My son went here for 2 or 3 months. We liked the time that was available for lessons and there was always plenty of seats available. The atmosphere is good and the staff is nice but our son made no progress. He struggled to separate and there was no guidance on what to do or attempts to assist weren't initiated until more than half of the session was over. In his brief time in junior 1, all our kid did was throw things in the water, shimmy the wall, and splash at the instructor. There was one day we had an elmhurst sub and that's when we saw our kid actually practicing kicking and back floating.. so we left shortly after that to go to the elmhurst location. read more

Went to check out Goldfish Naperville after receiving an email about their "FREE family-focused event from 2-5 PM TODAY." We arrived at 4 PM with our baby, only to be told the pool was closing at 4:15 PM. That important detail was nowhere in the email. Apparently there were signs posted at the facility, but this was only our second time there, so that didn't help much. What made the experience worse was the cold, dismissive attitude from one of the front desk employees and the manager who wrote the email. There was little accountability and no real empathy for the effort it takes to time naps, feedings, and get a baby out the door for an event like this. Our daughter was so excited when we walked in and then promptly heartbroken as we walked back out. It's hard disappointing your kid, but it's even harder when it could've been avoided with clearer communication and a little compassion. Mistakes happen, but a sincere apology and some understanding would have gone a long way. read more

Coach Luke and Coach Malik are fantastic! They have done a great job motivating and encouraging my kids.

Our experience with this center has not been very great. The teachers are fine but the front desk needs training in customer service. They don't know the rates of the swim lessons. They have charged us $31 for one lesson and $37 at a different time. $32 is what appears to be a group lesson on their website, where the $37 comes from the front desk were not able to answer. It felt like a scam where they can quote any amount that they desire. Moreover, as I said previously the front desk lacks customer service, they make you wait while booking the next class, pointedly remind your child that the shitty candies at the front counter are "only for members", I will not give my child those shitty candies even if you gave them for free but their membership marketing is funny. I won't recommend this center to anyone just because of the front desk staff. I get it you only have to deal with them once but there attitude will make you feel unwelcome everytime so don't even try. read more

Since so called, the owners have been changed, they increased price. Open swim time is free only during weekdays afternoon, so school kids can't take advantage of open swim time. Staff is rude. One person says you have 20 make up lessons and other person says you have 3 make up lessons pending. They never have any availability for make up class the time you want. If you have 2 kids I'm different levels, you have to bring them on different times. Need to find nice indoor pool close to north naperville read more

I'm looking for swim lessons for my grandchildren taught correctly. Teaching 100s of children myself in California as a teen then later my own children 2 before they could walk, there's a right way and dozens of wrong methods used. Seeing a few pictures here gives me hope this IS somewhere to take children. Specifically the instructor holding the child's head from behind while on their back so they can learn how to float feeling their body doing this naturally. Second holding the child facing the instructor or parent at arms length to encourage them to put their face in the water and kicking. Parents who use flotation devices are making a mistake and can easily end in tragedy because it gives children a false sense they're able to swim. Besides it trains them to try to keep their heads up feet down which means drowning. Teach children to swim and if they're around the water keep a flotation device like a life jacket on in case they fall in accidentally. Drowning happens quickly and when supervision is distracted. read more

Would not recommend. Have been to Goldfish a couple of times and has always been a disappointment. 1. Small pool - kids are bumping into each other while swimming, especially in group lessons 2. Pool is dirty- This has been expressed from other friends as well. 3. Hit or Miss with teachers. Swim teachers need to be trained how to work with kids. High turn over due to kids going back to school, so no structure or continuity. Had an issue with a rude teacher which was unfortunate. Would recommend another place such as Hospital Gym- such as Edward or Life Time in Naperville. Bigger pools and better staff. I have spoke to the management at Goldfish and it has been noted. read more

Took my 4 year old to open swim today and loved it! Finally a place with warm water! Don't forget towels like me! It's such a cute, clean place and they provide the cutest toys. 90 degree water! Yes!! read more

Goldfish Swim School - Swimming Lessons/Schools Near Me - Naperville, Illinois

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I love this place for my child. The teachers have been very kind, patient and good instructors. I feel very pleased. My son (3 years old) LOVES going to his swimming class and enjoys the fact that he has advanced so much. It is very easy to change a class and customer service is very nice. The whole environment is for the child. We like the coloring sheets, tattoos and figures that are available for the students; toys, blackboard... There is just two things that would make this place a 5 stars: -The changing rooms have a mold like smell from people being wet and changing of course. The problem is that the rooms should be dried completely to avoid this. -The safe guards/helpers can get distracted talking to each other, and sometimes have missed little accidents (that could become huge) while the teacher is instructing another child. I have seen it with others and it happened to us directly. This can get resolved by them being more focused/involved. Although this is a business, we always feel welcomed by the staff, we feel like family. When we go in, we feel warm: the air, the water, the people.... Thank you. I updated this review to 5 stars. I believe there has been an improvement to the suggestions previously made. Thank you again. read more

Goldfish Swim School - Swimming Lessons/Schools Near Me - Naperville, Illinois

This was a gift from a grandparent to our kiddo. The grandparent said the kid loves it, but our kid told a different story... To better understand, we went to some in place of the grandparent. These are 30-minute classes, but this includes the time for all of the kids to walk into the pool area, try to find their lane, do roll call, etc. It also includes the time for them to get out of the pool, find their towel, and rush out. Being generous, it seems all this takes up at least a third of the class. My kiddo said that they "sit and wait most of the time". They are also very confused when they are told X will be their teacher, but two weeks later, their teacher is now Y, and then the next week it's now Z - Trust me, I understand employee turnover but golly. The instructors are nice it seems (you have no time to talk to them and they apparently don't have time to answer any questions) but most are in their own conversations or just look horrified to be working with children... Not the most comforting. It's uncontrolled and disorganized - I've watched so many kids running less than a foot away from the pool or kids getting pushed, even by parents who are foolishly running next to the pool since it's all so rushed to get in and out of the pool area for the next class to begin immediately and everyone's in some big panic it seems; No idea what the instructors are doing at this time but certainly not paying attention. I had a grown man push my three-year-old daughter and she fell back into the pool... I think that's enough said about the recklessness and disorganization there... It's kind of a stressful atmosphere and doesn't give the greatest sense of safety... It's also nearly impossible to connect with anyone who works there - You can call 17 times a day every day and you might get lucky once after a few weeks of this. I haven't had great luck with pleasant people at the front desk, but I have had some really lovely humans. We talked to a location that is closer to where we are currently residing who has answered every single time we've called, and they said based on what our child had been taught that they'd recommend having her go back and re-do different levels to catch up to their location's level requirements. The tropical decor is super fun, and the concept is wonderful, but our kid swam much better and was happier when it was just our family at the free community pool. read more

Love the teaches and personal attention Love the family swim days, no other swim school in the area offers those Lots of swim related activities each month read more

My daughter was finally old enough to enroll in swimming. Being new parents, my wife and I were hesitant at first taking our [then] 4 month old to swim classes, but after reading the reviews and speaking with the staff, we took the plunge(get it?) and went to the first swim class for our daughter. I can honestly say this place blew us away. The theme throughout is very kid-friendly, clean and open. The staff is very professional, friendly, and understanding. As for the class, we go once a week for 30 minutes. The class size is small, probably 3-5 other parents and their little ones. The class itself is very helpful. We learn kicking and pulling with our arms, familiarity with going under water, familiarity flipping onto your back and floating, learning how to grab the side and crawl out, all through games and songs and all very helpful tasks for babies in the pool. The best part is our daughter loves it. She has a smile on her face the whole time (except her shocked face when she goes under water) and is just a very happy baby. We absolutely recommend you take your child here! read more

My kids (5 and 3) have been attending Goldfish for 6 months and we could not be happier. While they do have amazing swim instructors I have been particularly impressed with their customer service. They go above and beyond to make sure that my kids get their lesson in every week and have a great time. I've had to reschedule a few times (once even for completely forgetting to show up) and they always make it happen, no questions asked! Other facilities in the area require a doctors note in order to miss and reschedule a lesson (crazy!). I've also mistakingly shown up at the wrong time and no problem, they found a class for my kiddos. I certainly don't recommend being late or missing, but great to know that when life is tough with little ones, Goldfish is super understanding. I also love that I can watch my kids lessons from behind the glass instead of sitting on the pool deck (again like another facility) I have a crawling baby and it would be hell to have to monitor her from falling in while the older ones swim. Through in the free wifi and I'm a super happy mommy! read more

This is the FIFTH swim instruction facility we have had our kids at (ages 9 and 2), and Goldfish is by far the best. It has the cleanest pool, utilizes the most square footage of water per child/class, is beautifully themed, and the instructors have been awesome. We've been here since they opened last year, and still have the same teachers, who are great. My 2-year-old daughter boycotted our last swim school (they really pushed her to go underwater, and she ended up hating swim lessons), but she absolutely loves lessons at this place. The instructors don't push kids beyond their comfort zone - they tailor instruction to the child, progressing at their own pace...for us, this is key! My oldest is ready for rec swim team, which he's looking forward to here. The facility is beautiful and fun (think tropical vacation...complete with grass huts, live fish-tanks and reggae music), and they have cool float structures (giant foam canoes, planes, etc) that they use in the younger classes and allow free reign of for kids at pool parties, which my son loved at his birthday party...it was a huge success (staff was enormously helpful in running everything from child assessment/safety, decorating, serving food...and we had the entire place to ourselves. It was great). Plenty of private bathrooms, changing rooms, swimsuit spin-dryers, and even a hair drying station (a giant vanity mirror with surfboard seating and hairdryers). And the price is comparable to what we've paid elsewhere. As follow-up to one reviewer's comment that he/she didn't thing they use saltwater chlorine...they do. Saltwater chlorine still has a very slight chlorine scent to it (it's the same saltwater chlorination that Bear Paddle swim school in Aurora uses, but the pool is much, much cleaner) and not nearly as strong smelling as chemical chlorine at most facilities. All in all, we couldn't be happier. It's just a pleasure to be there, and both my kids think it's more fun than other swim schools they've been at. read more

I have taken two of my grandsons to this Goldfish. Naperville Goldfish is organized, super clean, great customer service and the teachers are fabulous. The teachers cheer and gently challenge. During the summer they hold jump start clinics with five consecutive days. This jump start clinic enabled my older grandson who could just not get his face in the water to start swimming! Well worth it! read more

My 5 year daughter has been going weekly for about 3 months now, and the results are amazing. The teachers are so good with her. It's a fun, friendly environment, but most of all, she is learning how to swim and becoming very comfortable treading water by herself. The temperature is always warm in the pool area, and the full viewing glass is great for parents to be able to watch and video tape their children swimming. The lanes usually have 2-4 kids per instructor, but its non stop for the full 30 minutes so you get your money's worth. Highly recommended! read more

My 3 year old had swimming lessons here and the teachers were awesome and the facility is super clean! We then had her birthday party there...they did everything and the kids loved it and so did the parents! Highly recommend! read more

The staff I encounter have always been helpful!! ( particularly Gavin and Kelly) .. I also work in the coaching world in a different sport so small things like kind and thoughtful interaction with kids and parents means a lot because I know first hand not all kids and parents are easy :) Also, patience with scared kids along with displayed confidence as a swim coach makes parents feel better. I have 20 years experience as a coach know tons about my sport but I LOVE just being a parent here and letting someone else coach my child! It's so nice. It's good to feel they are thoughtfully striving to make kids be the best they can be ! read more

I was here for a birthday party and although Goldfish claims to use a salt water system, chlorine was clearly used. There was a strong chlorine smell when we entered the water, and long after we left. read more

We have been part of the Goldfish family for over a year now and only have wonderful things to say. It's amazing watching what our daughter can do in the water. We also recently had a party here as well. Everyone was very nice and helpful. A fun time was had by all and we received many compliments about how much fun everyone had. read more

Best place for children to learn swimming, host birthday parties and master swimming techniques. The staff are professional, friendly and it is very CLEAN environment. Will recommend this place to all. read more

I am a mother of 3 kids and 2/3 of my kids have previously taken swim lesson's that were session based and never learned anything really just to be in the water. Since my kids have started swim lessons at Goldfish which was in September. All three of my children have learned how to swim the correct way! My oldest daughter's breathing was corrected and my 2 youngest kids can swim with out flotation devices! My 2 younger children are 3 and 5 I am so proud of my kids! The teacher's are awesome and the curriculum works! read more

I love this place! the employees feel like family, very kind, patient, and professional! I have a 7 yr old & 9 yr old & both are very happy w/ their lessons. Also, they let you make-up several missed classes unlike other swim places that only allow 1 make-up.They want to hear any concerns & are genuinely invested in our children's progress.Goldfish & it's employees have a way of making children feel like they have accomplished something even if they didn't have the best day.I really like that parents are behind the glass of the pool area instead of in the steamy room w/ the kids(my hair appreciates it as well)!. I highly recommend Goldfish swim. It is also very clean & neat! read more

We have been in attendance on and off for about a year and I couldn't be happier! All the instructors are amazing with kids, take their time with each one and tells exactly what the kids need to work on to be better swimmers. Because of my son's schedule we have had to reschedule a few times and they have been more than amazing on getting the classes re booked. read more

My kid has had bad experiences with a couple of swim schools and Goldfish is the only place he has felt happy going! We've been coming here for almost 6 months and everyone we've encountered has been kind and professional. The facility is very clean and they're going to expand the indoor parking! Life saver in the winter time:) read more

We have been going to Goldfish for 6 months. Everyone who works there is SO friendly and helpful. If I ever call to reschedule, the person on the phone is courteous and helpful also. And the instructors are wonderful!!!!! So glad we found this place! read more

We love Goldfish Swim School! I just wanted to give big props to two of the best swim teachers: Nathan & Phable. First of all, my son is in Nathan's Junior 2 class. He started with Nathan last Fall and he shows so much patience with my son. He has a very calm and positive teaching style which I know my son responds to. As parents, my husband and appreciate his passion and positivity. I also wanted to thank Phable for going above and beyond these last two weeks. My son was having two tough weeks. Last week Nathan had a sub for the first time since he was his student. So my son didn't take that change very well. He cried and cried. Phable, acting as the deck supervisor, jumped in the pool to help calm my son down. She even proceeded to give him a 'one-on-one' session until he stopped crying. This past Monday, he was upset again and Phable saved the day again by helping to calm him down. Honestly, we have been so pleased by the positive environment the entire Goldfish staff has provided. Thank you for helping my kids get more comfortable with the water. Cheers! read more

We have been with Goldfish Swim School since their opening and have been impressed consistently with the quality and patience of the instructors. We have a 3 year old and a 5 year old who each had their own challenges initially - our son had never been without a parent in the pool with him and our daughter is cautious with new people by her nature. Nathan worked with our son and simply hung out with him for 30 minutes, slowly moving into the water my son got more comfortable. Week 2 resulted in more comfort and by week 3, our son was a fan. Jamie was great with our daughter -- adapting to her skill set and personality while managing a host of students with a variety of skill levels. The school is clearly getting more popular as the word is out on the quality of the school and facilities. My only suggestions for improvements (and rationale for a 4 star rating) is the showers are nearly always out of soap, the hair dryers have gone through periods of not giving off heat (in their defense, these things are put through torture), and the changing rooms get full between classes and can result in a parent of a slower moving child (or multiple children) having to wait with soaking kiddos. read more

I absolutely loved having the kids work with Coach Scott. He was hands on, always in a good mood, and always made them enjoy the lesson - it never felt like a lesson to them! He was always high energy and flexible for private lessons. Thanks for a wonderful experience, we will definitely be back in the spring when our swim team season ends! read more

What a great facility! My 3 year old started swim lessons and loves it. The instructors are very knowledgeable and patient. I have witnessed many high fives and smiles exchanged between everyone in the pool. I have a younger son and was worried about how he would behave during his older brother's lessons, but there is plenty to keep him busy. They have a cool fish and turtle tank, toys and very safe environment to explore when not in the pool. Can't say enough about this swim school, it's wonderful! read more

The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, class sizes are small, which we love, and my son learns a lot when he is in his lesson. So happy we found it! read more

I could not be happier with our Naperville Goldfish experience!! My girls have been there since last October and it has been nothing but wonderful!! Over the years we have tried several swim lesson programs and Goldfish has been the best by far! I've even referred several friends and they are extremely satisfied as well. I love the consistency of instruction no matter the teacher and I have never had any problem with rescheduling or doing make-up lessons. I don't usually do reviews, but I was shocked by some of the other comments and felt Goldfish deserved more! read more

I started sending my son (2 yrs) Luke on Jan 31. He had no prior swim lessons so he started in Junior 1 by may when he turned 3 he had moved on to Junior 2 - swimming 5ft independently, floating etc.This is a testament to how good and focused the teachers are. Also, the clear progression path of swimming levels is a clear advantage cos you know what level your kid is and how many levels are yet to go. In another year Luke will make the swim team at this rate - if we stop missing and rescheduling classes :) read more

My daughter who is 4, has attended this swim school since April. The instructors are nice, the class sizes are super small for more one on one, the facility is clean. If your thinking about a swim school check this one out. I pay 80 a month for one day a week 1/2 hour class. Might seam like a lot but its well worth it due to the class size. read more

We loved the St Charles location, but this one greatly leaves to be desired. 1. The instructors run the gamut; it took several tries before we found one that actually made it fun for the kids and was enthusiastic about it. 2. During the only family swim we went to, there was only one lifeguard who sat the entire time, left the deck several minutes at a time leaving the pool unattended and left early with kids and family still in the water; good thing there was no emergency. 3. The worse part is their lack of enforcing little kids to wear those tight water diapers; it has been at least twice now that we found out upon arrival that the pool is closing as a result of poop in the water. It's happening far too often and other parents have complained as well about this. This is the first pool that does nothing and finds it acceptable to reschedule at least 40 kids because they couldn't tell one parent "no"; e-coli should be the one time the client is NOT right. They should Learn from the Center of Elgin, for example, where "Non-potty trained participants must be wearing a swim diaper, tight fitting plastic pants, and a swim suit." We are very disappointed at the casual business practice of this location to say the least and currently considering our options. read more

I enrolled my 6 yr old in swim classes here. We had used another local swim group that didn't really make much progress in a years time of progressing my child. So far I love GoldFish because in two short weeks, they recognized that she knew most everything for the Beginner class, but worked on getting her more comfortable with her swimming on her back. They also start out immediately doing 'moves' that in the longterm that is prepping them for swim team if that is in her future. Better to start off with getting them comfortable with that to become instinctual vs. adding it in later. I also purchased a year worth of lessons and got a birthday party for free with full use of the entire pool for up to 24 kids. The kids had a blast. The tiki/hawaiian decorations and the glass divider for all of the parents to stay on the outside of the sauna like room is refreshing vs. the old place of sitting and sweating for half an hour. They also have hair dryers for the kids under the tiki hut and my daughter loves to see their two turtles in the aquarium every time we visit. Oh, and I think the best distinction from Goldfish and our last swim school is that they utilize the whole width of the pool vs. the other place having my daughter sometimes getting two strokes in until she reached the platform that they place way too close to the edge. If your child was with smaller kids that would be fine for them, but there were times that she would literally get two strokes in which is not a swim lesson to me. I love that goldfish expects more and gives more. read more