By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – Kids in grades kindergarten through sixth looking to hone their cheerleading skills going into middle and high school will have a chance to do so through the new Thompson Warriors Cheerleading Academy.

The academy is set to begin in September, and is “designed to prepare students for middle and high school cheerleading,” even if they have no previous cheerleading experience, according to program organizers.

During each class, students will receive instructions on jumps, motions, cheer technique and tumbling. The classes will be taught by Thompson cheerleading coaches and staff members, who will be assisted by current Thompson cheerleaders.

All proceeds from the camps will benefit the Thompson cheerleading program.

For kindergarteners through third-graders, classes will be held on Wednesdays after school at 4:30 p.m., and will last about 45 minutes apiece. Cost for the K-through-third-grade classes will be $45 a month in addition to a one-time annual registration fee of $30, which includes a T-shirt.

Creek View Elementary School will offer the classes in its cafeteria from September through December, and Meadow View Elementary School will offer the classes in its cafeteria from January 2019 through April 2019.

For fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders, one-hour classes will be held on Tuesdays at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the Thompson Middle School cafeteria. Cost for those classes will be $55 per month, in addition to a one-time registration fee of $40, which includes a T-shirt.

All students must be registered with the ACS after-school program to participate.

Registration will begin on Aug. 1, and parents who pay for the entire semester up-front will receive a $20 discount.

To register for the K-through-third-grade classes, visit goo.gl/forms/chudOVN88BRxQfEs1.

To register for the fourth-through-sixth-grade classes, visit goo.gl/forms/Rp8uuZJnW4GvXJZW2.