Dolphin Swim School at acac Fitness & Wellness Albemarle Square
Structured 8-week swim program for ages 3+ using Starfish Aquatic International curriculum with certified instructors. · Charlottesville, VA
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Dolphin Swim School is a curriculum-focused learn-to-swim program at acac Fitness & Wellness Albemarle Square for novice swimmers ages 3 and older. Instructors trained in Starfish Aquatic International methodology lead 30-minute classes in small groups of 3-6 participants, meeting once weekly for 8 weeks. The program emphasizes water safety and foundational swimming skills in a child-centered environment designed to create safer, more confident swimmers.
Session options and pricing
| Session | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 8-Week Session | Contact club for pricing | Eight 30-minute lessons over 8 weeks, once per week |
The Starfish Aquatic International Approach
Dolphin Swim School uses the Starfish Aquatic International curriculum, a research-based methodology designed to create safer swimmers through systematic skill progression. This approach emphasizes water safety awareness alongside technical swimming skills, ensuring children not only learn to swim but understand how to be safe around water.
The curriculum is child-centered, meaning instruction is adapted to each swimmer's developmental stage and comfort level. Instructors focus on building confidence through positive reinforcement and age-appropriate activities that make learning engaging and enjoyable.
What Your Child Will Learn
The 8-week program covers foundational swimming competencies including water adjustment, breath control, floating, basic propulsion, and safety skills. Children progress through structured activities that build on previous lessons, creating a logical pathway from water comfort to independent swimming movements.
Beyond physical skills, the program develops water confidence and safety awareness. Children learn to respect water environments, recognize hazards, and respond appropriately in various aquatic situations—essential knowledge that extends beyond the pool.
Small Group Benefits
With group sizes limited to 3-6 participants, instructors can provide individualized feedback while fostering peer learning. Children often progress faster when learning alongside others at similar skill levels, as they observe techniques, encourage each other, and develop social skills in the aquatic environment.
The small group structure also allows instructors to maintain high safety standards while creating a supportive atmosphere where each child receives attention appropriate to their learning pace.
What's Included
Eight 30-Minute Lessons: Weekly structured instruction over an 8-week period with consistent scheduling
Starfish Curriculum Instruction: Internationally recognized methodology focused on safety and skill development
Certified Swim Instructors: Trained professionals specializing in child-centered aquatic education
Small Group Learning: 3-6 participants per class for personalized attention and peer interaction
Progressive Skill Development: Structured curriculum building from water comfort to foundational swimming techniques
Water Safety Education: Emphasis on safety awareness alongside technical swimming skills
Bottom line: Structured swim lessons using progressive curricula like Starfish Aquatic International have been shown to reduce drowning risk and improve water competency in young children. Small group instruction balances personalized attention with peer learning benefits, supporting both skill acquisition and confidence development in novice swimmers.
American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations on swim lessons for drowning prevention; research on aquatic skill progression in early childhood published in aquatic education journals.
Who Is Dolphin Swim School Good For?
Good candidates: Dolphin Swim School is ideal for children ages 3 and older who are novice swimmers ready for independent instruction without parent support in the water. It's particularly well-suited for children who have outgrown parent-child classes and are ready for structured skill development in a small group setting.
Who should consult a doctor first: Parents should assess their child's readiness for independent instruction (ability to separate from parents, follow instructor directions, and basic comfort in pool environments). Children who are not yet comfortable without parental support may benefit from starting with Dolphin Babies classes first. Contact the club to discuss your child's specific readiness and any concerns about water anxiety or special needs accommodations.
General safety: Swimming instruction for young children involves inherent water safety considerations. Instructors are trained in child supervision and emergency response, and class sizes are kept small to maintain appropriate supervision ratios. Parents should ensure their child is healthy and free from contagious conditions before each class. The program emphasizes safety skills, but ongoing parental supervision is essential during all aquatic activities outside of instruction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is Dolphin Swim School appropriate for?
The program is designed for novice swimmers ages 3 and older who are ready for structured swim instruction without parent support in the water.
How long is each session and how often do classes meet?
Each class is 30 minutes long, meeting once per week for 8 consecutive weeks.
What is the class size?
Groups range from 3 to 6 participants, allowing for personalized attention while fostering a supportive peer learning environment.
What curriculum does the program follow?
Instructors are trained in the Starfish Aquatic International Swim School curriculum, which focuses on creating safer swimmers through progressive skill development.
Do parents stay in the pool during Dolphin Swim School?
No, this program is for independent learners ages 3+. For younger children (6 months to 3 years) requiring parent support, acac offers Dolphin Babies classes.
Book online anytime
Contact & Location
Book online: Book Dolphin Swim School at acac Fitness & Wellness Albemarle Square →
Phone: (434) 978-3800
Address: 500 Albemarle Square, Charlottesville, VA 22901 (Get directions)
Website: acac.com/charlottesville/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb
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| Mon | 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Tue | 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Wed | 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Thu | 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Fri | 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Sat | 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Sun | 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
