Private & Semi-Private Swim Lessons
While our core group swim classes are small, our private and semi-private classes provide a more personalized experience for our participants. Both options, private swim lessons and semi-private swim lessons, are sold as a punch pass, offer 30-minute lessons or 60-minute lessons, and are scheduled based on the participants availability. Register online or in-person at The Centre of Elgin at the Adventure Island Pool Desk or the Main Courtesy Desk. After registration, participants will receive an email with additional information and a link to our Private or Semi-Private Swim Lesson Questionnaire. After we have received the completed questionnaire, you can expect to hear from us with 5-7 business days to confirm the day & time of your lesson and get you in touch with your instructor. For more information on this great program, feel free to call the Adventure Island Pool Desk at 847-531-7030.
City of Elgin Aquatics
Private & Semi‑Private Swim Lessons
Deposit & Waitlist Information
Thank you for joining the City of Elgin Aquatics Private or Semi‑Private Swim Lesson waitlist.
Program Overview
Private and semi-private lessons provide individualized instruction and flexible scheduling for swimmers of a wide range of ages, abilities, and goals. Lessons are available in 30- and 60-minute formats. Private lessons are one instructor to one swimmer, while semi-private lessons serve two or three swimmers learning together with one instructor.
Your Deposit
Your registration includes a refundable deposit equal to the cost of two lessons.
- Places your Private or Semi‑Private Swim Lesson request on the active waitlist for up to 90 days.
- Demonstrates that you are ready to begin lessons when an appropriate instructor becomes available.
- Is applied toward your first two lessons once a successful instructor match and initial schedule are established.
Paying the deposit does not guarantee placement with an instructor or a specific lesson schedule within the 90-day period.
Complete Your Lesson Request
After paying your deposit, you will receive a questionnaire. Provide as much detail as possible:
- Swimmer age and current ability
- Previous swim lesson experience
- Lesson goals
- Days and times you are available
- Scheduling flexibility
- Special requests
- Accommodations or instructional needs
- Any information to help instructors evaluate the request
How Instructor Matching Works
Instructors are not assigned by Aquatics leadership. Instead, instructors review outstanding requests and choose participants that fit their availability, teaching strengths, and swimmer needs.
Matching factors include:
- Swimmer age and ability
- Lesson goals
- Participant and instructor availability
- Instructor experience and teaching style
- Special requests or accommodations
Because instructors claim requests on their own initiative, match wait times vary. Long-standing requests are prioritized when shared with instructors, but requests are not necessarily claimed in chronological order.
Scheduling Considerations
Lessons are scheduled based on mutual availability. Some aquatic programming times are harder to schedule due to limited staff or lane space.
High-Use Time Periods
- Sat & Sun, 8:30–12:00pm: Group Swim Lessons in session.
- Mon–Thu, 5:00–7:30pm: Group Swim Lessons & Swim Team. No lane space 6:00–7:30pm.
- Fri, 4:45–6:15pm: Swim Team practice overlaps with Open Swim.
These times are not impossible, but availability is more limited. Providing availability outside these windows increases match likelihood.
Once an Instructor Claims Your Request
- Your instructor contacts you directly to coordinate lesson dates and times.
- Once you agree on a schedule, your deposit is applied to your first two lessons.
- The instructor informs Aquatics leadership so lessons can be added to the facility schedule.
- All future scheduling is handled directly between you and your instructor.
If You Are Not Matched Within 90 Days
You may choose to:
- Remain on the waitlist: Renew for another 90 days. Your deposit stays on your account and your original request date is retained.
- Leave the waitlist: Receive a full refund.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does paying the deposit guarantee an instructor?
No. The deposit places your request on the waitlist for up to 90 days. Instructor availability varies.
Why doesn’t Aquatics assign instructors?
The program uses an instructor-claim model to create better instructor-swimmer matches based on teaching style, availability, and swimmer needs.
How long will it take to get an instructor?
There is no guaranteed timeline. Some requests are claimed quickly, while others take longer depending on availability and matching factors.
Are requests filled in chronological order?
No. Long-standing requests are prioritized, but instructors choose participants based on best fit rather than order.
What can I do to improve my chances of being matched?
Provide broad availability, especially outside high-use times, and include detailed swimmer information to support matching.
Can I request a specific instructor?
Yes, you may request one, but availability is not guaranteed.
Who schedules my lessons after I get an instructor?
Your instructor schedules and reschedules lessons directly with you once a match is established.
Are lesson times predetermined?
No. Lesson times are coordinated between the family and instructor according to mutual availability and pool space.
What happens to my deposit once I am matched?
Your deposit is applied toward your first two lessons.
What if our schedules do not align with the instructor who claimed us?
If schedules cannot be aligned, the request can remain active so another instructor may consider it.
What happens if I reach 90 days without being matched?
You may renew your request for another 90 days or receive a full refund of your deposit.
Do semi-private lessons follow a different process?
No. Semi-private lessons follow the same process; all registered swimmers must attend each lesson.
Can I purchase additional lessons after being matched?
Yes. Additional lessons may be purchased following the current fee structure.
Important Reminders
- Placement is not guaranteed.
- Scheduling flexibility increases match likelihood.
- Instructors choose participants; Aquatics leadership does not assign matches.
- Your instructor becomes your main scheduling contact.
- Your deposit is refundable if no match is made within 90 days.
Questions?
Adventure Island Pool Desk: 847-531-7030
Email: aquatics@cityofelgin.org
Private Swim Lessons
Private swim lessons are conducted on a one-to-one basis, with a dedicated instructor assigned to each student. These private swim lessons are particularly well-suited for individuals who thrive with personalized instruction. This includes those who may be apprehensive first-time swimmers, children with special needs, adults who have delayed their swim education, and competitive swimmers seeking targeted training to enhance specific skill sets. It is important to note that although these lessons maintain a personalized instructional format, the pool space utilized may be shared with other scheduled programming at the same time. Consequently, it is essential to understand that private swim lessons do not guarantee exclusive access to the pool during the instructional sessions.
Private Swim Lessons Fees
| Mem/Res/NonRes | 2 Punches (30 min.) | 4 Punches (30 min.) | 6 Punches (30 min.) | 8 Punches (30 min.) | 2 Punches (60 min.) | 4 Punches (60 min.) | 6 Punches (60 min.) | 8 Punches (60 min.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centre Member | $50 | $100 | $150 | $200 | $100 | $200 | $300 | $400 |
| Elgin Resident | $60 | $120 | $180 | $240 | $120 | $240 | $360 | $480 |
| Non-Resident | $70 | $140 | $210 | $280 | $140 | $280 | $420 | $560 |
Semi-Private Swim Lessons
These lessons necessitate a minimum of two swimmers and allow for a maximum of three swimmers, ensuring a balanced ratio of either 2-on-1 (2 students/1 instructor) or 3-on-1 (3 students/1 instructor). This offering proves advantageous for friends or family members seeking the shared experience of private swim instruction at the same time, guided by the same instructor. It is essential to note that all participants in semi-private lessons must register collectively and simultaneously. Additionally, consistent attendance of all enrolled students at each lesson is a prerequisite.
Semi-Private Swim Lessons Fees
| Mem/Res/NonRes | 2 Punches (30 min.) | 4 Punches (30 min.) | 6 Punches (30 min.) | 8 Punches (30 min.) | 2 Punches (60 min.) | 4 Punches (60 min.) | 6 Punches (60 min.) | 8 Punches (60 min.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centre Member | $40 | $80 | $120 | $160 | $80 | $140 | $210 | $280 |
| Elgin Resident | $45 | $90 | $135 | $180 | $90 | $180 | $270 | $360 |
| Non-Resident | $50 | $100 | $150 | $200 | $100 | $200 | $300 | $400 |