Frequently Asked Questions for Juniors

Evaluations/lessons:

Do I need to bring my junior in for an evaluation?
Only junior players looking to play High School 1 & 2 should come in for an evaluation before signing up for classes (these are typically varsity-level players). This is to ensure we place your junior in the best class setting. Please note that if you have participated in FWTEC classes in the past year, you do not need to come back in to be re-evaluated.

Upcoming Evaluations Dates (Updated 11/25/2024)

Evaluations for the upcoming junior session (Winter Session 1) have already been completed. The next round of evaluation will take place in March. Please stay tuned for updates!

How do I sign up for an evaluation?
To sign up for an evaluation, please email andrea@fwtec.org or call 612-252-8367 ext. 108. You must contact Andrea to confirm your evaluation time, as we have limited evaluation spots.

Can I do private lessons? (Updated 12/3/2024)
At this time, we are not scheduling new private lessons for non-patrons. We anticipate resuming the scheduling of new private lessons for non-patrons in March, so please check back in with us. 

CHoosing the right class:

Please get in touch with Andrea with any specific questions regarding class placement, moving to a different age or level, or if you are interested in our Advanced or High-Performance options. 

I have two children, ages 10 & 7. Can I sign both up for the 10u class?  
No. The 10-year-old should register for 10u, and the 7-year-old should sign up for an 8u class. Our classes are crafted with a developmentally appropriate curriculum and factor in the social-emotional skills needed at each age group.   

My child is 8. Can they sign up for a 10u class?  
No. We prefer they stay in the 8u classes until they turn 9. We set up our classes to be physically, mentally, and emotionally age-appropriate.   

Should I register my 12U player for a 1-hour or 1.5-hour session?
1-hour sessions are more attuned to beginner players who are learning the sport, while 1.5-hour sessions are typically for players who want to dedicate more time and really enjoy tennis. However, it is also about what best fits your schedule!

How will I know when my High Schooler is ready to change classes?
Please note that all players progress at different rates.  Students may be in the same level class for multiple years, and that's ok!  Coaches are constantly evaluating individuals in group lessons and will notify players if they need to move to a different class.  

My child is turning 13 soon. What should I sign them up for next?
Players who are turning 13 or recently turned 13 should register for High School 3 for their next session unless advised otherwise by a FWTEC coach.

My child plays middle school tennis or lower-level JV. What class should I sign up for? 
High School 3 is a great place to start. If your child is a higher-level JV player or from a very competitive program, contact Andrea for an evaluation. 

How can my child participate in the High-Performance classes? 
The High-Performance classes are by invitation only. The expectations for the High-Performance classes are you attend at least two sessions a week, participate in USTA tournaments, and play tennis year-round. 

How can my child move up to High School 1 classes? 
The High School 1 expectations are that you play on your varsity tennis team and compete in 2 or more USTA tournaments a year. If you meet these qualifications and feel your child is ready to move to this level, please schedule an evaluation. 

Cancellation & Refund Policy:

Are there any makeups or refunds if I need to miss a class and know beforehand, or if I’m sick the day of class?
Unfortunately, we cannot offer make-ups or refunds. Logistically, it’s not possible with the number of patrons in our programs.   

If my child can’t make the first two weeks of class, can we get the session pro-rated?  
No, but you can wait until the session has started, and if spaces are still available, you can get the prorated rate. Often, our classes fill up within the first week of registration during the colder months.   

What is your cancelation policy if you need to withdraw your child from a session?  
If the player withdraws more than a week before the session starts, you get a full refund. If your child is injured halfway through the session, you will get a partial refund. If you need to cancel for any other reason, contact Andrea by emailing andrea@fwtec.org or calling 612-252-8367 ext. 108

Registration:

When can I register for the junior programming group classes? 
Registration typically opens 4-weeks prior to the start of the upcoming session for members, and three-weeks prior for non-members. Please refer to our upcoming junior classes page for more information.

I am having issues registering online. What should I do?
If you are struggling to register for the proper class online, please contact Andrea Claassen, and we will help you with the registration process. 

Memberships:

Can you upgrade from a junior to a family membership?  
Yes. Please reach out to the front desk for assistance at 612-252-8367 ext. 0  

Why should I become a patron (member)? 
Members can register one week before non-members. They also get a member rate on all junior programming. If you get a family membership, adults can register for adult drills one week before the class. Non-members register 48 hours before the class starts. Members don’t have to pay a $5 guest fee if they do private lessons or rent court time to hit. The best benefit is that you’re supporting a non-profit in our community through our TennisWorks program!

Scholarships & Discounts:

Do you offer scholarships for junior programming?  
Yes, we do. Please visit our scholarship page for more information. For additional questions, please reach out to Leslie at leslie@fwtec.org or 612-252-8367 ext. 102 

If we sign up for multiple days, do we get a discount?  
Unfortunately, we do not offer discounts.  

Equipment Needed:

Does my child need a tennis racquet? 
Please bring a racquet if you have one. We do have demo racquets for ages 5-18 to use for your session, if you don’t yet own one or you forget yours one week. 

Should my child bring a water bottle?  
Yes, they can bring water bottles. 

Still have a question? Please reach out to Andrea by emailing andrea@fwtec.org or calling 612-252-8367 ext. 108. Thank you!