FAQ’s
NEW FAMILIES
Why should I enroll my child in swim lessons?
At Chicago Swim School, our purpose is to build trust and inspire confidence through progress and achievement-both in and out of the water. We believe swimming is more than just a sport, it’s a lifelong safety skill and a powerful way to develop life skills like trust, confidence, and perseverance.
Why year round swim lessons?
Consistent lessons are key to becoming a safer, stronger swimmer, which is why we offer a perpetual program-your child attends lessons on the same day and time each week, with the flexibility to start anytime. Whether you’d like to try a Splash N Dash (drop in lesson) or add a second weekly class for faster progress, we’re here to help your child build confidence one splash at a time.
How much do lessons cost and how does billing work?
For more information on pricing, see our Pricing Page. (Include link to the Pricing Page) – to be added
Can I start anytime?
Absolutely! At Chicago Swim School, our program runs continuously throughout the year. Consistent lessons are key to becoming a safer, stronger swimmer-which is why we offer a perpetual program. Your child will attend lessons on the same day and time each week, with the flexibility to start anytime. If you join mid-month, tuition will be prorated based on your start date, and your swimmer will begin the next time their class meets after registration.
Do you offer discounts?
Yes! We are happy to offer several discounts to make swim lessons more accessible for our families:
- Sibling Discount: Families receive 5% off tuition for the 2nd, 3rd and additional siblings. The first child is full price.
- Swim Deep Discount: Enroll in two classes per week and receive 35% off the lower priced class each month. Since we bill based on the number of lessons held, if one class has 4 lessons and the other has 3, the 35% discount will apply to the 3 lesson class.
- Military/Veteran Discount: We proudly offer 15% off for active duty military members and veterans. Please email a copy of your DD214 or current Military ID to our front desk and we will apply the discount going forward.
Please note that discounts cannot be combined. For example, sibling discounts cannot be used in combination with the Swim Deep or Military/Veteran discount. Discounts do not apply to Private or Semi Private lessons.
Do you charge a registration fee?
Our most popular Swim Shallow package, along with the Swim Deep package, has no registration fee. Families joining with the Swim Starter package pay a one time $25 registration fee and should note that this package does not include makeup lessons.
How do I pay for my swim lessons?
Swim lesson fees are charged per class based on the number of lessons held, and all families must keep a card on file. Billing occurs on the 20th of each month for the following month’s lessons, with fees prorated based on your child’s first day of lessons. If you register after the 20th, you will be billed for any remaining classes in the current month as well as the upcoming month. If you prefer to prepay by cash or check, please do so before the 20th to avoid your card being charged.
How long is my child signed up for?
Enrolment in our swim lessons is on a month-to month basis, meaning your child will remain signed up and continue attending classes each month until a withdrawal form is submitted. This allows families the flexibility to continue lessons as long as they wish. To pause or end enrollment, a withdrawal form must be completed to process your request.
What does my child need to bring to their first lesson?
All students should bring a swimsuit and towel. Children under the age of three and those not potty trained are required to wear either two reusable swim diapers or ONE Happy nappy Swim Diaper, which can be purchased at our locations. We also highly recommend goggles from our Vorgee brand, available in multiple styles-our staff will help ensure a proper fit.
What should I expect during my child’s first lesson?
The Swim Instructor and Deck Leader work together to ensure each new student is placed in the right swim level. When you arrive, please check in at the front desk, then meet the Deck Leader on the pool deck wearing a red shirt, who can answer questions and provide their skill card after ensuring proper placement in the level.
How do I determine what level to enroll my child in?
Start by using the Find a level feature on our website. We will also evaluate your child on their first day to ensure proper placement. It’s often better to choose a level slightly lower than you think your child may be at, as some children may be shy or not show their full ability right away. This is especially true if your child is coming from another swim program, since different programs use different terminology.
At what age can children begin swim lessons?
Children can start swim lessons as early as 4 months old. Our programs are designed to introduce water safety and build confidence at every stage, from infants to older children.
Do you offer trial classes?
Yes, but we believe a child’s first experience in the water works best over time rather than in just one class. That’s why we encourage new families to start with a full month of lessons, allowing students to adjust, connect with their instructor, and build fundamental skills.
If you’d like to try just one class, we offer a Splash N Dash (Drop In) class. You’re also welcome to watch lessons anytime from the viewing area or pool deck to see how our program works and help your child feel comfortable before signing up.
What is the Swim Diaper Policy?
Children age 3 and under or those who are not fully potty trained, must wear either two snug fitting reusable swim diapers or one Happy Nappy swim diaper. Happy Nappy’s are Chicago Swim School approved and available for purchase in our on site retail shop.
How quickly will my child advance?
Every child progresses at their own pace, depending on their individual skills and experience. Consistently attending weekly lessons is the key to developing swim skills. In our perpetual weekly lesson model children move up once they have mastered all the skills on their skill card. They may advance the following week, depending on class availability, and we encourage students to move to the next level within two weeks of earning their current level.
Can I schedule private lessons?
At this time, we offer a limited amount of private lessons. In certain situations where there is a specific need, we may be able to make accommodations. If you think this applies to your child, please reach out and share the details-we’d be happy to explore how we can support you!
CURRENT FAMILIES
Can I purchase a gift certificate?
Absolutely!!! Gift certificates are a wonderful way to share the gift of swim lessons. Share this idea with friends, relatives, and grandparents so they can give a gift for birthdays, holidays or any special occasion. Contact our front desk to purchase.
Do parents or guardians need to stay on site during swim lessons?
Yes. For the safety of all participants, a parent or legal guardian must remain on the premises for the entire duration of each lesson. This also ensures that non-swimming children are supervised while inside the facility. We care about your child’s safety as much as you do, so if you or another responsible adult cannot be present, please reschedule lessons through the Parent Portal or Mobile App.
How quickly will my child advance?
Every child progresses at their own pace based on their individual needs and experience. Consistently attending weekly lessons is key to developing swim skills. In our perpetual weekly lesson model, children are moved up once they have mastered all the skills on their skill card. They can advance as soon as the following week, depending on class availability. We encourage students to move up to the next level within two weeks of earning their current level.
How can I request a donation basket for an event?
We’re proud to support child base schools, charities, and community organizations through in kind donations such as gift baskets, certificates, and branded merchandise. If you’re hosting a fundraiser, auction, or community event wand would like to request a donation we’d love to hear from you!
Please submit your request at least a month in advance by completing our Online Form. While we do our best to support as many organizations as possible, donations are not guaranteed and are based on availability and alignment with our mission.
What if I need to change my swim day and/or time?
We understand that schedules change! You can register for a new class either at the Customer Support desk or online using the Parent Portal or Mobile App. Once you’ve secured the new class, just send us a message letting us know you’d like to drop your previous class. If your preferred time isn’t available, we can place you on a wait list and contact you as soon as a spot opens up.
What happens if my child needs to miss a class?
Makeups are available for students enrolled in the Swim Shallow or Swim Deep monthly packages. There are no makeups for Private, Semi Private, Adult or Swim Starter students.
- Eligibility: Students may schedule one makeup per month, as long as the absence is reported at least 2 hours before the class.
- Scheduling: Makeups must be reported and scheduled through the Chicago Swim School App. Lessons can be scheduled up to 6 days in advance and must be completed within 60 days of the absence. Once a makeup is re-scheduled, it can not be rescheduled. Students must be enrolled to attend a makeup class.
What are your scheduled closures?
We close for a few scheduled breaks each year. These breaks are built into our calendar and you are not charged for prescheduled closures. View our Key Dates Calendar by clicking below.
Do you offer a referral bonus?
Yes! When you refer a friend to Chicago Swim School, you both benefit. When your friend enrolls for their first paid month and lists your family name in the “referral Name” box during registration, you’ll receive a $20 credit on your account to use towards future tuition. Plus, you’ll have the joy of sharing the love of swimming with your friends!
What happens if CSS cancels a lesson?
If Chicago Swim School needs to cancel a lesson for any reason, we will proved a makeup class that doesn’t expire so your child won’t miss out on their learning. Please note that refunds or credits are not provided for cancelled lessons.
Why is my child doing the same things repeatedly?
Repetition is a key part of learning to swim. By practicing the same skills multiple times, children build muscle memory, confidence, and consistency, which are all essential for mastering each skill. Even if a skill seems simple, repeating it helps ensure your child can perform it safely and correctly in any situation. This approach also allows instructors to identify areas for improvement and guide each child, helping them progress over time.
How do I cancel?
If you need to take a break from lessons, a withdrawal form must be completed to process your request.
- To drop for the next month, submit the from on or before the 16th to avoid future tuition charges.
- If the form is submitted on or after the 17th a $30 processing fee per child will apply.
- To drop for the current month, a $30 processing fee per child applies, and you will also be responsible for any classes that have already been held that month.
Any unused tuition minus the processing fee will be applied as a credit on your Chicago Swim School account for future lessons.
