No weapons or drugs of any kind are permitted on ACM property, even if kept inside a vehicle.
  
  

• Dispose of trash properly; no littering. There are trash bins on the building’s side ramp.
  
  

• Use respectful, kid-friendly language at all times.
  
  

• Treat staff, students, and other parents with courtesy.
  
  

• Avoid aggressive behavior of any kind.
  
  

• Supervise children closely, both indoors and outdoors.
  
  

• Walk carefully and drive slowly through the parking lot.

• If using playground, abide by the rules (see Playground Rules section below)
  
  

If you ever see or experience behavior that goes against these expectations, please come to the office and let us know right away so we can address it.

Please practice good parking lot etiquette when dropping off or picking up. That means not blocking other vehicles, keeping the main thoroughfare clear, and allowing cars to circulate, enter, and exit smoothly.

If the main lot is full:

• A grassy overflow lot is available on the road-side of the building.

If both lots are full (which is very rare):

• There is a paid parking lot just north of the Go Store It facility next door. This lot is open to the public and very affordable.

• As a last resort, some families have parked at the French Broad Chocolate Factory lot across the street. The owners there are often amenable, depending on the time of day and their current occupancy. However, we cannot guarantee permission. The best approach is to check in with them directly, and if you do park there, make a purchase as a courtesy.

A little patience and awareness in the lot helps keep everyone safe and on schedule.

The ACM playground is an extra perk for families, but we do have guidelines in place to keep it safe and fun.

• For ACM customers only
  
  

• Signed waiver required before use
  
  

• For children only — no adults on the equipment
  
  

• Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times
  
  

• No pushing, rough play, or unsafe behavior
  
  

• Do not climb on the roof
  
  

• Do not climb on the swing arm
  
  

Please make sure these rules are followed whenever your child is using the playground. Safety depends on consistent supervision and respectful play.

Our lobby carries a small selection of items for your convenience:

• Leotards and apparel
  
  

• Snacks and concessions (cash only)
  
  

We also offer used leotards on consignment:

• Families may bring in leotards to be resold.
  
  

• ACM retains a 20% commission on these sales.
  
  

• Consignment leotards are often a more affordable option but must be purchased with cash only. If you think you may be interested, please plan ahead to bring cash.

Directing Questions
Please direct all questions about administrative processes or program structure (such as billing, scheduling, enrollment, or policies) to the office rather than to your child’s instructor.

Most of our instructors are part-time staff whose role is to:

• Prepare for class
  
  

• Teach and supervise students
  
  

• Provide individual instruction
  
  

• Keep basic attendance and skill records
  
  

• Check in briefly with the program director before heading home
  
  

They are not trained for customer service, nor are they kept up to date on administrative procedures outside their immediate classes. Pressing them for answers may lead to incorrect information at best, or distract them from supervising children at worst.

For the most accurate, timely, and helpful responses, please reach out through the office email, phone, or in-person office hours (see below). This ensures you get the right information and allows instructors to keep their focus where it belongs—on the students.

Contact Guidelines

• Email is the preferred method. It usually gets the fastest response, as staff often monitor the inbox from home as well as during office hours.
  
  

• Phone calls are answered from 12–6 PM.
  
  

  • Calls outside these hours will be returned during office hours, as long as a voicemail is left.
    
    

  • Please note: missed calls without a voicemail will not be returned.
    
    

• In-person office hours are 3–6 PM.
  
  

Using these channels helps us stay organized and ensures that your questions get to the right person quickly.