Frequently Asked Questions

Head to our enrollment page and fill out the form with a little about your swimmer. We have limited class availability at the moment, so we'll notify you the moment a spot opens up.

We start at age 3. That's when most kids have the attention span and body awareness to actually learn in a structured setting. Under 3? They're not ready for what we do here — and we'd rather be honest about that than take your money.

A swimsuit, a towel, and goggles. That's it. No special equipment, no branded gear required. Swim diapers are mandatory for any child not fully potty-trained.

No. Our program is built on consistency — a single drop-in doesn't show you what we actually do. Talk to our families and you'll get the real picture fast. We're confident enough in the program to skip the sales pitch.

Ten levels, three phases. Levels 1–3 (Foundation) build water confidence and body control. Levels 4–6 (Stroke Development) build real strokes — freestyle, backstroke, and the rotation mechanics behind them. Levels 7–10 (Stroke School) refine technique, build endurance, and prepare swimmers for competition. Every level has a clear pass standard — no guessing where your child stands.

It depends on the kid. Some move through a level in a few weeks, others take a couple months. We advance swimmers when they've earned it — not on a calendar. Twice-a-week swimmers tend to progress about 40% faster.

Pool Safe (Levels 1–6) is structured: your child gets an assigned day, time, and coach with small-group ratios. Stroke School (Levels 7–10) is earned — unlimited access to any session, advanced technique work, and the bridge to competitive swimming.

It means your child has completed Level 6 and can safely handle themselves in any pool. They can swim 25 yards of freestyle with bilateral breathing, tread water for a full minute without their hands, and swim backstroke. It's the milestone every parent wants — and the reason most families enroll.

Pool Safe sessions run Monday through Thursday and weekends, with time slots throughout the afternoon and evening. You're assigned a consistent weekly slot — same day, same time, same coach. Stroke School swimmers can attend any Stroke School session.

Report the absence 24+ hours before the session and you'll receive a makeup credit. Use it to book an available makeup slot at your convenience. Miss the 24-hour window? No credit — we hold that spot for your child and need to plan accordingly.

Yes, subject to availability. Reach out to us and we'll move you if there's an open spot. No fees, no drama — we just need to make sure the new slot has room.

30 minutes for Pool Safe levels. That's the sweet spot — long enough for real instruction, short enough to hold focus.

$225/month plus tax. That gets you one session per week with a consistent coach in a small group.

We require 30 days' written notice to cancel. No long-term contracts — you're billed monthly and can cancel anytime with proper notice. Give us 30 days and you're out clean.

MSSD Pool at Gallaudet University — 800 Florida Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002. Right in the heart of Northeast DC, easily accessible from NoMa, Capitol Hill, H Street, and surrounding neighborhoods.

Yes. Free parking is available on the Gallaudet campus. You won't be circling blocks or feeding meters — just pull in and park.

Clean, well-maintained, and warm. The water temperature is kept comfortable for young swimmers — no shivering, no complaints. It's a proper teaching facility, not a cold lap pool with lessons bolted on.

Every coach is trained in our proprietary methodology — not just pulled from a lifeguard stand. They understand child development, swim progression, and how to build confidence without pushing too hard. All coaches are CPR and First Aid certified.

1:2 at Level 1. 1:3 at Levels 2–3. 1:4 at Levels 4–5. 1:6 in Stroke School. Your child is never lost in a crowd — we keep ratios tight because that's where the real coaching happens.

Yes. The water is kept warm enough for young swimmers to stay comfortable and focused. Cold pools kill lessons — kids tense up, lose focus, and hate coming back. That's not an issue here.