Classes
What should I bring to swim class?
We provide the necessary equipment required for swimming class, including fins, goggles and learning toys. All you need to bring is a swimsuit and towel (children under the age of three must wear a snug fitting, re-usable swim diaper). If you wish to bring your own goggles, please have them adjusted to fit your child and write your child’s name on the goggles impermanent marker.
What if my child cries or is afraid?
Our teachers are trained to deal with even the most fearful swimmer. We have extra teachers on hand to assist if necessary. Our varied toys, songs, and games are especially created for apprehensive swimmers. If you need help getting your child into the pool area, please ask our staff for assistance; we are happy to help with your child’s adjustment.
We request that all parents and caregivers wait in the viewing area during the lesson but if you would like to walk your child into the pool area during this transitional time please speak with the pool supervisor.
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Do I need to change classes when my child changes levels?
Classes tend to progress together, which means that the class will change levels as the site supervisor deems necessary. Advancement to the next level occurs after the receipt of four (4) ribbons within the lesson skill set. At this time the pool supervisor will speak with you about advancement to the next level. Different levels may require a new teacher but we will do our best to find a positive match for your child’s advancing skills.
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How do I contact my child’s teacher?
Due to the nature of our class schedule, teachers are unable to converse with parents before or after a lesson. However, by filling out a “Parent-Teacher Communication Form” at the front desk, parents can request a written progress report.
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How long will it take my child to learn how to swim?
The answer to this question is dependent upon the definition of “how to swim”. Most of our families stay with us until their child earns their final Seal ribbon. At the completion of the Seal level your child will be able to swim a strong freestyle and backstroke. Advanced swimming levels such as Eel and Stingray continue to refine and teach high level technique. Regardless of what the final goal may be, every child learns at his or her own pace, thus it is impossible to determine how long it will take a given child to earn their ribbons.
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When will my child be “Drown-proofed”?
Gold Medal Swim School believes that there is no such thing as being “Drown-proofed”. We teach our students how to love and respect the water, and give them the necessary skills. No one irrespective of their swimming ability level or age should ever swim alone.
My child has hit a plateau, what can I do to help?
Plateaus in swimming and learning are common, especially when a child faces a hurdle that is difficult for them. Our instructors are sensitive to these issues and are trained to motivate and guide swimmers through these peaks and valleys. As a parent, keeping the line of communication open with the Pool Supervisor is crucial to overcoming these plateaus. Fill out a “Parent-Teacher Communication Form” and request a phone conference with your teacher to address the specific needs of your child.
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What is a Pool Supervisor?
A Pool Supervisor is the staff member who oversees students and instructors during classes. They are a wonderful resource if you have questions about your child’s progress and can serve as a liaison for your child’s instructor.
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What about teacher request?
Some of our students and many of our parents have become fond of a particular instructor. We are aware and understand that different students respond to different teaching personalities. We will always try to respond to these needs. However, we do not guarantee specific instructors and we reserve the right to change instructors if other considerations necessitate the change. We strive to place instructors in positions to provide the best swimming experience for your child.
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Payment
What are my payment options?
We will take payments three different ways:
1. Monthly automatic debit from checking or savings accounts.
2. Monthly automatic debits from American Express, Visa, MasterCard or Discover.
All accounts will be charged automatically on the 3rd day of each month for that month's lessons.
3. If you wish to pay by cash, check or non automatic debit credit card we request that you pay three months tuition in advance.
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Enrollment
How do I change my day or time?
You can always change class days or times by speaking with our front desk. If a lesson slot is not immediately available we will place you on our waiting list and do our best to make the necessary change as soon as an opening becomes available.
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How is The Gold Medal Swim Program different from other swim programs?
Our staff and program are dedicated to developing happy, confident and lifelong swimmers. The Gold Medal Swim School safety, skills, and success method focuses on teaching your child’s as an individual within a group dynamic.
Our instructors are trained and value your child as an individual person. We believe in an approach that encourages your child to want to learn and try new things. Similar to piano or any acquired talent, learning to swim is a progression of skills that takes time to coordinate with your child’s age, attitude, and ability.
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Warm Water, Warm Kids!
Our indoor pools are all heated to a comfortable 91 degrees. Each pool is designed for teaching with shallow depths, safety islands, toys and teaching devices.
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Quality Instructors Get Results!
Over the past twelve years, consistency in quality instruction and a curriculum based on over 50 years of swimming experience with an approach that focuses on getting to know your child has given proven results. Our instructors are chosen and motivated by their commitment to enthusiastically “be there” for your child each week.
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Do all of your instructors teach the same skills and techniques?
All instructors complete a three part interview process, full background check and an interactive 40 hour training program written and facilitated by Mike Troy and Mike Walker with over 85 years of combined swimming experience. Our training program has been developed from experience as an educator, Olympic swimmer and Olympic coach. Each instructor follows the Gold Medal Swim School teaching program and philosophy.
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When can I sign up?
Any time! Please call the Chandler location at 480-961-SWIM to enroll for any of the Gold Medal Swim School valley locations. Our enrollment specialist will be happy to answer any questions and help place your child in an age and skill appropriate class.
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Is your class schedule available on the internet?
Many people ask to receive a class schedule. We change classes constantly to accommodate our students. Give us the best day/time options that work for you and our staff will work to find or create a class that fits your schedule.
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Why is there a minimum of 8 lessons?
We have an eight lesson minimum because we do not feel it is fair to your child or our instructors to “try” swimming lessons. We believe this is the absolute minimum amount of time for a child to adjust to the swimming lesson routine.
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What if I join in the middle of a month?
You account will be pro-rated based on the number of lessons remaining in the month. You will complete an Automatic billing form at registration to begin convenient monthly payments.
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How long will my child attend lessons?
Our classes are “perpetual” which means that they will continue until you fill out a withdrawal form, 30 days in advance, indicating that you wish to take a break.
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Need to book a make-up?
We are the only swim school in the valley to offer full length make up lessons based on availability. Please refer to the make up policy section found in your registration materials or located in the web site task bar under “make-ups”.
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Classes
What should I bring to swim class?
What if my child cries or is afraid?
Do I need to change classes when my child changes levels?
How do I contact my child’s teacher?
How long will it take my child to learn how to swim?
When will my child be “Drown-proofed”?
My child has hit a plateau, what can I do to help?
What is a Pool Supervisor?
What about teacher request?
Payment
Enrollment
How do I change my day or time?
How is The Gold Medal Swim Program different from other swim programs?
Warm Water, Warm Kids!
Quality Instructors Get Results!
Do all of your instructors teach the same skills and techniques?
When can I sign up?
Is your class schedule available on the internet?
Why is there a minimum of 8 lessons?
What if I join in the middle of a month?
How long will my child attend lessons?
Need to book a make-up?
How do I withdraw my child from class?