A Developmental Cheer Program at Gymnastics Central

Gymnastics Central’s Cheer Prep Academy is a developmental cheer program designed to build confidence, teamwork, and foundational cheer skills in a fun, positive, and supportive environment.

This program is ideal for athletes who are new to cheer or looking to develop the skills needed for future school cheer opportunities, without the pressure or commitment of All-Star cheer programs.

What Is Cheer Prep Academy?

Cheer Prep Academy is a school-style, developmental cheer program that focuses on proper technique, safety, and confidence-building. Athletes will learn the fundamentals of cheer in an age-appropriate setting that emphasizes effort, teamwork, and growth.

This program reflects Gymnastics Central’s philosophy of Fun & Fitness for Kids and is designed to be welcoming, encouraging, and developmentally focused.

Cheer Prep Academy is not an All-Star or travel cheer program.

Who Is This Program For?

Cheer Prep Academy is designed for children ages 6–12.

Athletes are generally grouped within the 6–8 and 9–12 age ranges, but final group placement may also consider experience, skill level, and overall group balance to ensure safe and effective training.

No prior cheer experience is required.

Program Focus

Training at Cheer Prep Academy emphasizes:

• Sharp motions and clean technique

• Jumps, flexibility, and strength

• Tumbling fundamentals

• Basic, progressive stunting with safety as the top priority

• Learning counts, chants, voice projection, and sideline leadership

• Confidence, teamwork, and school-spirit culture

The goal is to prepare athletes for school cheer environments while helping them grow as confident, capable individuals.

Season & Schedule

• Season runs February through June

• Practices are held once per week on Saturdays

• Practice times are determined by group placement

First practice: Saturday, February 7

Tumbling Requirement

All Cheer Prep Academy athletes are required to be enrolled in a tumbling class in addition to their cheer practice.

Tumbling is a core component of cheer development and is essential for safety, skill progression, and confidence. Multiple tumbling class times may be available to help accommodate family schedules, though specific times cannot be guaranteed.

Cheer Prep Academy Tryouts

Cheer Prep Academy Tryouts are used for skill assessment and group placement, not cuts.

Our goal is to place athletes where they can train safely and successfully. We will make every effort to accommodate all athletes, as program size and scheduling allow. If interest exceeds available space, group placement will be based on safety, staffing, and scheduling considerations.

Tryout Details

• Tryout Date: January 24

• Tryout Fee: $10

• Registration: Parent Portal at gymnastics-central.com under Cheer Prep Academy

Group placements and training times will be announced most likely on the Monday following tryouts.

Coaching Leadership

Cheer Prep Academy is led by Head Coach Kaylee LeVan, who brings experience in gymnastics, tumbling, and collegiate cheer. Coach Kaylee is passionate about creating a positive, structured environment where athletes can build strong fundamentals, confidence, and teamwork—while having fun.

What Happens After the Season?

Following the February–June season, Gymnastics Central plans to offer cheer-related camps, clinics, and special events in the fall, including skill clinics and tryout-prep opportunities.  Athletes are encouraged to continue their tumbling classes as tumbling is a core component of safe and effective cheer development. 

Cheer Prep Academy will continue seasonally, with future tryouts held prior to each season.

Cheer Prep Academy – Quick FAQ

Is this an All-Star cheer program?
No. Cheer Prep Academy is a developmental, school-style cheer program. It is not an All-Star or travel program.

Are athletes cut at Cheer Prep Academy Tryouts?
No. Tryouts are used for skill assessment and group placement, not cuts. We will make every effort to accommodate all athletes, as program size and scheduling allow.

Does my child need cheer experience?
No prior cheer experience is required. This program is designed for beginners and developing athletes.

What ages is the program for?
Cheer Prep Academy is designed for children ages 6–12, with flexible group placement based on age, experience, and overall group balance.

How often does the team practice?
Once per week on Saturdays.

Is tumbling required?
Yes. All Cheer Prep Academy athletes must be enrolled in a tumbling class in addition to cheer practice.

Will there be performances or competitions?
The focus is skill development and confidence-building. Performance opportunities may include showcases or exhibitions, with details shared later in the season.

Is there a fee for tryouts?
Yes. There is a $10 tryout fee, collected during registration through the Parent Portal.

Ready to Get Started?

Cheer Prep Academy is an exciting new program at Gymnastics Central, and we look forward to helping athletes build a strong foundation for cheer—both on and off the mat.

Register for Cheer Prep Academy Tryouts

Registration available through the Parent Portal at gymnastics-central.com