Well, there is one program near me that has provided me with a half dozen students.
One class a week, 12 weeks, $145 up front, no refunds. Must buy gi and patches from instructor. Room was subject to change weekly based on 'paying' activities' needs, sometimes ending up in dark rooms in the recesses of the basement.
Have to complete two full sessions before eligible to test. Which means if you miss a single class, you will pay for three sessions before being able to test. There appear to be three or four sessions a year.
They had never had a black belt in class with them, it was taught by a brown belt. (Lead instructor being a Brown Belt didn't bother me, but not ever having a BB come in does!)
I had one student who had been in the program three years, earned one belt (two tests) and never learned even the simplest kata. Another parent told me her son would leave class in tears after being constantly berated for not knowing left from right.
It appears to be more a babysitting service where the person could yell at the kids than a martial arts class. Little left to say.
Was that $20 a class or for several weeks worth of sessions? I charge less than half that for my classes. If it is for a reasonable number of sessions, it might be worth trying to see if a kid really likes it.
The other thing to watch for is how consistent do they offer it? I know that one of the programs has changed instructors and styles three times in the last six years.
Respectfully
Mark W. Swarthout, Shodan