Phoenix With Kids

Swim Schools in the Greater Phoenix Area

A Guide from Phoenix With Kids to Swim Schools in metro-Phoenix
Swim Schools

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Swim Schools & Instructors

The Phoenix With Kids team has comprised a list of the swim schools and swim instructors around the valley. This is our curated guide to swimming programs in the metro-Phoenix area and our goal is to help you select a swim school that’s perfect for your child.

Key things to consider when looking for a swim school:

  • Location. One of the most important characteristics of a swim school is the location. Is the swim school close to where you live?
  • Age appropriateness. Many swim schools focus on certain age groups. Make sure that your children fit in.
  • Indoor or outdoor facility. Surprisingly there are a number of outdoor swim schools. Indoor swim lessons can be an advantage in the summertime, as you’ll have to wait while your child is swimming. Being indoors and being able to watch your child at the same time, has an advantage.
  • Check the certifications your swim school carries, and ask about insurance, and medical training.
  • The instructors! Go and meet the instructors at your chosen swim school, and get to know them. Do you think your children would like to learn from that instructor? At many swim schools, you can observe a swimming class for free.
  • Cost and expected timeline. Does the swim school offer a guarantee? Many swim schools offer a written guarantee of swimmer competency.
  • Special circumstances. Many swim schools accommodate special circumstances. Just ask!
  • Read reviews. Most swim schools have reviews online that you can check and read.


Our daughter attended swimming classes in early 2023 for 8 weeks and after weekly lessons went from absolute beginner to being able to swim across the swimming pool by herself (short way).

Children can start at a swim school as early as a few months old, typically around 6 months of age. Many swim schools offer parent-infant or parent-toddler classes that focus on water acclimation, water safety, and introducing basic swimming skills in a fun and supportive environment. These classes often involve gentle water activities, floating exercises, and songs to engage both the child and the parent.

As children grow older, they can progress to independent swim classes tailored to their age and skill level. Swim schools offer classes for preschoolers, young children, and beyond, with age-appropriate instruction and curriculum. The specific age requirements and available programs vary between swim schools, and it’s best to check with the swim school directly for their recommended starting age and class offerings.

Regardless of the age at which a child starts at a swim school, the primary focus is on creating a positive and safe environment where they can develop water skills, build confidence, and cultivate a love for swimming. The instructors at swim schools are typically trained to work with children of different ages and abilities, ensuring that each child receives the appropriate guidance and support as they learn to swim.

If your child is scared of the water, swim schools are equipped to handle such situations with care and patience. Here are some common approaches that swim schools may take to help children overcome their fear and develop confidence in the water:

  1. Gentle Swimming Introduction: Swim schools often begin with a gentle introduction to the water, especially for kids who have never been swimming. They create a comfortable and supportive environment where children can gradually acclimate to the water at their own pace. This may involve activities such as sitting by the edge of the pool, dipping toes in the water, or holding onto the instructor while exploring the shallow end.

  2. Trust-Building: Building trust between the child and the instructor is essential. Instructors use positive reinforcement, encouragement, and praise to establish trust and create a sense of safety in the water.

  3. Gradual Progression: Swim schools understand the importance of gradual progression when working with fearful children. They introduce water activities in small steps, gradually increasing the child’s comfort level. This may involve starting with simple water games, blowing bubbles, or gentle submersion techniques. As the child gains confidence, they can progress to more advanced skills and activities.

  4. Patience and Understanding: Similar to the above… Instructors at swim schools are trained to be patient and understanding when working with fearful children. They recognize that each child is unique and may require varying amounts of time and support to overcome their fear. Instructors provide gentle guidance and support, ensuring that the child feels safe and supported throughout the learning process.

  5. Fun: Swim schools incorporate fun and playfulness into lessons to create a positive and enjoyable experience. By using games, toys, and songs, instructors can engage the child and help them associate the water with fun and excitement. This approach can help alleviate fear and make the learning process more enjoyable.
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Overcoming fear of the water is a gradual process. Consistent exposure to swimming lessons and patient guidance from experienced instructors can significantly help children build confidence and conquer their fear. Swim schools understand the unique needs of fearful children and are dedicated to providing a supportive environment to help them develop essential water skills and overcome their fear of the water.

Ask your swim school for advice here. Many of the swim schools around Phoenix have a help guide to gently “convince” your child to go to swim lessons. Many times, you’ll just need to keep returning to swim lessons.

Swim schools use various teaching methods to help children learn how to swim effectively and safely. 

Here are some common methods used in swim schools:

  1. Traditional/Progressive Approach: This method focuses on teaching swimming skills in a step-by-step progression. It typically starts with basic water acclimation and safety skills, such as floating and submersion, and gradually progresses to more advanced techniques like stroke development, breathing coordination, and diving. This method allows swimmers to build a strong foundation and gradually improve their skills over time.

  2. Water Safety Emphasis: Water safety is a fundamental component of swim school instruction. Swim schools often dedicate specific lessons or segments of their programs to teaching essential water safety skills. This includes teaching children how to enter and exit the water safely, and understanding basic rescue techniques. Water safety education is essential to ensure swimmers are equipped with the knowledge and skills to stay safe in and around water.

  3. Individualized Instruction: Swim schools recognize that each child has unique abilities, strengths, and areas for improvement. Instructors provide individualized instruction tailored to the specific needs of each swimmer. This may involve personalized feedback, targeted drills, and specific exercises to address the child’s skill development and challenges.

  4. Play-Based Learning: Many swim schools incorporate play-based learning methods to engage children and make the learning process enjoyable. This approach includes using games, toys, and interactive activities to teach swimming skills. By incorporating fun elements into the lessons, children are more likely to be enthusiastic about learning and develop a positive association with swimming.
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It’s important to note that different swim schools have their own unique teaching methods and approaches. The specific methods used will vary based on the swim school’s philosophy, curriculum, and the age and skill level of the swimmers.

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