With the 2023 school year starting later this month, Noozhawk has put together our annual ParentNooz After School Activities Guide. Our guide takes the stress out of planning your child’s after school schedule by providing you with all the necessary information when deciding on which after school program is the best fit.

To help give parents more information about after school programs in Santa Barbara County, Noozhawk has conducted a series of interviews with representatives of local programs for this year’s After School Activities Guide.

In this interview, Noozhawk spoke with Jessica Miller, Marketing Coordinator at Santa Barbara Trapeze Co., to learn more about their after school programs here in Santa Barbara. 

Santa Barbara Trapeze Co.

Question: What is the mission behind your after school program?

Answer: Our mission is to provide a unique and empowering experience for children. Through a perfect blend of physical skill development, character-building, and creative exploration, we aim to inspire young minds to soar with confidence.

Q: When was your program started and what was the inspiration for creating it?

A: We introduced the Masterclass program our first year in business, 2020. The intention was to fulfill the aspirations of flying trapeze enthusiasts seeking mastery. This structured and supportive initiative offers regular training sessions, providing an ideal environment for success. Expert instructors passionately guide students, progressing from foundational to advanced techniques. The program fosters a sense of community and support, encouraging personal growth and confidence. Participants experience the thrill of improvement and develop resilience. SBTC’s Masterclass paves the way for students to soar to new heights, both technically and personally, in an empowering and transformative journey of skill mastery.

Q: What is the age range for children to take part in your after school activity or program?

A: Our students range from 6-16 years old.

Q: Describe a typical day or schedule of your after school activity/program.

A: Class begins with a comprehensive physical warm up and stretch to prepare the body to move. Then we get flying! We start with fundamentals of the swing which is the base for all skills on the flying trapeze. Then, we move into working individually with each student on their specific skills, picking up wherever they left off on their flying trapeze journey. We finish off the 2 hour session with catching the skills we have been working on. When we talk about “catching” we mean a mid-air transfer between our experienced instructors as the student performs their trick.

Q: What is the average program size or class size for your activity? What is your teacher to student ratio?

A: Class size caps at 10 students. We usually have around 8 students and there are always 3 coaches.

Q: What is the protocol for bringing on a new employee or teacher? How are employees vetted before joining your program?

A: New members of the SBTC team do a 1-on-1 interview with each of the leadership team to discuss their experience, and motivation for joining. We really look for people who are positive, inspiring, and encouraging who have a passion for teaching. We also do full background checks. Once these steps are completed, the prospective new instructor will fly in a class to experience our style of coaching. Then, they shadow instructors to learn the skills required for their role and to see what the most important things are in our coaching methodology. After these steps are completed, they are hired as full instructors. We believe in continued education and have regular staff training to ensure everyone is kept up to date on their skills and our safety procedures.

Q: In what ways is your program educational?

A: At SB Trapeze Co, our Masterclass offers a diverse range of specific skills and progressions, making it easy to measure the students’ growth and development. Through this program, students have the opportunity to practice essential physical abilities like coordination and balance, all in a supportive and encouraging environment.

Beyond the physical aspects, our Masterclass also imparts ancillary skills, such as effective group collaboration, communication with adults, and fostering support among fellow students. It’s a comprehensive learning experience that prepares students for success in various aspects of life.

At SB Trapeze Co, we firmly believe in creating an excellent environment for your child to soar and learn. With our experienced instructors and strong support system, we empower students to take courageous leaps in their learning journey, knowing that there’s always a safety net to catch them and that they can always try again. We hold Flying Trapeze and Aerial Fitness in high regard as effective tools for teaching children grit and resilience.

To ensure that we remain at the forefront of educational practices, we have established partnerships with some of the leading thought leaders and educators in experiential learning, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), and STEM. Together, we aim to provide a well-rounded and enriching experience for all our students.

Q: Describe what makes your after school program unique and worthwhile?

A: Trapeze Masterclass is a unique and valuable after-school activity for kids, combining physical skill development with character-building elements. Expert instructors guide students to master specific skills, fostering focused attention, coordination and balance. The program emphasizes life skills like group collaboration, and building resilience and grit. The supportive environment encourages risk-taking and confidence. We strive to give kids an empowering experience, helping to prepare them for success beyond the trapeze.

Q: How do you communicate with parents in case of an emergency?

A: Parents will receive a phone call and text immediately if there is an emergency.

Q: What is the date range and hours of your after school activity or program?

A: Our program runs all year round 4-6pm on weekdays. Pick one day a week and make that class your home class, building your skills with the same group every week!

Q: What is the cost/tuition? Are scholarships available?

A: Our masterclass is priced at $700 for an 8 week session. We do offer scholarships- please contact us to discuss scholarship opportunities.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to tell our readers about your after school program that was not mentioned above?

A: We believe in the power of flight to make a difference in each child’s life. During the 8 week session, they experience a low-key social environment, bonding with their peers in a supportive atmosphere. Being outdoors adds to the sense of freedom and connection with nature, allowing them to escape the confines of their thoughts and fully engage their bodies in the thrill of Flying Trapeze. This unique combination fosters a positive and enriching experience, encouraging both social interaction and physical development in a refreshing and invigorating setting.

Click here to learn more about Santa Barbara Trapeze Co. and their after school programs!