Our first experience walking in was almost our last. If it weren't for the outlandish, unrefundable family registration fee, we would have left immediately. We were referred to Olympiad by a friend who loves the one in Ellisville. Stupidly, we signed up for the one in Ballwin sight unseen - lesson learned. This one is in an industrial court in an extremely tight, cluttered, dirty space. There is no organization or communication. Our first night of the session, no one came out to get the kids. As we have 2 different aged girls that go to different ""classes"", a term I use loosely, it was very chaotic to figure out who goes where. To add to the stress, the parents/kids peeling off winter attire were packed in like sardines. Imagine coats, boots, kids and people everywhere. To get to the cubbies for the kids clothes, you have to work your way through a doorway that only 1 person fits. The other 2 sides have some folding chairs and a two way glass for observing the kids. The kids can see you watching them, which can be distracting. They also sometimes take the kids behind the far wall of the space where you lose sight altogether. The instructors for the older (progressive) class don't give much individual attention. We are almost through the program and our kids have never even been taught proper stance, hand position - NOTHING. Two other parents I spoke with were also unhappy with the lack of attention, technique being taught, and the disorganization. One mom had previously enrolled her children in My Little Gym and explained how their instructors come out after every session and review what was taught, so it can be reinforced if they are practicing at home. They also taught appropriate form immediately. To date, I have never even MET OR SPOKEN to an instructor. My kids get approximately 2 minutes of direct attention per session - max. I actually counted one night and it was 52 seconds. This is just a very expensive, glorified play date. Can't wait for it to end. Looking for a new gym....
more