Business Details
23 Years
experience
Your Premier Gymnastics Training Center in Portland
We are a premier gymnastics center dedicated to developing top athletes and leaders of character. Founded in 2003 by Phil and Lynette Sappington, our facility combines progressive training methods with a focus on citizenship, respect, and teamwork. Over two decades, we've grown from 13 founding members to a thriving community producing state champions and college-bound athletes. Our programs cater to children from walking age through 18 years, offering structured classes that build physical skills alongside life values like persistence and self-confidence.With experienced USAG-certified coaches and specialized curricula for preschoolers, school-age students, and competitive teams, we emphasize that athleticism naturally follows strong character development. Our Jungle Academy Preschool integrates active learning with daily gymnastics instruction, fostering intellectual, social, and physical growth through play-based exploration.
Services
Preschool Gymnastics
School Age Classes
Competitive Teams
Jungle Academy Preschool
Parent Participation Programs
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of proven success developing state and national champions
- Our USAG-certified coaches hold national-level coaching credentials
- We integrate character development with athletic training in every class
- We provide age-specific programs from parent-participation toddler classes to competitive teams
- Our graduates have earned college scholarships at institutions like MIT and Seattle Pacific
Associations and certifications
- USA Gymnastics
- USAG Safety certified
Services
Preschool Gymnastics
Structured gymnastics programs for children walking through age 5 develop motor skills and listening abilities. Our BumbleBees, Crickets, and FireFlies classes teach sequencing, patience, and self-confidence through progressive drills while preparing students for advanced gymnastics training in a safe, engaging environment.
Competitive Teams
USA Gymnastics-sanctioned teams from levels 1-10 with annual summer tryouts. Our award-winning coaches develop regional and national competitors through specialized training regimens. Current athletes have advanced to collegiate programs, with Level 1 competition beginning at age 4 through our structured developmental pathways.
Jungle Academy Preschool
Play-based preschool program combining academic preparation with daily gymnastics instruction. Certified educators use learning centers to develop intellectual and physical skills. Curriculum includes 30 minutes of daily gymnastics and dance classes that reinforce life skills like problem-solving and persistence.
School Age Classes
Skill-building programs for ages 5-18 focusing on foundational gymnastics techniques. Classes separated by age and ability teach event-specific skills on vault, bars, beam, and floor. Our DragonFlies, Gliders, and Falcons programs emphasize safe progression while developing strength, flexibility, and respect for authority.
Parent Participation Programs
Interactive classes requiring adult involvement for toddlers aged walking to 4 years. BumbleBees 1 & 2 programs use guided activities to develop motor skills while strengthening parent-child bonds. These introductory sessions prepare children for independent preschool classes through structured, hands-on learning experiences.
People
Lynette Sappington
Co-Owner & Head Coach Levels 5-10
USAG-certified national-level coach with 20+ years experience. Former collegiate gymnast and mother of two gymnastics coaches. Specializes in developing advanced athletes while emphasizing character development through sports. Holds U100 and National Level Coach certifications.
Phil Sappington
Co-Owner & Head Coach Levels 5-10
National-level USAG-certified coach and former Oregon State Chair. With 20+ years developing competitive programs, he focuses on building confidence through gymnastics. Hosted international training camps and coached multiple national qualifiers while emphasizing hard work's rewards.
Stephanie
Preschool Director
BA in dance with 10 years teaching experience. Former South Korea English teacher and Portland metro area dance instructor. Developed Jungle Academy's play-based curriculum integrating gymnastics with early childhood education while teaching dance to competitive athletes.
Jubi
Competitive Team Coach
Former 14-year competitive gymnast with 8 state all-around titles. USAG Pro Member with U100 certification. As a mentor, she focuses on technical excellence while helping athletes overcome fears. Holds over 35 state championship medals across multiple events.
Caitlin
Preschool & Competitive Coach
Since 2017, has coached preschool classes and Level 2 competitive team. Former South Korea kindergarten teacher who emphasizes accomplishment through skill mastery. Teaches BumbleBees through FireFlies classes while managing online program materials.
Questions
What age ranges do your gymnastics classes cover?
We offer programs from walking toddlers through 18-year-olds, with specific classes for preschoolers, school-age students, and competitive teams.
Do you offer trial classes for new students?
Yes, first-time customers receive a free, no-obligation trial class to experience our programs before committing.
How do competitive team tryouts work?
Annual summer tryouts evaluate skill level and potential. Current competitors can schedule private evaluations with our head coaches for team placement.
What character development skills do you teach?
Our curriculum emphasizes sequencing, problem-solving, respect for authority, patience, correcting mistakes, and building self-confidence through structured progressions.
Do you offer sibling discounts?
Families with multiple students receive a 10% sibling discount per class, with additional discounts for students taking multiple programs.
What's included in your preschool program?
Our Jungle Academy combines play-based learning with daily gymnastics instruction, covering math, science, art, and motor skill development in a safe environment.
