Little Whale Tumble School

Little Whale Tumble School is dedicated to helping children become the best version of themselves by providing a safe, engaging environment where they can learn new and challenging skills in a fun and positive way. The school offers a unique child development gymnastics program for children from crawling age up to seven years old.

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The program goes beyond traditional gymnastics, incorporating carefully crafted lesson plans designed to foster social-emotional growth, motor development, and sensory play. Through the integration of mind-body movement, music, rhythmic motion, proprioception, and organization, Little Whale Tumble School creates an active, enjoyable experience for every child.

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In 2024, Anya Hall, owner of Little Whale Swim School, partnered with longtime colleague Rachelle Itsumaru to open Little Whale Tumble School at the El Camino location in Sacramento. The program shares the swim school’s focus on whole-child development through play, blending gymnastics with social, emotional, and sensory growth. Anya, who has worked with Rachelle since the late 1990s, praises her passion, dedication, and ability to create a nurturing, child-centered environment while leading the team.

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Parents appreciate the proximity of the tumble school to the swim school, as well as the cleanliness of the facility and its equipment. The seamless connection between the two programs allows families to enjoy a cohesive experience, whether in the pool or on land.

Anya’s entrepreneurial spirit runs in her family. She grew up working in her family’s business, La Petite Baleen Swim Schools, in the Bay Area, and launched her first venture, La Petite Playhouse, a high-end indoor play space for children, in 2013. After selling that business in 2016, she moved to Sacramento and opened Little Whale Swim School. Her expertise in creating enriching, child-centered spaces laid the foundation for the success of Little Whale Tumble School.

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Building the tumble school involved overcoming challenges, including navigating the complexities of working with the Sacramento County Building Department. However, the result is a state-of-the-art gym thoughtfully designed with children’s needs in mind. Today, the gym hosts engaging classes, as well as unforgettable birthday celebrations for families in the community.

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Parents and children alike love the community feel of the program. The staff at Little Whale Tumble School takes pride in knowing each student personally and tailoring their experience within the lesson plans. The program’s focus on child development sets it apart from other gymnastics programs in the Sacramento area, making it a standout choice for families with young children.

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In addition to classes, Little Whale Tumble School hosts birthday parties for children ages one to six, as well as open play hours for families to experience the gym firsthand. New families are encouraged to visit for a free trial class or drop in during open play.

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Looking ahead, Little Whale Tumble School aims to expand its class offerings and party services while continuing to foster a sense of community and fun. Anya, who lives in Arden Park with her two high schoolers, Tatum, a junior at St. Francis High School, and Tanner, a freshman at Jesuit High School, and their family dog Rio, is excited about the future of the tumble school and its impact on Sacramento families.