8 Things to Consider When Choosing a Swim School
With swimming season just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start thinking about swim lessons! Whether you’re just beginning to explore swim schools or have looked into a few options already, we know that choosing the right swim school for your child is an important decision—one that requires careful and deliberate consideration.
To help you find the right fit, we’ve compiled a list of what to look for when you begin your swim school search. Read on for our top eight things to consider when choosing a swim school, and print out our guide to take with you!
1. Safety First
Safety is every parent’s top priority, and it should be that of any swim school, too. Look for schools that teach proficient swimming as a lifelong skill, not just “get-to-the-edge” techniques. Their goal should be to create confident swimmers who possess a lasting knowledge of water safety.
2. Small Class Sizes
Learn what the instructor to student ratio is at each swim school. Smaller class sizes allow children to receive more individualized attention, which helps them succeed. Class size is also important for social interaction. Swim lessons give children an opportunity to meet new friends and develop relationships. Need more individualized attention? Find out if the school offers private or semi-private lessons as well.
3. Curriculum Centered Around Progress
While tots can start swim lessons as young as 4 months old, the reality of busy family life is that kids are enrolled at a variety of ages. A swim school’s curriculum should have a foundation in childhood development and offer a clear path to becoming a safe and confident swimmer. Classes should also gradually increase from beginner to advanced skill levels.
Every child learns at their own pace and in their own unique way. Swim instructors should recognize this and be willing to adapt their teaching styles as needed, helping your child to understand and progress. After each lesson, instructors should provide personalized feedback on what your child is doing well and what skills they need to practice. Inquire about a school’s use of technology to help you track your child’s progress easily.
4. Qualified, Friendly Instructors
Similar to traditional schooling, finding swim instructors who are certified and highly trained is important. The length and quality of this training matters, too. Ask how many hours of training each instructor is required to complete and what this training consists of. Swim instructors should also have a friendly, welcoming attitude, a deep level of patience and the ability to help new swimmers feel at ease, building trust and excitement for each lesson.
5. Family-Friendly Flexibility
As parents ourselves, we get it! Life is busy balancing multiple schedules. Make it easier on yourself by finding a swim school that offers weekend or evening classes and a clear make-up policy in case of illness or vacations. Find out if their schedule fits with yours, so your child can have a regular swim routine without the hassle of calendar conflicts.
6. Hassle-Free Monthly Pricing
When shopping for swim lessons, it’s important to understand each school’s tuition structure. Some schools charge per lesson, which may seem less expensive initially but can vary depending on whether the month has 4 or 5 weeks. Schools that have a consistent monthly rate make tuition more budget-friendly, easier to plan for, and an even better value in 5-week months. That way, you can focus on what truly matters: your child’s safety, confidence and progress in the pool.
7. Proven Experience and Reputation
When it comes to swim instruction, experience is everything. Discover how long the school has been teaching, what their reputation is in the community, and how parents feel about their programs. Online reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations can give you insight into the school’s consistency, approach and success in helping kids become safe, confident swimmers.
8. Supports Their Local Community
We all love to support small businesses while leaning on the reputation of a brand we can trust! Look for a locally owned, community focused swim school—one that is invested in improving the lives of families in your area. These schools will value relationships and serving others, giving you the peace of mind that they’re committed to helping your child succeed.
Now that you have your list, it’s time to take the plunge! We know there are a lot of options out there when it comes to choosing a swim school. At Aqua-Tots, our flexible class schedules and make-up lessons, eight level Swim Journey, comfy viewing area, indoor 90° pools and friendly team members are just a few things that set us apart from the rest.
Swimming since 1991, Aqua-Tots Swim School is trusted by parents to teach more than 5 million swim lessons in 14 countries every year. What began with one teenage lifeguard more than 30 years ago has evolved into 165 locally owned franchise locations and thousands of team members sharing that same passion for developing safe and confident lifelong swimmers.
Call your local Aqua-Tots today to schedule a tour and learn more! Our classes fill up quickly in the busy season, so now’s a great time to explore what we have to offer and see if it’s the right fit for you. We’re here to help make this an easy and confident choice for you and your family!