I have noticed that increased security sometimes frustrates new members, but that's the uncomfortable reality of Jewish communities throughout the world. That said, Austin is an exceptionally kind and welcoming place -- with members and instructors of all backgrounds. And the security staff is both diligent and professional, as one would expect. read more

Wonderful programs. Clean. Safe. High caliber members and staff. Awesome classes. Fantastic location.

My membership is scheduled to end on July 31st. But I have already been locked out of its app for reserving tennis and pickleball courts. I have had this $80 per month membership just for tennis. Now, I cannot even do that. read more

Review of Early Childhood Program (ECP): The facilities are impressive and the Jewish immersion is one-of-a-kind for Austin. However, there were too many red flags for us to be comfortable sending our child for even one day, so we decided to immediately unenroll him. If you're in dire need of "babysitting," a Jewish environment, and live in the area, the JCC Early Childhood Program (ECP) is an expensive but available option. Below are the red flags we encountered. For context, our child was 11 months when he was set to begin ECP. We are first-time parents admittedly accompanied by all the cliché first-time neuroses and weren't just looking for babysitting but an actual program that would reinforce wholesome learning and behaviors. #1: Unresponsive: Over the summer before the program started, we repeatedly asked for program curriculum, details, and/or guidelines. We rarely received responses or were just told the information would come later. We finally received the details three days before the program started. We struggled to get in touch with administrators via email or phone to ask any questions or address concerns. It's clear they have a long waitlist and just don't really care to satisfy individual families when there's another desperately ready to replace them at a moment's notice. #2: Inappropriate: The guidelines we received weren't consistent with pediatric standards. Days before the program started, we were told our 11-month old would only get one nap a day without a crib or bottles. We would have been okay with the guidelines if we had been given more notice, but receiving them just days before the program left us no time to prepare our child. #3: Unprofessional: The open house was chaotic and poorly run, with nowhere to park and few directions for how to find our class. When we asked our child's designated teacher about the guidelines, she was dismissive, answering every question with "he'll be fine." Moments later, another parent asked about the age range of the class, and she answered "14-17 months." She didn't even know the age of our child and had been answering every question thinking he was older. The other red flags relate to the unhealthy school-provided lunches and snack recommendations, nonstop chaotic alerts from Brightwheel, conflicting information on the website and in the rare responses we'd receive from administrators, and questionable billing tactics. If this was a backyard program, we'd have been more understanding. But given the price and facilities, it was too concerning for us to continue. read more

We have been members since 2010. I love this community. The newly renovated buildings and pool are awesome. Fitness classes are wonderful (especially dance fitness) ;) Welcoming to all, you don't have to be Jewish to enjoy this wonderful community. read more

Shalom! They welcome you right in the name! (Reminder: Shalom is a salutation meaning "peace.") The gym is great, the people are friendly. The grounds are lovely, and the programming is stellar. No, you don't have to be Jewish to participate, all are welcome to learn. I go to the gym here a few times a week, and everyone has been really friendly. There's plenty of equipment, but the hours and capacity are limited due to Covid, so reservations are necessary. The system is easy to use to make an appointment. Parking is plentiful. I've been enjoying the educational and social content as well. The community calendar is full of fun things to join, so check that out. Alachua, the education director, is happy to point you in the right direction if you need help navigating, and I'm sure the rest of the team is too! read more

Shalom Austin - The flags outside of the gym and education centers. - Community Centers Near Me - Austin, Texas

The recent renovations, updates, and expansion of the Dell JCC over the last 3-4 years have been an amazing addition to the greater Austin fitness and wellness community. Between the large aquatic center (with lap pool, water slides, and children's activity pool), state-of-the-art gym equipment, and various programming and fitness classes throughout the year, it offers something for everyone in our family. In particular, the inclusion of 6 brand-new tennis/pickleball courts and a full-fledged tennis program of daily adult clinics, men's and women's competitive team tennis, open members' play, and children's tennis programming has been a particular highlight and asset to the facility's offerings. James (who heads up the tennis/racquet program) has done an excellent job building a thriving program from the ground up since the opening of the courts in 2022. Overall, we've been extremely impressed with the growth and development of this facility and appreciate all of the talented people who work there and make it run so well. read more

Review of Early Childhood Program (ECP): We have been members at JCC since 2017 because of ECP. We have had our three children attend the program and have loved being a part of the ECP family. When our first son was in the "3's" year, they offered to put him in a class with older 3's and give them a pre-k curriculum and he had a huge advantage when starting official pre-k at our local public school. Our youngest started even earlier and lived through Covid during his 3s and Pre-K year. We chose to keep him at ECP Pre-K rather than public school because they handled Covid so wonderfully. Because of this, we felt even safer sending our third child there as a baby! I cannot say enough good things about the staff, teachers, and administrators. We saw a change in directors after a couple years and Shereen is such a kind, gentle, patient, and loving director. I see this flow from her through the rest of the staff. She knows every child's name, shows care and concern for all the families, and seems to be awake at all hours to answer questions and give information to the families! I was always shocked at the information she would share to us during Covid at all hours of the night and then be at school bright and early greeting each kid. She seemed to have such ease at being flexible and focusing on the kids and this was clearly modeled and copied by the staff. The teachers we have had have truly been amazing. Our kids are kind because of how they were treated every day at the ECP. They are given wonderful structure while also given the space to make their own decisions and find their own way. The staff is made up of an array of fantastic individuals - some Jewish and some not - and they love the kids fiercely. We watched as our kids learned to perform in front of an audience, memorize prayers in Hebrew, learn the kindness of good deeds and giving, learn to write their name, count in various languages, express their feelings, and become individuals. They also understand developmental stages and helped with napping, toileting, feeding themselves, and learning age appropriate skills. The variety in staff meant that our kids were exposed to different ideas and cultures. I love that one year my son was learning a lot of the Jewish culture and also learning to speak Spanish. My daughter learned to ask for personal "space" when she was 2! They have a great structure during the school year and then incorporate more outdoor play in the summer. Our kids were able to have water play and swim lessons in the summer. ECP coordinated with other programs to expand the kids' activities. And though ECP is a year long program, the littles begin to see how things can be different in the summer. It was also nice to see that the teachers got a break! As each of my kids have grown, they love going back to see their former teachers and be praised and give hugs. As I walk through the school at the end or start of a day with my daughter, I am shocked at how EVERY SINGLE STAFF knows her by name. It is a big school but they all take time to know the kids. They each answer my questions with ease and I always felt that I could trust them to care for my kids. It has been heartbreaking and bittersweet to graduate from this school. My sons have been out of there for a few years and still told me we have to go back to visit. They have such special bonds with their former teachers. While all ECP families are members of the JCC and get to use the great facilities, not all the JCC members know the cherry on top is the ECP. It is my pleasure and honor to get to give such a great review to such a wonderful place that my kids called home for so many years. read more

Great place for people, families and kids. It is well thought out, run by good competent folks, save and secure.

Olivia at the front desk has a customer first oriented mind set! Highly recommend to anyone

The security guard was demeaning and harrassed taking out his anger on me here. I even had another guard run after my vehicle as fast as humanly possible while I was leaving.I was told" you never come back".The JCC did not seem to care when I called and denied it happened. I told them "I'm Jewish" meaning what threat would I be to the Jewish community? read more

I have had a membership here for the last few years that I've lived in the area and I couldn't be happier. I've taken classes, utilized the pool and outdoor track and regularly use the gym for my workouts. It's always clean, the staff is friendly and I'm always made to feel welcome. I've recommended Shalom to my friends and family, some of which have even gotten memberships themselves. But, most importantly, as a woman who often works out alone, I 100% feel safe here -- whether I'm in the gym or outside on the track. And that's a really nice feeling! Thanks, Shalom! read more

Long long ago the Austin Jews used to meet in a little tiny building in North Austin at a recreation center of sorts. However within only a few years the Jewish Community Center has exploded. Located on a gorgeous campus off of Far West boulevard, in a wooded areas that deer's frequent (I mean it! I'm always trying to drive away from them in my car!), is the somewhat enormous campus of the JCCA. Now home to several Jewish congregations, summer camps, a large scale Jewish book fair, and classes in the arts, not to mention a state of the art workout facility and exercise classes, the Jewish Community of Austin finally has a place to call home. I walk through there frequently and see people all over, chatting, drinking some of the free coffee and schmoozing. Michael and Susan Dell have been giving the Jewish Community Center quite a lot of moolah, and beautiful grounds and friendly staff do their donation justice. So looking to find a Jewish community where you fit it? You might want to check out the J, with programs from pre K to the Young Adult Division ( known for some pretty cool events like Torah on Tap...go to a bar, drink and discuss religious topics) to those busy late into their senior years, the J can help find the right fit for anyone. read more

I'm not Jewish, but I do work out here. I mainly chose this place for my gym because they have a great outdoor pool. I work out in the morning before work and its never crowded and I almost never have to wait for a or any equipment. My two issues are the price (it's a little steeper than your avg. gym) and the swim classes take up most of the lanes in the morning. read more

The Jewish Community Center is a fantastic place! First of all it's a beautiful campus, tons of green grass and trees along with wildlife- deer that live there. It makes everything seem more natural and like you are not in the middle of a city. There are TONS of programs for kids of all ages and it really makes everyone included. Everyone here is super welcoming, I'm not even Jewish but I'm a member and enjoy everything that it has to offer. read more

PARENTS BRINGING SMALL KIDS TO THE POOL: I came here to use the pool throughout May 2015 and the lifeguards on duty during that time were barely watching the water and being extremely unprofessional (kissing while on stand). Both of the weekends I was there I noticed things. Otherwise their meeting rooms were big and always kept clean. It was a nice atmosphere and in general a good community center. read more

THE WORST ATTITUDE - pony up the money . We were looking forward to be part of the JCC and their school. When we called Pearl to ask if they have place in their school said there is and then required us to fill out waiting list !?!?!? ( which of course costs +membership fees+registration). Later we stopped by the ECP and were greeted by sourface staff. What is wrong with them? can't they be more friendly to someone who is going to leave his his kids there. Eek, me not think so. P.S- we eventually went to Beth Israel Child Development Center - awesome staff and place. read more

Don't go, they only care about money and monthly dues, they don't care about you as a person or your family. Your just another pay check to them! Go anywhere else! read more

Terrible experience with the very over-priced summer camp. Our daughter did not like it whatsoever - limited activities, run by 14 year olds, not very enriching (science, nature, crafts, or otherwise). Completely inflexible when we needed to have her away for a week. Overall, you are much better served and will spend a lot less than $2700 on summer camp at virtually any other place - YMCA, Champions, gymnastics, etc. read more

My son has gone to camp at the JCC since he is five years old he absolutely loves it they keep them engaged and active every single day I highly highly recommend it read more

Belonged to JCAA for more than 12 years. Tried to cancel my husband's membership today for physical disability reasons. Have to give 60 DAY CANCELLATION POLICY. NO EXCEPTIONS. If you want to freeze or change membership level it can be done in 2 weeks. Loved using the athletic facilities and the classes but THEY ONLY CARE ABOUT THE MONEY !!! read more

Love this JCC! I go to the pool several times per week and there's almost always a free lane. It would be great if the showers got renovated since they seem a little older but otherwise I love working out here. read more

I always leave this place aggravated and finding the pool closed for 1 reason or the other. Pool is also closed from 130 to 300 pm every day after Labor Day and you aren't allowed to sit out there and get sun or read. So no tan for you. Any other time it is likely to be closed for cleaning, a party, maintenance or replacing the heaters Security is nuts and you need to be fingerprinted to get in because your membership card is not nearly enough and to get onto the property you have to have a sticker prominently placed on your car or show your card but bring your drivers license for the front desk because they have to scan it unless you want to use fingerprint. I'm just not comfortable with my gym having my fingerprints or a scan of my license or having to put a sticker on my car which may draw unwanted attention Workout area is small but has a good number of treadmills with TV but free weight is very weak. There is no snack bar or bistro so no food or drinks are available except for some type of falafel van w unknown hours. I saw it open once and there is 1 very limited vending machine. And if you don't like falafel you're out of luck Large campus with ball fields like a high school and indoor basketball court with similar erratic hours Save yourself a headache and call ahead to make sure whatever you want to use will be open. Today Sunday the pool closed at noon It is supposed to be open all day. At least the 5th time this month it has been closed during hours it's supposed to be open and it will be closed for 3 days later in the month So once again I am aggravated, at least I called ahead but I was looking forward to swimming and getting some sun read more

I've been a member here almost since it's inception. I can echo almost all the reviews here. Yes, the campus is nice although it sometimes doesn't seem to have been well planned. The programming has fallen off since my kids were young but there are some really good staff here who have been around forever (particularly the Sports Director) and work hard to bring in good programming. The summer camps are incredibly over-priced especially for what they offer and last I heard, in order to get your child into the daycare program (ECP), you also have to be a member of the association for a year, which is an added expense that is not cheap. It's a very convenient place to go to since we live close-by but that may be it's best selling point. The pool is nice and heated in the winter but the hours are incredibly minimal given that there are swim teams (kids and masters) and other aquatic classes that take up a lot of the pool's availability. They close the pool randomly and even if you call to check the hours (of the pool or the gym), there's no guarantee that either will be open. The baby pool was closed all summer (2015) and I do not know of plans to reopen it or even why it was closed. The lifeguards have gotten better but some are particularly distracted during their shift and don't seem capable of running a skimmer over the pool or using the vacuum. The front desk staff is largely undertrained and consistently hands out wrong or no information and makes little effort to find anyone who might be able to answer questions. The gym is wonderful and my teens love it but it also has limited availability due to leagues, classes during the day, and after school programming. If you can play basketball or swim before 8am, then you're good. The workout space, exercise classes, and spa equipment are pretty good although again, the spa (whirlpool and dry sauna) is often broken or being cleaned. If you are Jewish and really want to hang out with within the Jewish community, then it's a pretty good place. Mostly families with kids under 8 patronize the pool on the weekends and have birthday parties. I have belonged to the YMCA before and never had any of the same issues with them. They have been around much longer and have a much larger membership and funding stream, but they also seem to just know what they are doing. I cannot say the same for the JCCA. There seems to be no accountability for when things go wrong. They just apologize and move on. They really seem to be struggling and for the money and the aggravation, it's just not worth it. If I lived closer to the Y or another equivalent facility, I'd belong there. read more

I have worked out here for several years and I love it. It's a small gym, but has everything you need to get a well rounded workout. They also have an excellent pool and a great running track tucked away in the woods overlooking Far West Boulevard. read more

my family has belonged to the JCAA for 9 years. We have fond memories of playing at the pool, numerous birthday parties, we belong to a temple there, and we work out there. It is a beautiful campus, and a wonderful community where you can be as involved or as private as you would like. My kids have come to know it as there second home, and whenever we go there to play, or go to an event there -- they feel completely safe, they know where to go, and not go, and I know I can trust them. Activities are numerous, and the community is fun - - young, old, and children.... read more

I have been a member for 3 years. I enjoy working out 3 times a week in the fitness room. The equipment is nicely maintained & the variety of machines makes it possible for me to get a complete workout. Most of all I enjoy the other members of the "J" that I have met while I am participating in my fitness activities. We have become like family to each other & I like the camaraderie among the members & staff. read more

Be Very Careful about the membership cancellation policy here. It is not to your advantage. You MUST give them a 30 day written notice OR your membership will continue to be charged to you indefinitely. Your membership will not expire at the end of the term you have signed up for. LOOK OUT! read more

I'm so disappointment from the ECP at the JCC. first they charge enormous registration fee of about 350$. Then they charge you monthly for 10 payments starting from August 1, while the school year starts at August 26 and ends at june 3 ( 9 months and a week). Third, after I was aware that my child isn't satisfied with the class I cancelled her membership and was charged for 30 days more- that is fine. However, since they already charged for the whole month of August(while actually the day care started at August 26) they refuse to return the differences. they allow you to cancel but they charge in advance the whole month before the day care starts and don't return the money. i total, i was charged 350$ registration fee+ 800$ for two months while actually my child was barely two weeks. I will never return to that awful hypocrisy place!!!! and I am jewish...so shame! So if you considering putting your child their and from some reason we want to leave the day car-we will be charge actually for two months more. 30 days notice and one months that they charge at the beginning of the year in advance and they don't returned the money back. Do somebody knows if this action is legal at all? read more

I work here as a personal trainer, but my 5 star rating emanates from my experiences as a member and non-employee and parent of an ECP student. One of the main reasons I love the J is people say hello to each other, here. And, not just old friends to each other, but if gym users have seen you more than once or twice, you get greeted on a first name basis. And, it is a sincere welcome and fellowship. They welcome you in to their ever-growing circle. I am not Jewish, but I don't at all feel like an outsider. My 3 year-old attends the ECP, and we LOVE that, too. It's his second year, and his younger brother will enter next year. I feel safe at the J personally, as a mom, and from intruders. The J does a great job of balancing safety with aesthetic subtleties and without compromising hospitality. Mazel tov! L'Chaim. That's about all the Hebrew I know, and that's enough to get around the J. : ) read more

My kids LOVE the Lenny K swim program at the JCC. Their teachers are fabulous. They were at another swim academy for a while and not learning much. Here they are thriving! They also love the summer camp especially the week of gymnastics. We've been there for 5 years and couldn't be happier. read more

I have two daughters (7 and 4) currently enrolled in the 'summer camp' and the 'early childhood program'. They both like this place a lot, and are happy here. Overall, the JCC has been very welcoming to my non-Jewish Austin-native family. There is a strong Jewish vibe here, of course, which takes getting used to. The names of the classes and programs were confusing at first, I really needed a glossary. I am the kind of person that believes that when it comes to religion: the things in common between all religions is what counts the most, rather than the differences. The things in common are things like a strong faith, sincere prayer, deep meditation, and inner knowing. Having a strong and nurturing community counts for a lot, and this place achieves that. The atmosphere is friendly, and they know how to keep the kids busy and have fun. They aren't the cheapest camp out there, but I can tell that the cost is spent on a reasonable teacher/student ratio. There are extra things like occasional overnight sleepovers (for my 7 y.o.) and pizza on Fridays that my girls look forward to. Once in a while, my younger one comes home with braided hair, which is a wonderful touch. I love the native landscape of their campus, and the deer family that lives there this summer. I am at odds with some of their policies, like needing a doctor's approval to give my younger daughter a common over-the-counter medication. I don't have a lot of trust in the average doctor, so paying one to write a note seems... odd. Passing a guard shack every time I enter the campus seems over-the-top for Austin, but I accept that this is about making people feel safe. And the education building security is tight to the point of being annoying, but for the same reason this is also not a deal-breaker. In short, I think that they are doing the important things right. read more