We've been at Emler for a month. We've had a different swim instructor every single session. The last session was a complete waste of time where our daughter not only didn't advance her skills, the swim instructor said she didn't know our daughter could go under water because it wasn't documented. I brought up my concerns and we moved classes however they did not offer a makeup which is what is literally posted on signs in the facility. For $170/month I expect way more which is why we are moving on. The way they've handled it does not inspire confidence. I think this used to be a great place to take lessons. However, until they get their staffing under control I wouldn't recommend it. read more

We really liked the program at the Emler in Frisco. The Southlake location is good too, but noticed they had more changes in teachers and didn't have as rigorous process such as having an evaluation card that they reviewed with parents periodically. Ultimately we are trying a new school just due to scheduling issues. read more

My daughter attended one week of daily swim lessons and we have been very pleased with her experience. Their front desk /ops manager is very helpful and informative. The instructor they assigned to us, Sydnee is amazing. She's very sweet, patient, professional and has a great way with the children she instructs. My daughter loves her.... The swim school is clean and has a nice layout. Be prepared - inside the pool area feels like a sauna. Most parents sit in the waiting area where you can still see your child swim through the glass walls. They are very busy and availability has been somewhat challenging for my daughter to continue additional daily lessons but I can see why! Parking is also a challenging due to the multiple sports and activities that are offered in this large facility. I highly recommend Emler swim school. read more

Emler Swim School - Sydnee is amazing! - Swimming Lessons/Schools Near Me - Southlake, Texas

Cambria is the BEST. She makes everything quick and easy, and it brings such peace of mind. Love working with her, love working with the company. read more

The reason for this 3 star review is due to the facilities, or I should say lack of facilities.... there are only 2 changing rooms and they are usually full because 2 changing rooms is not enough. This is hard for parents that have to swim with their infants as there is usually not a private place to dry off and change. I frequently resort to drying and changing my infant on the public changing tables and then throwing on some kind of coverup for myself and leaving in my wet swim clothes. There is more competition in the area now - Water Tots in Colleyville opened beginning of 2025, and Aqua Tots has 1 location in North Richland Hills and another location in Alliance/Keller. These competitors have 10 changing rooms and more/larger changing table areas. Emler Corporate should consider finding a new location as the current space they lease is too small and outdated as compared to other local options. read more

Elmer's swimming school is the place to take your child to learn how to swim at any age. We take our daughter here for the water babies summer course and you can definitely see a marked improvement in baby swimming skills. First you can see that the children here after a few weeks are acclimated to a pool. Second, it's nice to see your child hold their Breath under the water for a few seconds. My child started at 1 second and now is at 8. (I know whoa a few seconds.) The main idea is that she now knows how to hold her breath underwater which to me is a future possible life saver. Each lesson we go to, the children all seem very happy in the pool, as well as the adults watching them. The swimming lesson pricing plans are fairly reasonable. The swim instructors know how to manage children In the pool and provide a very conducive learning environment. The front desk people are also very nice and easy to work with when you have questions are if you need to reschedule. All in all if you want your rugrat to swim bring them over to Elmer's. At Elmer's they will learn to swim in well thought, well organized way of learning on how to swim. read more

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Mr. Kyle was so great with our 3 year old. He has just the right amount of silly in him to make it fun and I saw a lot of good progress during the semester. read more

We Love Emler! -- The managers are awesome, and the teachers are great! my daughter started at Emler when she was 9 months old - she is now 3 she loves Mr. Kyle she has been working with him for a few semesters now and she is doing awesome! she looks forward to coming to swim class each week! I highly recommend them for anyone looking to get their littles in swim classes! read more

Mr. Logan has been wonderful! He's very patient and my son loves being in his class.

One on one classes with enthusiastic instructors. My daughter loved coming here and picked swimming up quickly.

I take my little one there and we swim with Ms Maddie! We love it and look forward to it every week! The staff is so helpful and I feel like my little one is learning a lot. Keep up the amazing work that y'all do! read more

This place charged us money and did not provide services. They wouldn't refund the money either and keep going in circles. This is after paying them thousands for services before. It has been three months and they are very unresponsive. read more

I've been working here for almost year as a swimming instructor and I would definitely like to see my niece and nephew come here for swimming classes! The facility is open year round so if you're the type of parent who wants their kids exposed to swimming continuously then Emler is the place! All of their facilities are indoor pool areas with the pool itself heated to 90 degrees. The pool is kept sanitary due to the mixture of harmless chemicals that are checked multiple times everyday. Classes are limited to 4 kids to a 30 minute session. This is great when you have a good teacher who understands the importance of having your kids get the maximum amount of swimming time. All of the teachers are patient and kind and love working with kids. I know I do!!! Ok, from what I've heard, Emler is the more pricey option when it comes to swimming schools. But I do believe that the swimming curriculum is of good quality. I've had an opportunity to learn directly from the founder Jan Emler, herself and she is extremely passionate about not only exposing kids to swimming with confidence, but also teaching them in the correct way. She definitely created Emler Swim School for the kids. Every site director that I've worked under has nothing but love for the parents, their staff, and more importantly the kids! read more

Emler Swim School - Employee core values - Swimming Lessons/Schools Near Me - Southlake, Texas

be aware of the no refunds policy and prepaid tuition. My son, four years old attended here for several months In 2022 but due to diagnosed ADHD, he really struggled to pay attention and focus during the classes. I noticed he was usually off doing his own thing and going underwater during class while the teacher was working with other students. The classes have several students and you're child isnt the primary focus while the instructor is working with other students. A couple times I had to run inside to the pool to point out he was going under water on his own while the teacher was busy with other kiddos. Several times I noticed different instructors getting onto my son for his misbehavior-they seemed patient but frustrated. I eventually decided to remove him from class and to potentially come back to swim lessons when he is older, better able to focus and not being a safety risk to himself and others. The school refused to give any refund on the prepaid $387. they said they could give his spot to someone else but would not give a refund. This seemed awfully unreasonable given that they have a waitlist and would easily be able to fill the spot and replace the revenue with another student. My advice to others, if you're child isn't ready or has a legitimate disability, strongly reconsider enrolling here because you won't get a Refund under any medical circumstances. They don't seem to care about customer service or well-being. read more

The school teacher/staff is really good and the price is reasonable. Just something the other parents may want to know: the class setting is four semesters each year, so if you miss class in one semester and did not go to make up class during that semester, there is no refund or rollover to the next semester. We signed up for ten-day class during summer, and my son was sick for one week and missed five class, and we were a little shock to learn this when we try to contact them during fall semester. It would be nice to know this ahead of time or get reminder at the end of each semester. read more

Love this swim school! They put my kids at ease and make learning fun. Most of the teachers are great giving individual attention to each kid during class. Four weeks ago this would have been five but my youngest (in the baby class) is struggling to connect with his instructor this semester which is unusual. Parking can be a challenge at 6:00 pm on a week day. read more

We've been taking our daughter to Elmer for a couple years and she loves her swim lessons. The staff is extremely nice and great with kids. Given the current pandemic situation, the staff has done everything possible to make these classes as safe as possible. The staff is really what makes this place great. read more

I'm so done with Elmer! I signed my toddler up for day classes so we had something to do while everyone was at work, but that cancelled the class since there was not enough kids in it. That's fine, I understand the need to have enough kids to keep the class going, but when we asked for a refund since none of the other available class times worked for us since they were after work or on the weekend and they refused. Now we are rescheduling classes left and right due to other obligations perviously made and they are charging a $5 for each reschedule!!!! Not to mention my kid (who LOVES to swim) refuses to get into the water because the indoor pool is over crowded and there are babies/toddlers screaming everywhere!!! She is very prone to sensory overload. I am just trying to hang on for two more months but this has been the most stressful and unpleasant experience! read more

First things first we've had great teachers and experiences in the past & when they were at their old location that was very much the case. We took a break from it for awhile when they moved and signed up again one summer. We had wonderful teachers for 3 semesters that actually inspired my daughter to want to teach swimming. (Two summers, and a fall) The last semester we had there we had a teacher that was great for teaching technique but it was really hard for my daughter to warm up to her like we had in the past. Over all they do have some great people on staff. Things that really bugged me ... while I understand here vs YMCA, Rec centers and such 4 kids is a lot better than 10-20 in a class but for the level of technique they are trying to teach & amount you pay (About $20 a class) In a full class your kid maybe gets 5 minutes devoted to them. We've had classes with 2-4 kids, in the 2 kid's classes my daughter learned a lot and flourished. In a full class my daughter would get distracted waiting for her turn and then get scolded for goofing off or would be graded down for it. Honestly as well if you're more than let's say 5 minutes late you may as well not come, it's not worth it. They say that it's about the student's skill level ... it's not. I found this out when they were moving her up one level and said she's ready for a higher level but because of her age they felt she wasn't ready for it until she was 4 and when I told them she had already turned 4 two weeks prior they jumped her 2 more levels than they had originally done ... Just because of age. They didn't offer make up classes for the longest time ... now they do, just on Fridays and you have to pay $5 per make up. Really? With being one of the more pricey options for swimming in the area you're going to charge us more to make up what we already paid for? Other places, not necessarily swimming but little kid gymnastics places, will let you come to another class on your child's level or near their level as long as the other class isn't full... I've noticed a drop in the number of classes they offer over time ... and they make the classes with 1 student move to a fuller class, and I've noticed them try and push classes with 2 students into other classes or advertise those as smaller classes. They are really pushing the making sure there are 3-4 kids in each class. Which I understand is good from a business aspect but as I mentioned earlier with what they try to do with the class in the time they offer I wouldn't sign up for a class with more than 2-3 kids. As well be ready to be pushed and asked by everyone to sign up for classes year round. Even as far as getting a phone call from their teacher thanking you for the kids being in their class and they hope you sign up again. And goodness doesn't even try to get your money back for missed classes, or whatever thing you need money back for. The best they ever offer you is a credit without you having to be a pain about it. When all its said and done ... they served a purpose of doing swim lessons for my daughter before my daughter was old enough to take them else well and has gotten her very used to the water ... braver than her older cousins who waited until they were 4-5 to start swimming classes. But honestly I don't know if it was worth all that money I spent on it. read more

So this place is pretty good! It's a little pricey, however for the service they provided my daughter it was worth the money. She is 3 yrs old and enrolled in a class with 2 kids, half the time the other kid never showed up so more often than not my daughter essentially received private lessons and has learned how to swim a short distance. There is a good bit of turnover in the staff, so if that is an issue for a child beware. My daughter seemed to do fine since she generally enjoys the water. Most classes have 4 kids, and they are definitely pushing to have all the classes full. For a smaller childer learning to swim I WOULD recomend this swim school. read more

Great friendly staff. My kids love it and have progressed quickly. I only wish they had make up classes. Otherwise, it would be a five!

My son has been going to Emler for over one year and he is at Advanced Swimmer level. After talking to their manager, they took special permissions to accommodate our schedule. The teachers are very good and knowledgable. They are very good at communicating the progress of each child. Overall very happy. Parking is an issue at this facility so make sure you show up 15 minutes early to get a decent spot. read more

I attended a Birthday Swim Party on Sunday 2-10-19 for Landry. The facility is wonderful and the STAFF is amazing. I have had several interactions with Angel. She is such an asset to Emler. She is welcoming, inviting, friendly, happy, full of energy, and always smiling. She was such a joy to be around. What a TREAT to have her as the hostess for this party. She was constantly running around making sure all things were in perfect working order. I saw her mopping, sweeping up spills, interacting with all the guests, and asking if there was anything she could get for someone. What a true diamond she is to Emler. It was such a pleasure watching her interact with all the guests and taking such pride in her job. Please let her know what a WONDERFUL experience we had at Emler read more

My son has been swimming at Emler for 2.5 years now. GREAT swim coaches and staff but Lacy & Alecia are my go-to's. It was a rough start for my son who just turned one but everyone encouraged both of us to continue and now he LOVES it. (He may gold the record for throwing the loudest fit, but got over it in 6 weeks) Alecia has been amazing with helping Nico adjust to new teachers when we haven't been able to make her classes. These two amazing people need raises. read more

My son attended lessons here for about a year. The lesson quality was good and we liked most of the instructors. However, midway through a semester we had a scheduling conflict arise. We needed to move the day of the week that my son attended. He's 5 so he's in bed pretty early and I'm a working, single mom so a class during the day is not possible. We couldn't keep the same time just on a different day. Unfortunately, they did not have any other time slots that would work. I asked if we could receive a partial refund. Like pro-rate what we already paid and they said no. You pay for a semester and you commit to a semester. My son attended maybe 8 of the 19 sessions for the semester. You're better off going with a swim school that is on a month to month basis. He didn't finish the semester and we'll go elsewhere for future needs. read more

Great place to take your kids. They were swimming in just a few lessons. We feel safe with them near a pool now!!

The classes and the teachers are great here and my kids enjoy it and have learned a lot. However, the environment leaves A LOT to be desired. The changing areas are overcrowded and dirty, there are not enough restrooms or cubbies, and there are a ton of children running around with no parental supervision. Plan to arrive early if your child needs to change or use the toilet before class because they are all full. Also, you will be treated like a number. No one knows your child's name, age, or abilities, nor do they care. Regardless of development or needs, they are pigeonholed based on birth date even if the class is completely inappropriate for your child. Don't try asking them to make an exception either. Makeup classes cost $5 and are awful - don't bother. The receptionist is moody at best, so some days she's friendly, other days she's downright rude. Overall, it's a decent place, but for the high cost of the classes, I'd expect a lot more. read more

I highly recommend Emler!! The adults program is amazing. I am 59 years old and had a fear of water. My instructor, Eddie, was incredibly encouraging and took the time to show me each move. He knew exactly how to make sure I was comfortable and not fearful. Now, I can swim without any floats, hold my breath underwater and tread water in the deep end of my pool at home! The Deck Manager, Shayna, and Gabby at the front desk were always friendly and made it easy to address any concerns I had! I've learned how much fun swimming can be and I only wish that I had joined Emler sooner! read more

EMLER swim school is just awesome. They have a proprietary way of teaching kids to swim and it works. All of the staff we have interacted with are super friendly and have a smile on their face. Mr. Chase is the best, he really cares about each one of his students. Our daughter who is usually very shy just loves Mr. Chase, he wax able to earn her trust in a short period of time. Clean facility and caring staff who are truly dedicated to teaching your child to swim. Not only is learning to swim fun, but this skill set greatly increases a child's chance of survival should the accidentally fall into a pool. Happens all the time people. Get your kiddos swim lessons @ EMLER!!!! read more

My 2.5 year old son has been going her just over a week and loves it. We've been to other swim lessons around the DFW but this one is the best! The staff and teachers are so friendly! They make you feel so comfortable and walk you through everything. They also make sure your kids safe while learning with fun techniques! Love them! read more

Years later and we still love it! My daughter just turned 5 yrs old and swims privates with Mr. Blake and has graduated through all the levels and now swims on Emler's Swim Team with Mr. Will and Ms. Amanda (love you guys) on Saturdays. It's amazing to see her perform all four strokes and to watch her keep up with kids twice her age and strength and it's all thanks to the staff at Emler. Mr. Blake is awesome and challenges my daughter just enough while still keeping her confidence high and having tons of fun. All of the Emler staff, especially Ms. Megan, are always soooo sweet and bend over backwards to try and accommodate your needs. The facilities are always clean and the overall environment is always welcoming and positive. My daughter has grown with Emler and has blossomed into quite the swimmer! Thank you Emler- you're stuck with us! read more

My two youngest children had the privilege of learning how to swim here. Melissa was our teacher and our boys just loved her! She was so kind and made my boys very comfortable when they came for lessons. She was very patient and loving. I would recommend this facility and staff to anyone. They also have great birthday party's too! read more

Best ever! I have 2 daughters (3 and 5 years old) who take lessons. The coaches are fun, knowledgable, patient and loving. They truly "get it". My girls LOVE swimming and are strong swimmers now. read more

We love Miss Karen B... The swim lessons are fun and our daughter enjoys every minute of her waterbabies course.

Emler is the Best!!!! Our girls have been going since they were 3 months old, they are almost 2 now. Each semester has been great for the girls as they get more comfortable with the water and it has been amazing bonding time for my husband and I with the girls. This swim semester we are in now has been the toughest for one of my girls, but the staff has been absolutely amazing to help her get more comfortable with mommy and daddy out of the water. Will, our instructor, has been the best. He has so much patience. He suggested that we come in during the week so that he could work with my daughter one on one. After that session she did so much better. Will works so well with our class of 4 little toddler who are not quite 2 years old yet. Will definitely goes above and beyond as an instructor. Thank you everyone at Emler's for doing an amazing job!!!! read more

My son had fear of water, I tried so many Schools and Trainers, but he always back up, until I found Emler School in Southlake, from the first day the Teacher knew how to make sure he is comfortable and not fearful of water, after the second class he started swimming with no help, Blake, Cassandra, Jontana, Karen are very knowledgeable, friendly, nice and know how to communicate with kid's. My Son made a very big prosses in a very short period. Can't forget the deck managers specially Shayna how helpful and friendly answering my questions. Also, for sure all the staff are very nice. I highly recommend Emler School is the best swimming school. read more

My son has been going there since he was 6 months old. When he was about 20 months old, he fell in the pool. He was able to kick and get himself to the edge like they teach them. He had a hard time and would get upset sometimes when we first started. The staff was great and would devote lots of people to help him feel comfortable in the pool. Glad I found this place and convinced my husband that this was a good idea. We have been customers for almost 3 years straight now and will continue at least another year to year and a half. This place is worth it!!! read more

Wow! $85 for private 30 min. Swim lessons, PER KID. Need to find a new location for my kids to take lessons at.

I would definitely recommend this swim school! Both my 5 year old and 3 year old have lessons here and they love it. The teachers are great with them and really give each of them undivided attention when it's their turn in the water. They are also very accommodating. Yesterday, because of an accident on the freeway, we were 10min late to the session. The deck manager was SO nice and actually took both kids in a lane with him to finish out each of their sessions since the other teachers were all booked. He didn't have to do that and it took his attention away from other things he may have needed to tend to so I Really appreciate that! They are great and so Nice! Will definitely keep my kids in this school. :) read more

We have taken my two children to the Southlake location for four years, since my younger child was just 1. The teachers and techniques are amazing! My 6 year old now swims four strokes and is polishing his breaststroke. I didn't even START to learn to dogpaddle until I was around 7. My younger child is just 4 and swims freestyle like a fish. Neither child has ever been afraid of the water, and I attribute that to having them learn at Emler. I recommended Emler to a friend whose daughter was afraid of the water at their community's swimming center. In just a couple of weeks at Emler, the little girl was no longer afraid of water and really blooming as a swimmer. We had tried our local swimming center's classes for my older child first, but they did nothing but carry the kids around in the water "getting them used to water." At our first class with my 1-year-old, he swam under water for one second. By the end of the first 10 or 15 week session, he could swim under water to me for 10 seconds! We've had fantastic teachers at Southlake, all very well trained and most who expertly balance fun and confident instruction that holds the kids' attention and keeps them safe while they learn. Some of the best have been Patrick Tsunga (unfortunately for us now teaching orchestra full time in the Mansfield ISD), Emily, Wende, Chelsea, and Matt. We have spent time at the two Austin locations, which were disappointing in comparison to the friendly, energetic Southlake location. At both Austin locations, a few of the teachers had great difficulty retaining control of their 2-5 child classes. This takes skill and training in the water, and Southlake seems to develop this in its instructors very well. read more