Comparing the Value: Group vs. Private Swim Lessons

So, you’ve decided your kids need stronger swimming skills. That’s a great choice—developing water safety and confidence can lead to a lifetime of fun in and around pools, lakes, oceans, and other bodies of water. Participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning in children by 88%.

But now that you’ve made that initial decision, the next step is to determine the best choice for your kiddos. Should you opt for private swim lessons, or are small group lessons more beneficial? What do the costs look like, and are private swim lessons cost worth it?

Let’s explore your options and discuss how to make the best choice.

The Benefits of Private Swim Lessons

The primary benefit of private swimming lessons for kids is pretty easy to see:

• Your kid gets 100% personalized attention from the instructor.
• What does a class look like? It depends on your kid’s needs—there’s no one else to consider, so it’s all about your child’s skill level, and pace of learning.
• Private swim lessons can be held in your backyard pool or, possibly, even at your local Big Blue Swim School.

The Benefits of Group Swim Lessons

Private swim lessons have their benefits; however they’re not always the best choice. Small group swim lessons have some significant benefits as well:

• Learning Through Observation: Kids in group lessons can observe and learn from their peers. This can be beneficial as they see various techniques and strategies in action and learn what works and what doesn’t through a broader range of influences.
• Peer Motivation: Healthy competition and bonding through group lessons can be great motivators for children to try harder and stay engaged. They’ll want to impress their peers and improve their skills to feel a sense of accomplishment.
• Lower Costs: Group lessons are generally less expensive, making them a more viable option for families on a budget, who can still provide their children with high-quality instruction.

Experience the Best of Both Worlds at Big Blue Swim School

Both group and private swim lessons offer valuable benefits, and the best choice depends on your child's specific needs and your family’s priorities! At Big Blue Swim School, our class sizes are developed to be small enough to ensure each swimmer gets the individual attention they need to progress at each and every lesson. We also offer flexible and easy scheduling, even if you have multiple kids of different ages and swim levels. Our clean, warm-water facilities and dedicated full-time staff are ready to bring your kids to the next level.

Adaptive swim lessons are also offered at select Big Blue locations, teaching swim skills and important water safety principles to children of all abilities, including those with special needs, autism or who have other physical, cognitive and/or sensory needs. Adaptive lessons are available in group and private lessons, depending on your child’s needs. Visit our adaptive swimming lessons page for a list of pools that offer adaptive swim lessons.

With Big Blue’s small child-to-teacher ratio and progress focused program designed to be adapted for everyone's unique pace and style of learning, we believe our group lessons are the best for most children. However, many locations offer private lessons for a premium if this feels like a better option for your family. Availability and price per lesson varies by location, so contact the location nearest you to see what they offer.