Northwest Gymnastics Training Center

Below are answers to the most common questions we are asked.

Q:     How old does my child have to be to get started?

A:     Our Mommy & Me classes start as young as 2-years old.  Recreational classes (without parent participation) typically start at age 4.

Q:     How do NGTC prices compare to other gyms?

 A:     We are proud to offer the best value in gymnastics training in the entire Portland Area.  While other gyms charge a "session" tuition cost, our tuition is always calculated on a monthly basis.  This saves you at least one – two payments per year.  Also, our student : teacher ratio is far under what other gyms offer (we max out at 8:1 while most gyms are 12:1). 

Q:     What if I'm not sure my son/daughter is going to like gymnastics?

A:     We encourage you to call, email or stop-by the office and sign-up for a free trial-class.  There is never any charge for this trial, and it gives you the chance to see if your child is going to like gymnastics, the coaches, etc. before investing any money.

Q:     Is there a dress code?

A:     Yes.  For the safety of your child, we ask that he/she wear sweats or shorts, and a t-shirt or tank-top.   Leotards for girls are a good idea as they keep clothing from catching on any equipment.   Hair should always be pulled-back in a pony or pigtails if it is longer than shoulder length.

Q:     How early do I need to have my child at the gym prior to class?

A:     We usually recommend at least 5-minutes early so that your child can change and be ready to go when class starts.

 Q:     Which side should I be dropping and picking-up my son/daughter?

A:     Recreational gymnasts start in the smaller (North) gym, and should therefor be dropped off at the main office entrance.  Team gymnasts (boys and girls) should be dropped-off at the Team (South) entrance. 

Q:     How do I get my son/daughter on team?

A:     Team is by invitation only.  Try-outs are held periodically during which time the coaches have a chance to evaluate each gymnast.   We offer a Pre-Team program that is designed to get your child ready for team.  Pre-team begins at level 1 and, by the time she is level 4 preteam, she will be ready to move directly onto team when a spot opens and the coaches believe she is ready.  If you believe you and your child wish to pursue a position on the competitive team, we encourage you to let the office know so that we can inform you of any upcoming try-out times and answer any other questions you may have.

Q:     Does NGTC accept every child that applies for a recreational or team class?

A:     We would love to allow every child an opportunity to learn gymnastics at NGTC.  Unfortunately, do to safety concerns for all our students and coaches, we reserve the right to refuse service to those potential students that are deemed by the staff and/or coaches, not to be a good fit for our gym for whatever reason.

Q:     We will be away on vacation for a couple classes.   Can we do a make-up class?

A:     Absolutely.  We ask, however, that you call or email the office prior to the missed classes, otherwise your request for a make-up class may be rejected.  Please check with the front desk to schedule a make-up class.

Q:     When are payments due?

A:     Payment is due at the first of each month.  We encourage you to contact the office or stop by the front desk and be set-up for auto-pay.  We do charge a $15 late-fee for payments received after the 5th of each month.

Q:     What form of payments do you accept?

A:     Cash, Check, Mastercard, and Visa are all accepted.

Q:     Are family/ friends allowed to watch?

A:     We encourage this!  We've got a fair amount of seating available to watch, and a kids play area upstairs for the little ones!  However, please note that we don't allow any spectators to be seated or standing on the blue carpet floor, or in front of the boys equipment, adjacent to the coaching offices in the larger gym.  We ask that you NOT walk on teh blue carpet at any time, unless escorted, as it puts our gymnasts, and yourself, in jeopardy of injury.  If you wish to watch your child if he/she goes into the other gym, please walk around the West end of the building to the other side.  Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

Q:     What is your policy should we need to drop a class?

A:     To help us maintain proper class sizes and ensure each class is fun and effective, we require a minimum of one-month (30 days) notice prior to your drop-date.  This drop must be in writing on one of our NGTC Drop Notice forms, and turned into the office staff.  They will assist you in pro- rate the time remaining based upon your son/daughters current rate.

Q:     When do you have Open Gym (Parent's Night Out) times?

A:     Open Gym, many times referred to as Parent's Night Out, is a great way to let the kids play at the gym in a fun, safe, professionally supervised environment while the parents do whatever they wish.  Currently, we offer Open Gym times every Friday Night, from 7pm – 10pm.  Prices are $15 for drop-ins, and only $11 if you sign-up prior to Friday.

Q:     Can I purchase the needed leotards,etc. at NGTC?

A:     Yes.  In fact, we are very proud of our ability to offer top of the line leotards from famous designers at prices below what you could purchase them for anywhere else in the Portland area! 

We also stock a number of different styles of shorts, shirts and gymnastic must-haves!  Stop by the proshop and check it out the next time your in.