We've been very pleased with this swim school. Our 5 year old daughter has been going here once a week for almost a year now and we've seen the progression in her skills. Mr. Shin is very communicative and understanding if we need to make up classes. The coaches here are great, super patient and kind. I have not seen turnover with the coaches which says a lot about the school itself. Good ratio 1:3, lots of water exposure, no pressure to test skills, and very reasonably priced. read more

My friend who grew up in MPK remembers it from her own childhood! The facility shows its age, but the school has made an effort to keep it clean and updated. The owner is very down-to-earth and takes time to talk with new families. When we first signed up, he gave us thoughtful advice to help our kids. He always reminded new students to do simple exercises at-home, so they could get more comfortable into the water. All my kids started learning to swim here at age 5, and I've felt confident in the teaching staff. The coach-to-student ratio is appropriate for each level. Beginners typically have a 1:2 ratio, which gives them plenty of attention. Coaches are kind, patient, and experienced. While the coach may rotate, it's always someone from the regular team, so it still feels familiar and consistent. What I really appreciate is how the owner works with families to make the schedule fit when something comes up. The only downside is the parking. It's all street parking, including some behind the building. Depending on the time and season, it can be tough to find a close spot, but there's space available on the nearby streets if you don't mind a short walk. Overall, it's a great little swim school that truly cares about the kids and the families. We're happy we found it! read more

Pros: private lessons for kids = 1:2 coach:student ratio. Friendly coaches. Offers ranges of swimming levels from what's water? To I can do the back stroke. Cons: semi private = increased cost Street parking was plentiful around 1:00 Saturday. Disclaimer- I think my kid's a little younger (4 y/o) he might be getting more attention cause he can't stand up on his own in a 3 1/2 ft depth pool. So this review's a little biased. Friendly coaches. They'll smile and wave when they see your kid. Very approachable and welcoming. When you come through the door, you'll see a rest area filled with benches. Followed by a hall way with the swimming area on the left and a bunch of doors on the right. My first time coming, I didn't know which rooms were which. I'd appreciate some signage. The procedure when coming for a lesson at Shin's is common practice. First is bathroom to relieve the kid, change to swim clothes, and then quick rinse to preserve pool cleanliness. I noticed that not all the kids followed the quick rinse rule but... they're kids and maybe parents don't know better. One thing that I enjoy about shin is the heated pool. Which is great cause I don't have to worry about my kid shivering the whole time--I find it a luxury. When I entered the tented pool room, my glasses immediately fogged up. Quick wipe down with my shirt cleared it up and it was good for the rest of the lesson. I remember one of the recommendations was to wait outside while my kid was having his lesson. The concern would be that the kid would cry and look for affirmation from parents. I suppose this would distract the coaches or make it harder for them to teach. But I wasn't comfortable especially on the first lesson knowing that my son's 4 y/o. So we stayed and it wasn't really an issue. During the 1 hour lesson the coaches switched off kids. Today there were 5 coaches and 10 kids. So my son got to meet 5 coaches-- lol. Today he was able to dip his head in the water, "swim" with the assistance of the coaches carrying them. Meanwhile coaches are reinforcing good swimming habits. "Reach for the stroke and not splash" "push the water away and not kick" Something else I really enjoy is that the coaches took their time with my son. Always checking if water got in the nose after dipping their head in the water. Giving high fives after a successful lap. Helping to adjust the googles if it was too tight or water got in it. I guess another reason I like this place is cause my son likes this place. After every lap my son would look at me with a smile and thumbs up. read more

Shin swim school is the best value swim school in the entire San Gabriel Valley area. This is the only swim school where my son was actually excited to come each week. I think a lot of it has to do with the teachers playing games with the kids to make them more engaged. You get one full hour of swimming for each lesson. Yes there is a 1:2 or 1:3 student teacher ratio depending on the class but they actually to find a way to maximize the swim time by having both kids grab the teacher to swim. Other swim schools would have the kid on the teachers back making him idle for half the group lesson. The only way to learn how to swim is to practice in the water and they recognize that by making the class an hour long. If you feel like there isn't much progress at other swim schools I would recommend giving this school a try. The price per lesson is far cheaper when you consider the swim time you get here. read more

There were 18 students with 4 instructors today. One instructor was not paying attention to my daughter and let go her hands without watching, she choked on lots water and I watched her almost drown. I was just about to jump in the water to save her. If safety is your top priority, don't come. read more

has a very dirty pool and there were babies swimming in the pool as well,there were snot at the bottom of the pool.

My kids start going here on April 2024 the best choice I made that here my oldest daughter is staying to swim on her own now but my son he can't that much but the only thing is on my daughter 6 or 7 class one of the teachers made her swim by her self but he was their to watch her over all this place is good but I'm still sacred because my daughter can't swim well read more

Great place to introduce swimming lessons to your kids. Instructors are very patience and nice! It's a 1:3 ratio, 1 hr lessons. Its great! Would recommend this place. read more

We have had such an amazing experience here, my 3.5 year old has developed a real love for water and swimming. The coaches are extremely patient and kind, and the kids in the pool always look like they are having fun. I cannot recommend them more highly, we are so happy we found this place. read more

I called to get information on classes for my 4 year old and let me start by saying who ever is in charge of answering the phone definitely needs customer service training. I had a few question so in between the rude person giving me the run down on how the swim school works I asked my one question and he said, "can you waiting and let me finish!", I was appalled! I tried it one more time and asked about private lessons and he pretty much said that's a waste and they don't do that. I feel it's unsafe for swim instructors to teach more then 2 kids if they're level one swimmers and apparently this school teaches 4 students at a time. I definitely took my business else wear to waterworks aquatics. read more

The mixed reviews had me a bit leery of this place but it's so darn close to home I had to see for myself. Here are my observations: The facilities are a bit dated as the pool was originally an outdoor pool with an aluminum enclosure built around it. As one can imagine, it's humid and steamy as the pool is heated. The pool is clean and the dressing rooms are adequate. We did enroll our kid here and we've only seen a 3 kids to 1 instructor ratio with a max of 4 instructors in the pool. Mr. Shin was able to accommodate our schedule without any issues. Instructors move from each group of kids throughout the lesson so the kids are taught by different instructors. My 4 year old is getting very comfortable in the water. Another positive note is that the classes all begin on time and last the full 60 minutes so my kid is burning some of that unlimited kid energy so she gets to bed on time without an issue on swim class nights. Overall, I'd recommend this place if you want your kid to learn how to swim. My kid has learned more in 2 lessons than in a 7 week course at the local park during the summer. Don't expect a posh indoor swimming pool but do expect your kid to learn how to swim. I even see adults taking lessons. Also, make sure you get some goggles and a swimcap (for females) or you'll need to purchase at the school on the first lesson. read more

This review is 6 years late. I think it took so long because I just wanted to completely forget about the awful owner and his angry, hostile, nasty attitude. I was reminded that this place existed after my son pulled out old pictures. My son was 4 when he took a beginner class here. The owner was also a teacher. He taught my son and other kids in a small group. My son was a total beginner, but the owner kept forcing him to go under water. He pulled my son across the pool and told him to kick. Every few feet the owner would dunk my son under the water. My son was so scared. He kept choking on water and crying. The owner did not care one bit. He just kept mechanically pulling my son along and pulling him down under. When I finally had enough I politely asked if he could be gentler with my son and go at my son's learning pace. The owner yelled at me - not an exaggeration - he raised his voice so high everyone in the pool room became an instant audience. He yelled, "YOU are telling me how to do my job?!?!" Then he recommended that I take my kid to a YMCA. After that first disastrous lesson, I never took my son back. I did not even bother asking for a refund. I knew another encounter with the owner would just be a waste of time and I would never see a penny of my money back. I ended up taking my son to a YMCA for group lessons and our local high school for private summer lessons. My son learned to swim at those other places with teachers that were calm, friendly, and patient. Please stay away from Shin Swim School. The owner there hates kids and it is very evident. read more

Shin Swim School - The Mean Owner - Swimming Pools Near Me - Monterey Park, California

Shin Swim School is absolutely amazing. In a short period my daughter has dramatically improved her swimming skills. Rhe instructors have really developed her as far as how to breathe and properly move her arms and legs. If anyone is wondering if they should enroll their child here do not hesitate. Shin price is very competitive. Secondly, the care and patience they have shown my daughter is truly appreciated. My daughter tells me after each class how much she loves attending here and that she feels she has learned a lot. Mr. Shin thank you for the awesome program you have we will gladly recommend other families to come check your school. Swimming is a necessity and we are so happy with your school and instructors. read more

The classes are crowded, your kid spends most of the hour bobbing around waiting for instruction, and after 20 sessions mine was no better at swimming. The facilities are fine, a bit threadbare, which would be tolerable if the lessons themselves were quality. Not recommended. read more

As my review did not post originally. Here I am trying to submit it again: I read all the other reviews. Yes it is true some things could be improved. As a family we were very happy here. $22 for one hour lesson. And we saw a very good result. My girl is much more comfortable in the water. Great price for a strong results. Thank you ! read more

If your raising a child to be a member of the Chinese Olympic team this is the perfect school for you. I have no problems with the staff. Mr. Shin and the rest of the staff are good. But my child just turned 4 years old. I think he might be too young for the brutal swimming lessons. I could no longer watch my son gasping for air. "Daddy........daddy......daddy......" Don't get me wrong.....this is a great place to learn how to swim.....but I would recommend your child to be at least 5 years old. read more

Speaking in volumes, you have more time responding to yelp reviews than teaching your classes. If you read my comments, I did not mind that my kid did not learn how to swim, it was for him to learn and be well rounded. You, as an instructor or educator should keep track or inform the parents on how the child is doing (speaking in volume), which I never heard from unless tuition is due. Like you said, you are a swim school not an actual school (two different animals), so I should not have expected much anyways. read more

We, as the parents and the kids, love this swimming school. The size of 50x25ft indoor heated pool is crystal clean. The water filter and the maintenance have approved by Department of Health yearly. The coaches clean the place every day before the first class starts. (I work in health care field. I pay attention on facility's cleanness and maintenance too). Shin and his instructors are very friendly and patience to the kids. The ratio is max to 4 kids (like 2 beginners and 2 independent) per instructor. The kids swim for a full hour. They are not only learning the swimming, but also the skills. My son (10 years old now) had been learned swimming in YMCA and other swimming schools before Shin. But they were unsuccessful. About 2 years ago, one of the school parents referred us to Shin. I send both kids to learn swimming. Of course, they cried and nervous at the beginning. We very appreciated to Shin and his coaches for their patience and kindness. My kids have learned for more than a year now. My son able to swim all 4 styles, and now starts to join Shin's swimming team. My girl able to swim 3 styles. Thank you Shin! read more

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I think this how the swimming school should be! My son starts to swim after 6 session, I couldn't ask for more. First he was unhappy and cried, but that's the way. Don't spoil them. Throw them in water. Let them drink it once or twice. And you'll surprise how fast they can learn how to swim. read more

Shin Swim School - The pool - Swimming Pools Near Me - Monterey Park, California

It takes a lot to get a lurker like me to write a review. Eight sessions ago, my five year old was deathly afraid of having his head near any water, even when taking a bath. Now, he is swimming with a flotation board, dunking himself in the water with a smile, and blowing bubbles. I give the credit to Mr. Shin and his great assistants. It is a no nonsense class, but it was totally worth it. My son just told me that he has fun at swim class, but it was hard in the beginning. Overall, I highly recommend Shin Swim School if you want your child to learn how to swim. read more

The school is not very good ！My son has already learned about one year!But they still teach the same thing to him and never improve.Every time if your kids have something important,u have to reschedule your time same week,you have to tell them your emergency before 24 hours, otherwise you miss one time of your classes.And the most Worst thing is the Chinese teacher In the picture he is very rude，One time I bring the check but forget to give to him，bcz he is teaching in the water，And later about 12 midnight，he message me"why you dont give me the check，i dont want to tell one more time" What the hell ！！！and another time is something wrong with the filter，the teacher text everyone except me，and when i arrive there call him，he tell me why u don't receive the message ,go ask your phone company!!! What the hell ! Now I will not let my son go to any more' read more

My daughter was crying and hiding behind the chairs for the first 2 lessons, but after that she enjoyed the lessons and looking forward to her swimming time. I don't have to worry about if she gets sun burn or cold in the water, the indoor and heated pool is perfect for my little 4 years old girl. And the hour long lesson is good length that she gets the practice and exercise she needs vs. other school may only offer 30 min lesson, and most of time the kids are just getting warmed up and the lesson is over. Most of time it takes more than hours for parents to drive kids to class, get them ready, and get them dressed afterward, so this is definitely worth the trip. I don't know why this school get so low rating, that's way I was hesitant to come in the beginning and went to other school. However I'm glad I gave it a try this year. I think I will even continue her swimming class after summer, after all it's good exercise for her and she loves it! read more

Shin Swim School - She's not afraid of going into the water already!! Lesson 4!! - Swimming Pools Near Me - Monterey Park, California

Do not bring your child if they are not taller than 40". They need to be able to stand above water. If your child does not meet the height requirement, I suggest you keep a close eye on your child for their safety. Let me explain my horror. I signed up my 3 year old son for the swimming lesson. He almost drowned on the 7th lesson. My son was in the bottom of the pool right in front of the instructor. The assistant instructor was too busy instructing another student and wasn't aware that my son was struggling for air under the water. I ran into the pool and pulled my son out of the water. He was so dramatized, he didn't want to go back into the pool. He had nightmares because of the incident. I complained the incident to Mr Shin today. He had no explanation why his assistant instructor was being irresponsible for allowing a 3 year old near drowning. I'm pulling my son out of the class and I will be reporting this incident to the Department of Public Health and Safety. As a father, I do not want another parent to go through what I had gone through. A child could have drowned in a matter of minutes. For god sake, this class is supposed to teach a child to swim so they would not drown. I did not sign up my son to be a drowning victim. read more

Mr. Shin is a good swimming instructor. Unfortunately, his assistants are a complete waste of money. They simply go through the motion not caring if your child learns or not. Mr. Shin rotates with other instructors; therefore, you will get only 15 minutes or less with him on every one hour lesson. This is a great place to take your child to learn to swim, if and only if Mr. Shin is teaching your child...Else, it is going to take lots of lessons for your child. read more

I wish their schedule was more accommodating for working parents. There aren't enough available slots in the evening or weekends, and they wouldn't let us make up missed classes when we had other things going on during their normally scheduled classes. I understand having to charge for no-shows, but I don't want to pay for classes that I give plenty of notice for having to miss. read more

I don't normally leave bad reviews, but I was so disappointed at this place that I felt I had no choice. The building is tiny, as is the pool, and the water did not look clean at all - it was very cloudy. When I asked how often it was tested, the instructor completely ignored me. The water, which was supposed to be heated, was freezing cold! When I mentioned it I was told the heater is broken. The tile on the steps was cracked, and one of the ladders was loose. The place is obviously not kept up very well and the front area smelled like mildew. I had originally planned on signing up for a session (3months) of lessons, but after this I am going elsewhere. read more

This school is unorganized when it comes to how they arrange the kids and the instructors. There are no set groups example beginners middle advance they are all in different groups. The instructors don't focus on the students my son was forced to put his head underwater even though he didn't feel comfortable it outraged me. They stated it was normal. I didn't think it was normal the next time I took my son to swim he was terrified and kept insisting he didn't want to go back. He became very nervous while in the water his body began to shake from being being so nervous. He was always so eager to go swimming before this. My son was traumatized from the incident and I had to tell the owner to not force my sons head under water he just turned 5. He replied well he may not learn how to swim. I told him I'm paying for you to teach and give my son experience when he's ready he will do it on his own. I told the teacher I could care less if it took 30 lessons for my son to learn how to swim the bottom line was it was at my sons pace. There was another instance where my son was by the steps and pole leading into the pool my son was holding on to the pole and let go while in the water my son tried to grab the pole but was too far he began to panic and I ran into the pool to pull him out the instructor wasn't paying attention that really ticked me off. I will not be coming back or recommending this excuse for a swim school. Also non of these high school kids that are instructors are certified to teach in any way. Mr.Chen himself doesn't have any type of certification. Look at the bottom of non recommended reviews all the negative comments have the same theme almost drowning or forceful behaviors. read more

I was not sure about this school because of the mix reviews but I gave it a shot and my nephew of 4 year loves swimming here because of the warm water, already one month, 6 out of 15 lessons and he know how to swim with the help of a teacher. read more

Shin Swim School - I asked how warm is the pool and Mr. Shin showed me, It was 88 degrees and it's 65 degrees outside. That's really warm - Swimming Pools Near Me - Monterey Park, California

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Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I've been told that the showers are more comfortable than ever.

I don't get the negative reviews. I've been bringing my daughter to this place for over 1 year (once a week) and never had a problem. The facility itself is OK (nothing to write home about) and the parking was great (until the lot next door put up a chain link). As far as the instructors go, I really like the way they teach kids. Once my daughter was able to swim laps, the instructor let go of the training wheels and the rigorous pace picked up. My daughter loves/hates her instructor at the same time but she also knows that she has become a good swimmer because of her demanding instructor. read more

I've been taking my son to this swim school for a little over one set of lessons. He was not able to even hold his breath under water. The instructors have been firm but patient with him. I'm very happy I made the choice to come here. I've had classes at other institutions that just simply didn't work and I appreciate the valuable life skill my child is receiving. read more

I am very happy with Shin swim school. My 6 yr old loves it and was swimming on his own by the 6th session!! I like their method of teaching, there is 3 students to each instructor and it works well because the kids are fully engaged throughout the one hour session. read more

If you are looking for a swim school to teach your little ones to be independent swimmers than this is the place for you. My daughter has been taking swimming lessons here since she was five. I still remember the the day she swam across the pool with Mr Shin's guidance and without the floaters. The excitement in her eyes made me proud. By the 4th lesson my daughter was confident enough to swim without the floaters. Of course, my daughter has gone on to learn the backstrokes, butterfly and frog which she said was difficult for her. Whenever we are invited to our friends home for a swimming party she loves to show off her swimming skills. Fortunately for me I have not had to deal with any of the incompetent instructors you guys have mentioned. I have referred many parent here based on my own experience and as a satisfied customer/parent. read more

I just want to start by saying that this is one of the best swimming schools in the city. I looked up this place on yelp and was debating if I should take my kid here or not. I decided to take a chance and sign my kid up even though some of the reviews made me uneasy. This place is great! The instructors are nice and friendly and the kids love them. My son was so nervous but with the help of coach shin and the other instructors he's managed to learn how to swim in as little as 2 months. I honestly don't know why all these other people on yelp are saying such negative things about this place. Most of them are obviously out dated but right now this is one of the best swimming schools in my opinion. Give this school a chance. You won't regret it! read more

极度恶劣的老师，非常没礼貌，甚至打骂学生。 the swimming coach is very not polite. This happened a month ago, My 6 years old son was trying to swim for the first time and got a slap on the body and he cried. I will not take my son there again. read more

i just enrolled my 2 daughters 8&9 at the school, this is their 4th class and I can see that they can swim a little already. I bet 3 more lessons and they could swim already then they just need to fine tune their skills with the rest of the lessons! I think it all depends on the kids and their wiliness to learn swimming! From my observations, i can see that Mr. shin the coach and his assistances are friendly and love kids! my kids sometimes come up and tell me that they almost drowned and blah blah blah.....but I explain to them that the coach was pushing them to learn and they are watching over them so do not be afraid, because I always stand there and watch my kids and that the plain fact! so, I believe this school is ok and I couldn't ask for more if I want my kids just to learn the abc's of swimming! read more

This is my first time reviewing a business, i usually dont give reviews, but this swimming school is providing such a bad service to the extent of endangering my childrens safety. The lead instructor was so tough at kids that he forces them to practice even when one is crying. General condition of the facility is also in a bad shape and poorly maintained. I will not come again. read more

I'm very glad to find this swimming school for my 9 and 5 years old daughter. 15 classes total $300, each class one hour. I think is good value. The students swim nonstop for 1 hour. Students with varied abilities are put in the same class. I think this is a good idea for beginners so that you can learn at your own pace. After 4 classes my 9 year old daughter can swim backstrokes. My 5 year old, on the other hand, has not mastered leg kicking yet. So Mr. Shin and his assistant instructors will teach you at your own pace. The facility is clean. Bathroom is small but very clean. read more

I should have checked the yelp reviews before I went in and tried their lessons. One of the swimming coaches(maybe shin) was kind of rude to my friend and I, I guess they don't care much about customer experience since their classes are oversubscribed anyway. Bad choice and i will not attend their classes again. read more

Great place for your young kids to learn how to swim. Coaches are encouraging and patient. Once the kids learned how to swim, you need to move them to more competive swimming club to learn how to swim correctly. read more