Frequently Asked Questions

Elkhart Location 

Monday 8:45 am-7:45 pm

Tuesday 8:45 am-7:45 pm

Wednesday Closed

Thursday 9:00 am-7:45 pm

Friday Closed

Saturday 8:45 am-1:45 pm 

Sunday Closed

Cromwell Location

Wednesday Only by appointment

Shepard doesn't offer make up lessons.  We do not charge for transfers or 5th weeks in the month when enrolled perpetually.  Also, when another child is absent in your class, it is not filled with make ups which gives your child extra swim time. 

Shepard swim classes are small, our ratio is 4:1.  Our waterbabies and waterbabies + classes have 6:1 ratio because they are parent participation classes.  We excute small class sizes to maximize the students swim instruction and minimize student wait time between turns. 

•     Check in at the front desk for your instructors name and to fill out any paperwork.
•     Encourage your child to use the bathroom before lessons.
•     Get your child changed into a swim suit and/or swim diapers.
•    Wait in the observation room for your child's teacher to hold up a sign with instructors name.
•     Encourage your child to independently walk to class.
•     Rinse off in warm shower before lesson if needed, we don't allow dirty feet in the pool from flip flops in the summer.
•     Wait in the observation room during lessons, you can view your child through the glass.   Please do not leave the facility during lessons.
•     Watch for a wave from your child's teacher near the end of the lesson to come out on deck for a demonstration of today's showoff and update.
•     Allow your child to rinse off under the shower on deck. Wrap your child up with his/her towel.  You must be completely dry, not dripping before you exit the poolroom.
•     Use a changing room to allow your child to change back into clothes.
•     Stop by the front desk so your child can get a stamp on his/her hand to celebrate his/her developing swim skills.

If an effort to protect all swimmers from Water Born Illnesses (WBI) we require that children who are not potty trained or age 2 and under wear reusable swim pants made by Green Sprout or Happy Nappy's Splash About Brand only (even if fully potty-trained and 2).  We do not expect a two year old to tell their teacher they need to use the toilet.  The disposable diapers alone do not contain solid accidents in 92 degree water.  Wearing a disposable diaper covered by an Green Sprout brand or Happy Nappy Splash About brand reusable diaper will help protect everyone from WBI.  You may purchase swim pants/diapers in our swim shop to be sure they fit accurately.

The registration fee helps with the cost of administrative expenses. We also pay for insurance based on the number of students enrolled with this annual registration fee. 

Most students learn to swim alone quickly while they are enrolled at Shepard.  The award winning curriculum along with nurturing, professional teachers account for such a high success rate.  Our managers watch and identify and assist those students who struggle reaching their swim goals.  Each Shepard students is evaluated for progress by their teacher and deck manager daily.  Students on average pass a level every 16 weeks.  Students who are able to listen and apply instruction will always learn faster.  Students in private lessons will also have expedited learning. We encourage all swimmers to master our Level 11 for safety. 

If your child cries, it doesn’t mean they are not ready for swim lessons.  They may be adjusting to the separation from mom and/or dad, getting accustomed to a new environment and instructor, or just having an off day.  This is very normal behavior.  As lessons continue the anxieties become less evident and the fun begins.  If your child shows excessive fear it is important to not stop lessons and vital to continue until they conquer the battle.  Always reassure your child they are in a safe environment and give them praise to help them feel comfortable.  Your child will be rewarded after the fear has been overcome if you as the parent are persistent. Let your child also feel the joy of working through the transition and reap the benefits of becoming a safer swimmer to prevent drowning.  Our team will be there to support you through this transition!

The earlier you start your child the more likely they are to accept the water and will learn to swim sooner.  Also, when starting swim lessons early less fear is proven in students.  We have a free bathtime babies class from Birth-5 months of age which prepares babies for swim lessons at 6 months.  Many Bathtime babies choose to move up to our Level 1 class sooner than 6 months so they can submerge. 

Be involved and understand why we are working on certain skills and provide time for practice.  Get excited about your child’s progress no matter how small it is.  The more positive reinforcement the child has the more self confident they will be.  You can be their greatest motivator!  Talk to you child often about how proud you are and what a good job they are doing.  You can also watch you tube videos of competitive strokes and get dry land homework from your teachers.  

Shepard Swim School is the only facility in town that have invested in the Ultraviolet Light System and Ozone which is the only proven method to kill all dangerous germs such as Cryptosporidium.  We also use salt water helping those with allergies and sensitive skin.  Salt water is not extreme like the ocean, it is a settle salt that feels like soft water and doesn’t fade swim suits and tarnish hair.  We also test our water 3 times a day and submit weekly bacteria samples to ensure the best quality water for our students.  Shepard also has a clean air system to help purify and bring fresh air into the poolroom, removing harmful chloramines off the water surface.

Yes, you can enroll at any time.  Monthly billing will be prorated for the remaining classes that month.

Shepard Swim School is one of the premiere swim schools in the nation.  We use a curriculum that has a 99% success rate in which gives you the highest return on your investment and the BEST swim lessons in town! Other swim programs may be less expensive, but they require enrollment in the same class several times before your child is swimming at goal. In the long run, you may spend less money on swim lessons by enrolling with Shepard rather than paying for other programs for several classes.  

Part of our curriculum is licensed allowing Shepard Swim School to be the only place in our area to use this top notch program..

Because teaching swimming is our passion, everything we do is first class and costly. From training every instructor for many hours, and heating our pools to 92 degrees, to installing expensive ultraviolet light, ozone and clean air systems to keep our air and water pristine; you'll see the value of your tuition immediately.  Swim lessons can prevent your child from drowning which is our main goal, we have been told by customers that swim lessons are priceless! 

In cases of medical emergencies, with doctors note, Shepard Swim School will give a credit for future swim lessons.  However, we do not offer refunds due to fixed expenses.  If you have any concerns, we are happy to address those and make sure you are a satisfied customer.  Our refund policy is listed on our agreement, we are transparent with customers upfront. 

We only bill monthly on the 20th of each month.  If you don't want your card charged you can put money on your account to use for your monthly fees.  Grandparents etc. can also put money on your account for classes.  Credits always pull from your account before your credit card.  Some families do their own fundraisers to pay tuition.  We also have scholarships available.