Have you ever found yourself wondering, “Is preschool necessary?” You’re not the only one. A lot of Utah County parents wrestle with the same dilemma, weighing cost, convenience, and the battle of “they’re still so little” vs. “I want them to get ahead.“
The truth is, preschool does make a difference. Years of studies indicate that children who attend high-quality preschool programs build stronger academic skills, better emotional awareness, and sharper coordination. Those benefits don’t fade after kindergarten either—they ripple through a child’s life for years to come.
At All American Gymnastics, we turn learning into movement with our Fit by 5 program, helping preschoolers build confidence, friendship, and focus through play, balance, and exploration.
Why Preschool Has a Lasting Impact
Preschool isn’t just practice for kindergarten—it’s where confidence takes shape. Long-term studies show clear payoff: every dollar invested in preschool returns between $4.93 and $10.83 later in life.
Kids who attend quality programs are 11% more likely to graduate from high school, earn higher incomes, and enjoy better health as adults. They’re also 8% less likely to need special education.
But what parents usually notice first is far simpler—their child starts loving to learn.
Learning That Feels Like Play
Recent preschool research—like a 2025 Nature study—shows that children learn best through guided play and exploration.
That’s why our classroom often looks more like a playground. Our students learn letters, numbers, and shapes through academic instruction and movement games. This mix builds academic skills and enhances motor skill development—it’s learning disguised as fun.
Social & Emotional Growth
Preschool teaches kids to share, take turns, and be patient—essentially, they learn how to be part of a group. It also teaches them how to name feelings, manage frustration, and respond to others with kindness.
These early social and emotional development skills not only help children transition into kindergarten more smoothly, but they also help build lasting friendships.
Movement Shapes the Mind
Learning and movement go hand in hand—especially in the early stages of childhood. Balancing, tumbling, and jumping improve coordination, concentration, and self-confidence.
Our Fit by 5 kids move every day, as every class includes at least one active play period in the gym. But that’s not all. Certified teachers lead our program, ensuring an 8-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio, and our kids enjoy between 2 and 4 field trips annually.
Utah’s Reality for Preschool
Utah families face unique challenges in accessing quality early education. Approximately 53% of families with children under six have both parents working, yet only 36% of the demand for licensed childcare is satisfied.
Even though state learning standards have gotten better, enrollment is still low. Only 4.2% of eligible three- and four-year-olds go to state-funded preschool.
That’s why programs like AAG’s Fit by 5—small, flexible, and play-based—fill such an important gap for Utah County families.
Commonly Asked Questions From Parents
Readiness isn’t about age—it’s about curiosity and confidence. Most kids show signs between three and four years old. Our AAG staff can help assess readiness during a free visit.
Rigid academics can frustrate young learners. The best high-quality preschool programs—like Fit by 5—blend play-based learning with structure. Our certified teachers guide children through hands-on discovery instead of worksheets.
Look for programs that emphasize: Trained, certified educators in early childhood education, small class sizes to ensure one-on-one attention, play-based learning that creates joy and curiosity, and whole child development that includes social and emotional growth.
At Fit by 5, children learn with encouragement and discovery—the perfect mixture of fun and focus.
Preschool gymnastics is not only about competition—it unlocks mental and physical benefits for young children. With tumbling, balancing, and walking beams, kids build motor skills, spatial awareness, and focus. Those skills carry over to handwriting, staying focused, and school readiness.
In Fit by 5, active daily integration is woven throughout—one dedicated physical-activity class per day, bridging movement and learning.
Child care costs have risen 22–29% since 2020, but preschool often gives more back than it takes. Each 10% in pre-K enrollment raises maternal employment by 1.6% and boosts family income by 21.7%.
For reference, Fit by 5 tuition (as of 2025) is $228/month (ages 3–4) or $288/month (ages 4–5), plus registration fees—an investment that supports both family flexibility and a child’s growth.
Your best bet is being an active partner with your child’s preschool. Get frequent reports, attend meetings, reinforce learning at home, and stay involved in community and parent groups.
When parents and programs collaborate, children flourish. At AAG, there are parent-coach communications and opportunities to participate in special events, keeping families part of the early learning experience.
Real Results, Real Families
“By the end of the year, our son could write his name, count to twenty, and even do a round-off! More importantly, he learned to listen, take turns, and make friends. We’re forever grateful to Ms. Heidi and Ms. June.” — Micki Allred, AAG Parent Testimonial
Finding the Right Fit in Utah County
When you tour a preschool, pay attention to how it feels—are the teachers warm, are the kids laughing, and does the space feel safe?
At All American Gymnastics, the Fit by 5 program blends early childhood education with gymnastics-based play inside a USA Gymnastics-certified facility.
With over 40 years serving Utah Valley families, AAG helps children grow in body, mind, and confidence.
To learn more, contact us or visit 95 S. 1400 W., Lindon, UT 84042. We believe that when it comes to your child’s first classroom, movement and joy make the best teachers.
