How can I register for your classes?

      Registration can be done either in person or over the phone for current students, and must be done in person for new students.  New students must register in person because we need to see them in the water to place them in the proper level/class.

     Our school year is broken up into 4 sessions (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall), and a session can be joined at any time.  Students wishing to enroll for a future session should call the school or check the News/Important dates section on this site to see the specific dates that we will begin enrolling for the next session. 

     New students coming into the program must schedule a water evaluation class to determine their level in our program.  Water evaluations for new students can be scheduled over the phone.

What is a water evaluation?

     We group our students by age first and ability second.  A water evaluation is a regular ½ hour class that we use to determine what level your child should be placed in.  The water evaluation also gives you a chance to observe 1 class and learn how our program works before signing up.

When is the water evaluation?

     Evaluations for all new students are typically done on a Friday about 1 week before a new session begins.  The date for the next “Water Evaluation Day” can be found in the News/Important Dates section of this site.  To schedule an evaluation, you can call the school at 973.887.7011

     For students who wish to join a session midway, an evaluation occurs during your first class.  We would find an opening in a current class that sounds right for your child (and for your schedule), have them take that class, and we would observe the class to be sure it is the right level for your child.  If you like the class you may then sign up and keep that time/spot for the remainder of the session.

My child has been at your school previously, why does he/she need another evaluation?

It is our policy that all children that have missed more than one session are required to be retested.  This allows us to determine if any skills were lost, or if new skills were gained.

Is a water evaluation required for every age group?

Water evaluations are required for every class except Parent/Child and Adult classes.  However, we do highly recommend that you view one of our current classes for those age groups before registering so that you have a clear understanding of what you are signing up for.

Why does my child need a water evaluation if they are a beginner?

Water evaluations are not just for skill placement, they are also to see if your child is ready to learn to swim in a group environment.  Water evaluations also allow you to see how our program works and how our classes are conducted before committing to a session.

I cannot attend the water evaluation, can my child be evaluated earlier?

In order to maintain fairness, evaluations are held on a specific day and cannot be held any earlier.  Only one day is set aside for evaluations because of anticipation of classes selling out.  If you are unable to attend the specified date, please call after that day to check on class availability, and we will schedule an evaluation for you at that time.

Can I pay in advance to reserve a class before the evaluation?

This is not allowed because your child's level will not be known until the evaluation is held.  We do not have you pay for a session until we know your child’s level and schedule, and we actually have a class to offer you.

Do you guarantee class spots?

We do not hold or guarantee any spots without payment and a water evaluation.  It is possible that you may evaluate and then find that there are no openings that fit your schedule.  If that occurs, we would keep you name on our placement lists, and we would notify you as soon as an opening because available that fit your needs.

I already know I will be missing classes for the session, can I just be charged for the classes I will attend?

The entire session must be paid in full at the time of registration.  Missed classes due to vacations, religious holidays or any other reason will not be discounted.  All children are allowed one make-up class per session.  Any classes missed beyond the one makeup class are forfeited.

When is payment due?

For a water evaluation, payment is due at the time an appointment is made.  For regular classes, payment is due in full at the time of registration (which usually occurs right after the evaluation class.

Can I register online?

There are many variables that are used to get your child the most appropriate class considering their age, skill level and schedule.  Because of this, we do not offer online registration.

Will my child be able to swim by the end of the session?

All children learn at their own pace and while it is our goal for a child to obtain new skills in each level, we cannot guarantee he or she will be able to swim on their own.

Do you offer private lessons?

We do offer private lessons, but on an extremely limited basis.  Because of our small class sizes, we require all students to take group classes first so we can determine whether or not they have the skill and strength to fully benefit from a private lesson.