Prep vs elite cheer: choosing a track
Prep and elite are two tracks within all-star cheer. Prep cheer is a lower-commitment, lower-cost entry point with fewer practices, limited travel, and a shorter season. Elite cheer (also called traditional or competitive) is the full path with more practice hours, more competitions, national travel, and higher cost. Both use the same USASF level system, so athletes learn real skills on either track.
Last updated July 10, 2026
What is the difference between prep and elite cheer?
The difference comes down to commitment, travel, and cost, not the quality of coaching. Prep teams practice fewer hours per week, compete at mostly local and regional events, and cost less, which makes them a popular starting point. Elite teams practice more, travel to national competitions, and require a larger time and financial commitment.
Both tracks build genuine cheer skills and both compete. Prep is not a watered-down version of the sport; it is a smart on-ramp that lets families try competitive cheer without the full elite investment.
How do practice hours and time commitment compare?
Prep teams typically practice once a week or a couple of shorter sessions, which fits families juggling other activities or those testing whether their child loves the sport. Elite teams usually practice multiple structured sessions per week, often with additional tumbling classes, and expect consistent attendance because the whole team depends on every athlete.
The heavier elite schedule is what makes advanced routines possible. When a team is training higher-difficulty tumbling and stunts for national competition, it simply needs more mat time to perform safely and cleanly.
- •Prep: fewer weekly practice hours, lighter attendance demands.
- •Elite: multiple weekly practices plus supplemental skill classes.
- •Prep: shorter season, often ending earlier in the year.
- •Elite: full season running into spring championships.
How does travel and competition differ?
Prep teams generally compete at local and regional events close to home, which keeps travel costs and weekends away to a minimum. For a Broward County family, that often means competitions within driving distance in Florida.
Elite teams attend more competitions and typically travel to major national events, which can mean flights, hotels, and full weekends away. That travel is part of the elite experience and a real part of the cost to plan for.
Is prep or elite more expensive?
Elite is more expensive than prep, primarily because of the added practice hours, choreography, and national travel. Prep keeps costs down with a shorter season, fewer practices, and local competitions, which is why it is often recommended for first-year families.
Actual figures depend on the gym, the specific team, and the travel schedule, so published national ranges are only a rough guide. For our current prep and elite pricing and what each includes, see our programs page rather than general estimates.
Should my child start with prep or elite?
For most families new to the sport, prep is the recommended starting point. It lets a child learn the fundamentals, experience competing, and confirm they love cheer before committing to the elite schedule and budget.
Athletes with prior experience or a strong desire to compete seriously may start directly on an elite team after an evaluation. Coaches place athletes where they will be challenged appropriately and can keep progressing safely, and many athletes move from prep to elite as their skills and commitment grow.
Frequently asked questions
Do prep and elite cheer teams learn the same skills?
Both tracks use the same USASF level system and teach real tumbling and stunting, so skills overlap. Elite teams usually progress faster and to higher difficulty because they have more practice hours, but prep athletes still learn and compete genuine skills.
Can my child move from prep to elite?
Yes. Prep is often a stepping stone, and many athletes move up to an elite team as their skills and commitment grow. Coaches re-evaluate athletes and place them where they will keep progressing.
Is prep cheer worth it, or is it a waste of time?
Prep is worthwhile for families who want a lower-cost, lower-commitment way to try competitive cheer. Athletes learn foundational skills, experience real competition, and build confidence, all of which transfer directly if they move to elite later.
How much less does prep cost than elite?
Prep is meaningfully cheaper than elite because of its shorter season, fewer practices, and limited travel, but the exact gap depends on the gym and schedule. Check our programs page for current pricing rather than general online figures.
Ready to see it in person?
See our programs