Beverlywood Swim School

i went to this school 55 year ago, when it was called crystals. i went on to become a diving instructor.

CHECK IN WITH Unilocal and don’t pay the $ 20 first-​time registration fee!
We were skeptical at first and after Greysen’s first lesson we can’t even remember why.
Cost = $ 180 which includes a $ 20 first time registration fee and 5 twenty minute classes with an instructor. You can’t be in the pool with the instructor while he/​she is teaching your child, but it’s a personal lesson which makes it worth it. It also includes an hour a day practice time if you want to stop in with your child and get some in. You really can’t beat it.
The pool is kept at 92 degrees, so it is nice and warm even if it’s a bit cool outside.
Greysen’s instructor is James and after his first lesson we like his temperament and can tell that he is a very caring individual with a lot of patience for kids. We’re extremely happy with this school overall and will recommend it highly to friends.
We look forward to being long time patrons. :)

They’ve taught my son and daughter to swim. We’ve had teacher Sabrina and teacher Pascal and they were both lovely, even on the days when my kids weren’t so lovely. The pool is warm. The clientele are largely friendly. And my husband went here when he was a kid. It is a great place.

So far, so good!
Our 3.5-month-old son has only had five lessons here so far, but he seems to be enjoying them! His instructor, Jane, is very nice and helpful. Only time will tell if he’s been making progress, but like I said, things seem to be going well so far! No complaints.

This is my very first Unilocal Review and Beverlywood Swim School deserve it. My almost three year old daughter has been taking swimming classes at this Swimming School. She’s so excited to see her swim teacher Sabrina on Thursdays. I don’t think I read it on the reviews but I thought I would mention that this school allows the parent/​guardian with the child to practice swimming for an hour after the class. For me, it’s the best feature of the school so I can let my daughter practice with what she just learned. I know the difference as I just discontinued my daughter’s swimming class with another school.

I was at a loss this summer. My almost 8-​year-​old still terrified of pools. We had a bad experience at 3 with a parks and rec class and it stuck. Stuck to 5 years later when I, a former high school swimmer, was dying to take my son to the pool and swim with him. I had spoken to a friend a while back about her own reluctant swimmer and she mentioned Beverlywood Swim School. I looked them up more than once and dismissed them last summer because I wasn’t sure about the floaties and fins method. My thinking was, don’t give a fearful child a crutch. This summer however, in desperation, I went for a visit and asked the instructors there how they keep the child from becoming dependent on the floaties. The answer made total sense and the clean dressing room and happy little swimmers, plus a dedicated practice pool that we could visit ANY day of the week, won me over.
In 6 or 7 lessons (once a week, 20 minutes) and lots of practice pool visits, which I loved, my terrified boy was swimming — without floaties! He’s still tense and needs a lot of regular exposure to the water, but he’s dunking his head, swimming across the pool and trying to do lots of new things.
I’d also like to give a special shout-​out, cheer, ultimate thanks to his AWESOME teacher Thomas! He pushes just enough, but keeps my little guy feeling safe. All the teachers seem great and I love that there are several special needs children who are at the school for lessons too.
Can’t rave enough about this place. Also, there’s a new pay online option — glad for that. And it’s true… lessons start 10 mins late, but RIGHT on time, so be sure you’re there.

I have an 8 year old who has been extremely fearful of water since he fell into a pool at age 3. I have tried so many lessons that only increased his anxiety. He did not want to be pushed and have his fears minimized. He needed to build trust. Thank goodness this school was recommended to us and, specifically, Art. After his first lesson my son was so happy and relieved. The second time I had to drag him in hysterics but Art handled it masterfully. Since then, my son has been happy to go and proud of his accomplishments. After six lessons, he is nearly there. Wonderful!

My 16 month old daughter just completed a five lesson series here. I was, and continue to be, extremely impressed.
I initially emailed the school with some questions, and both the office staff and owner answered my email. The process to set up the lessons was easy, and Stella in the office worked with me to find the best available time. In addition, she recommended the instructors who work best with babies my daughter’s age.
Our instructor is Anthony, and I cannot say enough how talented he is with these young children. James also gives lessons when we are there, and in that context, I’ve observed him with slightly older kids (3 – 5 age group). He’s excellent as well. Both of these men interact on the perfect level for the child’s age. They help children overcome fear of the water and gain swimming skills as necessary. After five weeks, my daughter is beginning to dog paddle with fins and floaties on. She doesn’t really have fear of the water, but nevertheless I had no idea it would be this quick.
I’m also amazed that these men seem to have eyes in the sides and back of their heads. There is no other lifeguard on duty aside from the instructors — parents are responsible to watch their children. However, time and time again, I’ve seen James and Anthony catch children who are not currently in a lesson, in unsafe behavior, and correct the situation. I still can’t figure out how they manage to observe the entire pool like that.
One caveat: If you are on a strict time schedule, scheduling the instructor’s first slot of the day or first slot after lunch would be advised. I’m not referring to the fact that the school runs 10 minutes late; that is made abundantly clear by the clocks they have on the walls there. I’m referring to the fact that some of the time slots seem to run late even after the 10 minute correction. I understand this is because they give extra time to the students, which is wonderful, but if you’re on a tight schedule or are not going in the pool with your non-​swimming child, this may be a concern for you.
As for the facility, it’s not brand new, but it’s extremely clean and very child-​friendly, with murals and toys. As others have mentioned, the pools are heated enough to be comfortable on the chilliest LA days.
I highly recommend Beverlywood Swim School and look forward to our upcoming summer there.

Absolutely LOVE this place! It is a scary thing for a first time mom to do pretty much anything with their child, and putting my baby in the water was no exception. The staff was very welcoming and helpful; I believe I spoke with Stella. She’s great! Answered all my questions and the instructors made me feel real comfortable. Highly recommend this place.

As neighborhood as it gets in LA. Both our girls learned to swim in this quaint, laid back neighborhood pool. The instructors know their stuff and we couldn’t be more pleased with the confidence our children now have. There’s an underground observation area — what a great discovery — took come wonderful photos there — don’t miss it.

My kids have been going to Beverlywood Swim School for a few years. Our number one reason for going there is STELLA. She is always smiling and accommodating. She is so friendly to my children that they feel like this is their favorite afterschool class. The teachers are great, professional, and sweet. I totally recommend this swim school. Stop by and see for yourself how amazing Stella will greet you.
Fair warning to all, swim school does run on an old system everything is hard written. Also, they run by a clock that runs 10 minutes late. Just a friendly heads up.

I agree with Mommy J. I only give it one star for the instructor Tammy she was very nice.
The office staff is rude and doesn’t understand what customer service is. It seems as if the owner hired all high school students who are young and rude. If you cancel they are so quick to tell you that you will be charge instead of trying to accommodate you and your circumstances. I don’t believe in any business where they are so quick to take your money but won’t work with you. Then every time you ask them something they put you on hold and I don’t know if they are asking the owner for the okay but they always put you on hold. The young staff should be able to decide if not why hire a staff?
After my daughter’s swimming lessons were over a young girl called me and told me I owe for two classes. I had no idea what she was talking about and I told her I paid for all the classes. She said I paid for 5 and I told her I paid for 6 and she quickly said I didn’t and that’s when I asked to speak to someone else. Then a girl name Stella got on the line and said the same thing and said I owe for a day my child never even was there our classes were over. I told her to get it right and then she called me «immature» WHAT kind of customer service is this??? This is a joke. Then she told me to never come back I had reassured her that I will be taking my daughter else where, plus they are over priced! $ 30 for 20min!

I am only giving one star because the instructors are good.
The office staff and policies for any cancellation or sick kids not so much. My child was sick, i called in to let them know and was told i would be charged for the lesson anyway. They didn’t even offer to reschedule the lesson. Mind you the last two weeks my child was supposed to have a lesson i got last minute calls on both weeks from the swim school saying the teacher was out sick and they had to change my child’s class.
I told them i would not pay for a lesson that my sick child was not taking and hung up. The office worker called me back and proceeded to leave a voicemail telling me that since i was not going to pay that I will have a blacklisted mark in my file. lmao
I don’t care how good your swim teachers are customer service will always be key to success in any business. It’s a shame because i will now have to let the world know not to use their school.
Remember you never know who knows who in this town. So try to treat people you are servicing with your business happy.

I had to write a review of this beloved business. I have friends who learned to swim here back in the 60’s and now they are bringing their grandkids. It’s one of those places where they make you feel like a regular after just one visit.
The owner Lonnie bent over backward to accommodate my son with special needs. He was also very generous when donating to our fundraisers and has even held swimathons for local charities.
Susan and Anthony taught all 3 of my boys to swim. They love what they do and it shows. The patience and care they give each kid is why it’s expensive. Let’s face it, you get what you pay for and this isn’t the YMCA. My kids are all great swimmers and that is priceless.
The water is warm enough for parents to get in and practice even on the coldest of winter days. One summer we used Beverlywood like a swim club. We paid for one lesson per week and were allowed to use the pool whenever we wanted to. If you look at it that way, it’s the best deal in town.
Yes, it’s old school, not beautiful but clean and homey. It’s like going to your grandma’s pool.

My son is 20 months and just finishing up his first set of 5 lessons. Thomas (his instructor) is a real treasure — incredibly patient, always singing nursery rhymes and trying his hardest to keep him happy, while making sure he’s safe and comfortable in the water. Anyone with a toddler will understand that sometimes they don’t want to do what you want them to and that being separated from mum sometimes leads to tears. But Thomas always has a smile on his face and is eager to teach.
We live down the street so its convenient for us to go every couple of days, which definitely helps make the cost more bearable. p. s. check out Miss Donuts on your way out — delicious!

The staff is very friendly and helpful!
Everyone seems to want to make your child feel comfortable with the water.
You pay for your lesson, go once a week or go all day!

My Daughter began her LOVE for swimming at Beverlywood Swim School in 2003 and now 10 years later her twin 4yr old brothers are coming here!
A great place to send your kids to learn and begin a lifelong love of swimming!

We tried three different swim schools before we came to Beverlywood. I can honestly say I never thought I would see the day when my son (who is autistic) would put his head under water let alone swim solo up and down the pool by himself. He actually loves swimming now. Both of my sons have made huge amounts of progress thanks to this school and their great instructors. I highly, highly recommend.

I cannot warn you enough about this swim school. It is dirty, poorly run, and never starts on time. I think the teachers have good intentions, but the owners don’t care. I had my kids in four classes a week, which is a lot and very expensive. When I approached the owners and expressed concern that the classes never started on time, they simply said, «If you think this is bad (in May), wait until June and July.» They explained that kids will be kids, and they will be late… oh, well. They don’t hold the adult parents responsible! When I suggested that I may leave and take my business elsewhere, they simply said, «Ok.» Like I said, they don’t care.

They’re all very nice and most importantly, my son is learning to swim with enthusiasm and without fear. This was the right path for us — i know there are great teachers that teach swim safety first, where they toss the kid in the deep end… but our son needed to be introduced slowly. Jonathan, his teacher is awesome — and our boy looks forward to showing him progress.
FOLLOW UP: the only hesitation about this is that my son STILL wants to wear floaties. I suggest going a different route.