We've been bringing our kids here for years now. The teachers are all very friendly and knowledgeable about working with young ones in the water. The one thing that isn't ideal is being able to choose the teacher. We've found our kids just listen more and work better with specific instructors but unfortunately there is no way to guarantee that instructor each session. read more

Foss is a wonderful swim school! We signed our 3 year old up for the Level 1 Learn to Swim program. She had a hard time the first two days, and the instructors were very helpful and understanding. The Director (Mike) even helped out personally, and got our daughter in the water. He provided us some good tips to make it easier next time. It says a lot that the Director both gets in the water and makes rounds to make sure everything is going well. During the second class, another instructor (Gabby) also helped out. She actually got our daughter to participate. It was amazing! We ended up switching instructors because we found out that our daughter is more comfortable with females, and the entire Foss staff was very patient and accomodating. Everyone at Foss, from the front desk, to the instructors, to the Director were amazing. Ky, our new instructor is so great. Our first instructor was also great, we just switched because of our daughter's preferences. I'm sorry that I can't remember his name, but he also deserves recognition for being so patient. All of their instructors are great with kids. I would highly recommend this school, especially for younger kids learning to swim. It's a busy school, slots go fast, but they keep class sizes small. They have a play area for parents and siblings who are waiting. I have seen people sign multiple kids up for two classes that are one time slot after the other, since it's so hard to get two spots in one time slot. I think it's worth waiting in the waiting area, it's not that long. Others wait longer for two slots to open up at the same time. Either way, it's worth the wait. I'd recommend the first way, since swimming skills are important to learn sooner rather than later. read more

Foss Swim School instructors are very patient and know how to motivate even the most hesitant little ones. I have been taking my grandson there for two years and really enjoyed the parent child classes and now watching him as a toddler in his small (2-3 children) classes. They emphasize safety including teaching the little ones not to get into a pool without the teacher or a parent there first. read more

Foss swim school is great for beginners, but as your child progresses the class size grows to a size that becomes problematic. Too many kids in a class - 7 or 8 kids in the same swim lane. My son is complaining of it being too crowded to swim and not be hit by other swimmers. We used to converse with the instructor after every lesson, now she doesn't have time to talk to that many parents. Foss also ceased offering make-up classes which also affects your child's progression. I recommend for beginners, but if you looking for a swim school that you want to teach your child how to become good at swimming, go elsewhere. read more

It was nearly impossible to get a weekend morning class at the same time for both my kids at Foss, but it was so worth the wait. While waiting for 2 spots to open up we took lessons at Big Blue.* You can read my review for the entire experience, but basically my 3 1/2 yr old daughter loved it...and my 1 1/2 yr old son was not such a fan. When I received the good news that 2 coveted Sunday morning spots were opening up at Foss I decided to check it out. I braced myself for the weekend craziness that I had experienced at Big Blue the past few months, but surprisingly it was relatively quiet and well organized. And because of that my son absolutely loves the class. My husband is the "lucky" one who goes in the water him and really enjoys the class as well. He's also mentioned that the water seems warmer than other pools we've been in. My daughter goes in all by herself- hooray! She's in a class with 2 other children her age and the instructor handles them really well. They have toys at the side of the pool to keep them occupied, but they spend more time learning to "swim" than playing in the water. While I don't think she'll be swimming on her own for quite some time she's having a blast blowing bubbles, back floating, learning out to get in/out of the water safely, etc. And if she keeps up at Foss perhaps she will be swimming on her own before her next birthday. I've noticed they take notes accessing the skills & progress of the children, which is pretty cool. The restrooms/changing areas are also very clean and not crowded so it's easy to get out of there in record time. For moms with 2+ kids I've personally found it's easier to have their classes 15 minutes apart (rather than at the same exact time) so you can get one kid changed while the other kid is finishing up a lesson. And if there's a bit of downtime there's a nice waiting room with puzzles, books and TV to keep siblings occupied. * http://www.yelp.com/biz/big-blue-swim-school-wilmette?hrid=_qs0YAKEwR4kQcIlvTqPJw read more

Foss Swim School - Sunday morning at foss - Swimming Lessons/Schools Near Me - Highland Park, Illinois

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I've had my kids swim here for 4 years. Fantastic program and my daughters loved every instructor there. The instructors are disciplined yet kind and patient. The directors are very professional and friendly. Excellent customer service when you call. I only left foss due to my kid finally joining a swim team program. Otherwise, would still be there. Private classes are quite expensive as they have to balance the cost of 4 students with one. My child picked up a lot of skills in both private and group lessons in the past. Thank you foss for everything you've taught my kids! read more

Wow. We took our very shy 3 year old to a lesson today with Edith. He normally takes a very long time to warm up to someone/detach himself from me ... and she was so very kind, patient and really was able to be on his level with him in such an upbeat and Positive manner. When he belly-laughed with her, I definitely had tears in my eyes. Her patience and amazing technique with him really paid off as me and my husband watched in complete amazement. We can't wait to see what else he accomplishes with Edith in the next months, or more! What a pleasure it was to watch how she was with him. I am truly floored. Edith was incredible. read more

Signed my son up for their winter swim camp and I'm impressed enough, I'm signing him up for lessons 2x a week going forward. The place is entirely devoted to teaching kids to swim. They have it down to a system, keep the kids moving and engaged for the whole lesson and have levels broken out to very specific skill sets. The pool is 90 degrees, so the major impediment to swim lessons at other pools nearby is overcome. My impression is that most parents who've seen this since it opened about a week ago are blown away. Lesson slots are already filling up quickly (Saturdays are mostly full). But....every month, every kid gets re-evaluated and possibly moved to a new level, so it's worth calling just in case. They're across from the Target, between Staples and Trek. I hope their energy level, cleanliness and efficiency stay at "grand opening" levels. Terrific addition for Highland Park! read more

Here's what you need to know: outstanding instructors, great facility that is super warm, but expensive and a little inflexible because classes fill up super fast. I do like Foss better than the Highland Park Rec center across the street since the instructions are more structured (maybe even more advanced), the class size is smaller, the facility is nicer, and the water is warmer. However, classes fill up so fast that if you want to switch, you just don't find availability. This is more a critique of the experience rather than the staff or facility. Also, the he classes are considerably more expensive than the rec center but that's too be expected given the smaller class size and facility. Overall, I would highly recommend Foss to teach your kids (especially younger ones) to swim. read more

This place is amazing. My daughter is 2 and enrolled in Baby Backfloat 1. Prior to taking a class at Foss, we took a 6 week class through the Highland Park park district. We learned more in the first lesson at Foss than during our whole tenure at the park district. It is clear that the teachers at Foss know what they're doing and have a clear curriculum to ensure that all children learn essential skills in each level. My daughter's teacher, Jess, is awesome at tailoring each skill during class to the individual needs of each swimmer. It's also very clear that she has a lot of experience working with little babies, and is so animated and keeps them interested during the entire 30 minutes. You can tell that she adjusts what she does with each kiddo, depending on his or her current comfort level and needs. We've had about five lessons, and already my daughter is comfortable floating on her back, completely submerging her head under water, blowing bubbles, climbing out of the pool, jumping into the pool, and several other skills (all with daddy or mommy assisting her, of course). I have complete confidence in her teacher, and it's so amazing to see how excited my daughter is each week for her lesson. She's already learning how to do paddle kicks, and is so proud of herself! I can't recommend this place enough. I intend to keep her in classes here for a long time. Both of my nephews have been going here for a while, and they are both progressing amazingly in their ability to swim. A note on the price... It seems expensive, but when you factor in that class is 14 lessons, it actually is very reasonable. Also, the instructors are outstanding. When I compare the quality of the instruction we have received at Foss with what we received at the park district, it is definitely worth the extra money. Highly recommended! read more

We just started and are having a good experience so far. Our teacher is very energetic and the water is very warm. It is more pricey than other places, and open swim is not free (included) like other places. It is $10 a person so we are going to the park district indoor pool instead with our family. read more

So far so good! We switched my daughter out of another very highly rated swim school b/c it was extremely crowded in the evenings and made for an intimidating experience for her at age 3. Foss is much more laid back during the times I'm available to take her and have been very accommodating about letting me ease her into the program. I also like that their class sizes are smaller for the little ones. Day 1 she was scared of every single exercise. We're on week 5 or 6 and she knows the whole routine and we've even gotten her face in the water a few times. read more

This place is incredible. The staff is incredibly accommodating and helpful. The teachers are warm and wonderful. My daughter started out incredibly scared of the water and made some major strides in just two days of class. She regressed a bit and the staff could not have been more helpful in working to get her back on track. They just do everything right! Major shout outs to swim teacher Will and manager Mellie for their kindness and assistance. I'll continue to refer friends here and will be taking my son here when he's older. read more

So I checked this place out with my kids. I like that there are many of these locations throughout the Chicagoland area and they seem to provide good lessons. I thought they were a touch expensive especially since no discount for multiple children. If you're wasn't a member at a gym up the street that has swim lessons for children I would have signed my kids up here. I love that they have little sections for each swim level. read more

The people at Foss could not be nicer. But the pool is so full of chemicals that my daughter broke out in a nasty rash after each lesson if we did not scrub her down MULTIPLE times (first at pool and then home). And it is as loud and disorienting as a thunderdome in the pool area -- very off-putting for new/timid swimmers. Finally, after months of lessons, my daughter doesn't seem to want to put her face in the water and knows very little about swimming. She loves it at Foss. And everyone is great. But..... read more

We LOVE Foss in Highland Park. The staff has been incredible and so helpful with my reluctant swimmer. The teachers are so patient, motivating and make swimming fun! We went to a water park and my son had a blast because he was finally comfortable in the water and could get out of the pool so easily. I am so appreciative of all the staff and highly recommend them!! read more

My review is for the Libertyville location which doesn't seem to have its own Yelp page. My four year old went from a rock in the pool to a confident, full-fledged swimmer in about 3 & 1/2 months. Their teaching method is amazingly effective. The instructors are attentive, enthusiastic, friendly, and professional. The facilities are clean and well equipped, the pro shop is stocked and reasonably priced (though they provide everything necessary for the lessons), and the front end staff is also very friendly. I try to provide some kind of constructive criticism whenever possible but I truly have nothing negative to say. If you're considering enrolling your child, don't hesitate. read more

My son did one prior swim instruction as part of summer camp. The camp was able to do nothing as far as making him safer and not as nervous around the pool. Within the first class there was significant improvement and with each subsequent class there has been growth. The children are watched closely and there is always extra instructor's waiting around to help in each group. read more

My 7 year old was so scared of swimming that he cried the first day. After 5 half hour lessons he was swimming alone. This place really, really knows about teaching swim! Worth every penny! read more

The absolute best. With very small classes, instructors can give each child the attention they need. It's basically a semi private feel. They aren't just teaching how to swim it building confidence in the water which is key. read more

I highly recommend Foss Swim School! My 4 year son has not been a fan of water for a couple of years. I did a great deal of research by asking other parents, reading reviews and visiting 2 schools before selecting Foss. We started him in Littles 1 last Spring and miracle of all miracles, he LOVED it! He talked about it all week and couldn't wait to go to his lesson every Sunday. We progressed to the next level (Littles 2) and are currently finishing up this session. Our teacher, Christina, has been very communicative with us regarding his progress and opportunities. She is very genuine and appears to really enjoy teaching the children and making sure they gain confidence and skill. I really appreciate that Foss does not let the children move to the next level without being ready (in both confidence and skill) and will evaluate them multiple times to ensure they are ready to progress or need to stay at the same level to better their skill before moving up. It appears that the staff here really enjoy their jobs and realize how important this life skill is for children. They seem to want to ensure that the children are successful and that they have fun during the process. The times offered are convenient but the weekend morning classes go quickly so you have to register the moment registrations opens! The changing areas and bathrooms are clean and the pool is set up conveniently so you can watch your children. Since I have been in retail/customer service my entire career, I did want to mention that Casey (Supervisor) was really great when I asked him to re-evaluate our son for the next level. Our son has made a great deal of progress since the last evaluation and I thought it necessary to have them take a look! He explained the process and spent time making sure our son had the skills to move on the Littles 3 next session. In observing Casey and the rest of the staff here, they are not bothered by parents asking questions or going the extra mile to see that a child succeeds. They welcome the opportunity to interact with the parents, exhibit a positive upbeat demeanor and provide excellent customer service. It's clear that the training for the team is top notch and that they hire nice people! read more

We went for our assessment today. I picked a time that worked for all three of my kids' schedules. I arrived a few minutes early. I waited and waited and waited. Twenty minutes after my scheduled time I asked the front desk people (there were seriously like 6-7 people back there...) if the school was running behind. They clearly had forgotten about us. By this time I thought I would be back in my car getting my littlest down for his nap. Instead we were still a few minutes away from getting started with the assessment. The assessment was nice. The guys were funny and got my daughter giggling away. I did like that. They obviously knew what her level was pretty quick, but it was nice she got to spend some extra time in the pool with an instructor. They had the tv gonig for siblings--both good and bad. I found it annoying, but I can see how on other days I would really appreciate it. They had a meager selection of toys and books. Again, I did appreciate them having a selection of things for siblings. A few nicer wooden toys wouldn't hurt. Afterwards, the computers had broken down. I wasn't able to sign up in the building. This is not their fault, of course, but as a busy mom to three kids, I had planned on checking off the swim lesson sign-up task that afternoon. Instead I had to take papers and was told to wait for a phone call when the computers were back up, or go on-line and sign up by myself at my own convenience. Again, it isn't their fault, but it was super annoying to have to even think about this as I really wanted to be done signing up for fall activities. I will probably give this place a chance for one session since the assessment was so great. It is extremely costly. It is about $1,000 for my kids to have weekly swim lessons for the fall. That is quite substantial. I do believe it will be worth it given I can pay that price, though. I will update my review IF my kids are able to get into lessons here and it is worth a better review. For now, I stand at a 3. read more

Foss is a great place to teach your kids to swim. They have been very flexible getting my multiple children of many different ages into manageable timeslots. Foss has a program where you achieve skills and you don't move to the next level in till you have confidently achieved that skill. All my children enjoy swimming a lot now. read more

We have been taking our son here since he was 6 months old. The teachers are great and it's a very friendly environment. Justin, one of the managers, and the site manager are very accommodating and make it a point to get to know the families and do what is needed for the kids to have the best experience. read more

I'm probably the only person that feels this way, they have great reviews. We used to be at Big Blue, but when we moved, this was so much closer. I can see how it would be great for kids that are afraid of the water, but my kids were swimming really well at Big Blue. Now they are put in classes that seem below their skill level because they don't know the Foss ways of doing things (slicing a pizza, bird flaps, pancake flips, whatever they call these things)... We didn't mind being at a lower level to get caught up on the Foss ways, but now we've been at that level for two sessions. My daughter is so bored she literally plays around on the side the entire lesson. The lane/practice area for this age group is so short that when they do try to get her to kick, or swim, it is so short that when she pushes off, she doesn't have to swim at all before getting to the platform. Every time I go to watch, I think about what a waste of money it is. Also, there are no make up classes. So if you miss, you get offered a family swim (Friday night) or a Sunday afternoon swim meet. No lesson make up. My advice is to got to Big Blue. read more

This is for the Libertyville Location, which doesn't have a page. The rapport between the kids and the teachers is very good. They definitely make it fun. Some aspects of the the school may make it hit or miss for your child. Unruly children may splash other children in the face, etc. Whether or not they are reprimanded depends on the teacher and/or parent. Every week I watched a little boy continuously upset other children by splashing them in the face while his father messaged on his iPhone. The teacher somewhat helplessly let it go on. The levels listed on the website are somewhat of a joke. In the one of the classes my child participated in, children were never even taught any of the "graduation" requirements. It's as if the kids are supposed to achieve them without specific instruction. With caveats, I think a timid swimmer may benefit. I think a more courageous child will do fine elsewhere for a lot less $$$ read more

I completely agree with the earlier reviewers comments. This is a GREAT swim school! I have my 6 & 3 year old children enrolled. The both LOVED it since day one and get so excited to go to class every week. The instructors make the class fun & are playful in their teaching style but the beauty is that the kids have no idea that it is serious business & those teachers are really devoted to getting the kids to swim. My older daughter was swimming by the 2nd class and moved up to the next lever after a month of lessons. She did not make this sort of progress even in private lessons prior. My younger has been a little slower, but puts his face in the water & is very close to swimming on his own. I also love that the program is teaching them not just to be able to swim with correct form but also life saving techniques. The littlest children are taught how to get out of the pool, back float, etc.... and they are told if you can not swim or if you get tired to float. Additionally, class sizes are small, continuous enrollment program allows for flexibility & everyone that works there is really nice, team oriented and accommodating. read more

Started out as a great experience but after 4 mths we decided to cancel today in part due to the attitude of the manager.We mentioned to him that we hadn't received any feedback on our kids progress and had an issue with ever changing instructors .We felt that because of the constant changes the kids were starting from scratch every week and it was affecting progress.They seem to have an issue with staff turnover.Instead of the manager presenting us with a plan for improvement he suggested that we cancel.I was stunned with his attitude.We had hoped that we would voice our valid concerns and come to a solution with his help.In a nutshell if you get a good and consistent instructor it is a nice environment for children to learn a great life skill. read more

Signed up my kids for a swimming camp at Libertyville location and was very disappointed. The swimming teacher was very unprofessional, yelling at kids and even dropped "stupid" word couple of times. My daughter was scared of her! The teacher was always 3-5 minutes late and would end the class 3-5 minutes earlier, so i paid for 30 min. lessons, but lessons where only 20 min. long There was no communication between teacher and parents, not ones she came up to me and said how she thinks kids are doing. I would not go back there or recommend this place to anyone. read more

Wish that I could give an even higher rating! This is by far the best swim school in Illinois. The staff at Highland park is wonderful! They always go above and beyond to keep my child safe, learning, and having a blast. We will NEVER swim anywhere else! read more

i have not been impressed so far. Firstly, i signed up for a class and they called me back saying they'd made a mistake and need to enroll me in a different class. Then they switched me back to my original class but didn't tell me. Also not impressed with the teacher. She obviously has no desire to be there and doesn't seem to even like kids that much. I spoke to a friend who LOVES Foss and she told me they have taken their kids for years and it really does depend on the teacher and sometimes you just get a 'dud'. I guess we got a dud. I'll finish out the session and see if it gets better. read more

Halyna M. I have my daughter signed up for swimming at FOSS since the time they opened in JAN 2011 and up to this day we are still with them and couldn't be happier. Over the past 20 months , we had 8 teachers (since she passed 6 levels), all incredibly good, talked to different staff members and always got the best results on the concerns we had. My daughter never developed rash of any kind . Best of all, she is a very confident swimmer( not to mention the youngest) in the big pool, who once again made another level! read more

Very friendly, awesome instructors. Request Nes! He's a great instructor, kids love him!

Excellent instruction. They have fantastic teaching techniques.

Our son has been at Foss for five months now and we are thrilled. He has separation issues and the staff is SO patient and caring. They really do try to accommodate us and give us feedback. The environment is clean and warm for the kids. The locker rooms could be a bit larger, but it isn't a big deal. We enjoy going during the week (2x) and one time on the weekend when the pools are less crowded. I highly recommend Foss! read more

My daughter loves swimming at Foss! She loves the instructors and the warm water. I love the cleanliness and pace of lessons. Prior to this experience, she had been in classes with up to 8 other children and she spent much of her time waiting on the wall to take her turn. Foss instructors keep the kids moving at all times. The only negative I've encountered is the turnover of instructors. We've gone through several in just a few months. They have all been very good, but I do feel like we are starting from scratch each time we have someone new. read more