Group Swimming Lessons
Starfish Aquatics Institute (NEW!)
Swim Lesson Curriculum Change
We are excited to share that our swim lesson program is transitioning to a new curriculum through Starfish Aquatics Institute, a nationally recognized leader in swim education and water safety. This transition reflects our continued commitment to providing high quality instruction that prioritizes safety, confidence, and long term skill development. The Starfish curriculum is research based and designed to meet swimmers where they are, helping each child progress at their own pace while building strong foundational skills.
The Starfish Aquatics approach places a strong emphasis on water comfort, essential survival skills, and clear, consistent progressions from beginner to advanced levels. Lessons are taught using proven teaching techniques that support different learning styles and reinforce positive experiences in the water. This updated curriculum also provides our instructors with enhanced training tools and resources, ensuring consistent instruction across all classes. We are confident this transition will create an even better experience for our swimmers and families, and we look forward to continuing to help our community build skills that last a lifetime in and around the water.
Swim lessons are a great way to build your child’s confidence in the water while laying the foundation for a healthy, lifelong activity. Our Learn to Swim program now follows the curriculum and teaching philosophy of Starfish Aquatics Institute, a nationally recognized leader in swim education and water safety. This curriculum emphasizes water comfort, essential safety skills, and progressive skill development, allowing swimmers to grow at their own pace in a positive and supportive environment.. Based on the explanation of the program structure below, please use your best judgement to choose the correct option for your swimmer(s); if you need some guidance, please contact our pool desk at (847) 531-7030. If you have any other questions, comments, or concerns, please contact Nathaniel Bohrer at nathaniel.bohrer@elginil.gov or (847) 531-7003.
October – December 2026 Session Information
Registration Information
- Registration opens: 8:00am on September 22, 2026
- Register online
- Or register in person at the Centre of Elgin (100 Symphony Way, Elgin, IL 60120)
Important Notes:
- If a class must be canceled, a make-up class will be held the week after the session was originally scheduled to end (make-ups only offered if the City cancels).
- For StarBabies, a parent/guardian must be in the water with their swimmer.
- Children who are not potty-trained must wear a swim diaper underneath their swimsuit.
- For questions, contact the Adventure Island Pool Desk at 847-531-7030.
Pricing Structure & Activity Codes
| Course Title | Member | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|---|
| StarBabies | $70 | $80 | $90 |
| Swim School | $100 | $110 | $120 |
| Stroke School | $110 | $120 | $130 |
Class Dates – 8 week Session
| Day | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Saturdays* | October 17, 2026 | December 5, 2026 |
| Sundays*^ | October 18, 2026 | December 6, 2026 |
| Mondays* | October 19, 2026 | December 7, 2026 |
| Tuesdays* | October 20, 2026 | December 8, 2026 |
| Wednesdays* | October 21, 2026 | December 9, 2026 |
| Thursdays* | October 22, 2026 | December 17, 2026 |
Swim Level – Days & Times
StarBabies
Sundays & Saturdays: 8:30–9:00am • 9:20–9:50am • 10:10–10:40am • 11:00–11:30am
Mondays: 6:00–6:30pm • 6:50–7:20pm
Tuesdays: 6:00–6:30pm • 6:50–7:20pm
Wednesdays: No StarBabies
Thursdays: No StarBabies
Swim School
Sundays & Saturdays: 8:30–9:00am • 9:20–9:50am • 10:10–10:40am • 11:00–11:30am
Mondays: 6:00–6:30pm • 6:50–7:20pm
Tuesdays: 5:10–5:40pm • 6:00–6:30pm • 6:50–7:20pm
Wednesdays: 6:00–6:30pm • 6:50–7:20pm
Thursdays: 5:10–5:40pm • 6:00–6:30pm • 6:50–7:20pm
Stroke School
Sundays & Saturdays: 8:30–9:10am • 9:20–10:00am • 10:10–10:50am • 11:00–11:40am
Mondays: 6:00–6:40pm • 6:50–7:30pm
Tuesdays: 6:00–6:40pm • 6:50–7:30pm
Wednesdays: 6:00–6:40pm • 6:50–7:30pm
Thursdays: 6:00–6:40pm • 6:50–7:30pm
What Swim Level Is Your Child?
Use this guide to determine the appropriate swim program placement for your child.
Question 1: Is your child 3 years of age or older?
If NO: Register for StarBabies.
If YES: Proceed to Question 2.
Question 2: Can your child jump into deep water, tread water for 1 minute, and swim 50 yards using any combination of arm and leg movements?
If NO: Register for Swim School.
If YES: Register for Stroke School.
Registration Info
StarBabies
• Enroll as you would for Aquababies
• No significant change in curriculum or requirements
• Age range remains the same (6 months to 3 years old)
• Advance to Swim School via age‑out or instructor recommendation
Swim School
• Covers all former levels of Preschool Aquatics Level 1 through Level 3
• Enroll in Swim School for a date and time, and answer the registration questions to the best of your ability
• Day 1 of lessons will include a brief assessment to place all swimmers in their appropriate color group based on skill benchmarks
• High focus on in‑water safety skills and foundations of competition
Stroke School
• Stroke School roughly replaces Level 4 through Level 6
• Enters the pre‑swim team realm for distance and technique
• Focuses on specific strokes, building to swimming for endurance distances
• Covers the four primary competitive strokes: Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Butterfly
• Beginner through Advanced compounds skills and distances
• Safety is a key element of training as in Swim School
Skill Benchmarks
Swim School
-
White Assisted Submersion
Relaxed, for 5 seconds.
-
Red Entry & Float
Jump or roll in, get onto the back and float for 5 seconds.
-
Yellow Swim–Roll–Swim
30 feet (about half a lap length).
-
Blue Side–Roll–Side + Kick
30 feet (about half a lap length).
-
Green SafeSwimmer Award
Jump into deep water, tread 1 minute, swim 50 yards.
Stroke School
-
Beginner Foundation
- Freestyle and Backstroke 25 yards.
-
Intermediate Progression
- Freestyle and Backstroke 50 yards.
- Elementary backstroke and sidestroke 25 yards.
- Breaststroke 25 yards.
-
Advanced Mastery
- All Intermediate skills at 50 yards.
- Butterfly 25 yards.
- Swim 300 yards using at least 4 of the 6 strokes taught previously.