You never learn anything new. My daughter got very bored. Not to mention they are money hungry and will get you for everything they can.

Shepard sets the bar high! Their pool is a 30x40 standard educational size pool. It is a saline pool with a mandated chlorine back up. It is one of the only pools in the state that also sports a UV filtration system. The water is mild enough for even the tiniest little ones! As well, they offer an ozone filtration system that removes the chemicals that may evaporate into the air from the room. Their water is always heated to 92 degrees and the room is 94, so there are no shivering kiddos in sight! They also require 2 diapers for extra protection on children under 3. In my experience, they are very upfront with their policies. They're very well worded and thoroughly explained with ample opportunity to review them since they off both paper and digital format. Unfortunately, not everyone is as thorough at reading them as the management was at putting them together! When I signed my child up for classes, I was very aware that they may change class days, time, and even possibly instructors. I was also aware that a 30 day notice to stop billing would be required. Of course, I don't foresee needing to submit that any time soon; my child has gained such a tremendous amount of skill in the few moths we have attended! Their staff has always made me feel welcome and comfortable. All of their instructors have been trained to be incredibly proficient in their craft. They are all CPR certified and many (if not most) are lifeguard certified as well. They do their very best to make children feel comfortable and confident in the water. They introduce gradual breath control, and work at a consistent pace to make sure children progress. They have an iPad in each station and evaluate children daily with a skill tracking program that is second to none. Classes are kept small (4:1 or 6:1 if there is a parent in the water) to make sure all the kids get a good amount of swim time. My child is 2 and can swim 10 feet with at least a 10 second breath control. Consistency is key! As far as the items for sale- we were told upon enrollment that all that was required for class is a suit and a towel. I was also told that if id like to bring goggles, I could purchase any brand I'd like. They provide a wide variety of equipment that is both age and size appropriate for each level to be used in class. I compared the items offered in their swimshop to online prices and they seem to compare (and I don't have to pay shipping!). But, the convienence of not having to run all over makes the price just fine by me! They answer the phone by saying they're the "only certified swim school in Elkhart county", that, alone, speaks for itself! I would certainly recommend their services and clean facility! It may be a very busy place, but busy usually means successful! I'll NEVER trust my child's water safety to any other place! We LOVE Shepard Swim School!! read more

I have 9 grandchildren. 3 of them have finished all levels at Shepard. They are fantastic swimmers! I am so very happy to know they have a skill that could potentially save their lives! My other grandchildren are taking lessons and loving it!! Thank you Shepard Swim School!! You're the best!! read more

Keep your kids away from this place. Pool is dirty, even with the overwhelming use of chlorine. Instructors have a hard time keeping kids in line. They keep charging you even when you give them 30 days notice of cancellation and won't refund the money after they screw up. read more

My daughter has been attending swim classes here for over three months. Two weeks ago they informed me that her swim class would be pushed back to 5:00 from 5:15 due to a "scheduling conflict". My daughter does not get off the bus until 4:40, and we have to drive from Michigan. We barely make the 5:15 as it is, and I let them know someone would have to be in contact with me because pushing it back will absolutely just not work for us. They finally called today, but only because my credit card had been declined. While I'm not sure how that happened, but I'm glad that it did. They want me to pay for these next few lessons to which my daughter will not make, and I put my thirty day notice in two weeks ago. It's not the customers fault for the negligence of the staff. But ultimately I signed the contract. So BEWARE of that! If they are that busy, maybe they should move to a bigger location. As far as our experience here, the swimming area itself is extremely crowded and small. They have so many groups in the pool at once that there is barely enough room to do but maybe one or two strides before running out of space. There are not near enough changing rooms when there are SO many people shuffling in and out at all times, coming and going. Viewing area is small. Would be nice for there to be private showers. The only ones we have ever seen is on our way out the pool exit. My daughter felt uncomfortable standing in a public area showering off (and no, she was not naked). Oh, and don't forget to bring a pocketful of cash. Snacks & swim accessories are horrendous. They wanted $15 for a cheap pair goggles, I have to wonder if the markup was because of it being winter? Hmm.. anyways, I'd suggest looking elsewhere for swim classes. Unless u like paying a lot for very little. read more