Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about STRIDE Aquatics swim lessons: logistics, financial aid, adaptive instruction, and how our nonprofit works.
Logistics & Parental Concerns
1What if my child is afraid, cries, or refuses to get in the water?
Before the first lesson, our goal is to build rapport and help your child understand their instructor is there to support them. Some swimmers have fears to overcome, and our first priority is for them to feel safe and understood.
2Why do you teach one-on-one lessons?
One-on-one lets the instructor give your child their full attention and tailor every lesson. It also removes the pressure some swimmers feel trying to keep pace with a group.
3What should we bring on the first day?
A swimsuit, sandals, a towel, and most importantly, curiosity and a willingness to learn water safety.
4Indoor or outdoor? What temperature is the pool?
Our North Hollywood pool is outdoor and kept between 85 and 90 degrees for comfort, warmer than a typical swim school, because water temperature should never be the reason a child doesn't want to be in the water.
5We pay for four weeks of lessons. What happens in a month with five weeks?
When a month has five weeks instead of four, we use the extra week for make-up lessons for any sessions that were missed.
Financial Aid & Nonprofit
1Is there a registration fee?
No. Because lessons are private and individualized rather than group classes, there is no registration fee.
2Do you offer financial assistance or tuition adjustments?
Yes, depending on circumstances. Fill out our inquiry form to learn more.
3How is STRIDE different from a franchised swim school?
After researching other schools, our founder found lessons everywhere followed the same rigid structure: every segment on a clock, no customization, and instructors not allowed to use their own judgment. STRIDE flips that model to serve swimmers better and put water safety first.
4Can I donate to support a family in need?
Yes. As a nonprofit, donations are vital to our mission. [Learn how to donate] or [learn about our Adopt a Child program] that helps a child become 100% water-safe.
5What is the Adopt a Child program?
A donor funds three months of swim lessons, which is the time it takes to get a child from our low-income waiting list to fully water-safe. 100% of the gift goes to that child's lessons. [Learn more →]
Students With Disabilities
1Do you work with children and adults with disabilities?
Absolutely. It was one of our founder's core requirements that STRIDE support swimmers with disabilities.
2My child has a neurological or cognitive condition (autism, ADHD, sensory processing). How do instructors adapt?
Our instructors have experience with all types of swimmers, including those with neurological and cognitive conditions, through respite care, tutoring, and behavioral therapy. They bring that expertise to the pool.
3What physical adaptations do you provide for mobility differences?
Our North Hollywood pool does not currently have physical adaptations for mobility differences. Our instructors will consult with you to determine what accommodations are possible.
4Can we use third-party funding or disability programs to cover tuition?
Yes. As a nonprofit we partner with regional centers and other funders. Since each operates differently, we recommend asking your case manager or service coordinator whether water-safety skills are an allowable expense under your plan.
5How do we start billing if a third-party organization is paying?
Complete our intake form and check the third-party-payer box. We will need your service coordinator's contact and an authorization or referral from the paying agency, then we coordinate direct billing or itemized invoicing per their guidelines.
Instructors
1What certifications do your instructors hold?
All STRIDE instructors are CPR, AED, and First Aid certified, trained in infant self-rescue, and many are lifeguard-certified. Every instructor passes a background check and completes mandated-reporter and sexual-harassment training, and has experience with swimmers with disabilities.
2My child has a neurological or cognitive condition (autism, ADHD, sensory processing). How do instructors adapt?
Our instructors have experience with all types of swimmers, including those with neurological and cognitive conditions, through respite care, tutoring, and behavioral therapy. They bring that expertise to the pool.
3What physical adaptations do you provide for mobility differences?
Our North Hollywood pool does not currently have physical adaptations for mobility differences. Our instructors will consult with you to determine what accommodations are possible.
4Can we use third-party funding or disability programs to cover tuition?
Yes. As a nonprofit we partner with regional centers and other funders. Since each operates differently, we recommend asking your case manager or service coordinator whether water-safety skills are an allowable expense under your plan.
5How do we start billing if a third-party organization is paying?
Complete our intake form and check the third-party-payer box. We will need your service coordinator's contact and an authorization or referral from the paying agency, then we coordinate direct billing or itemized invoicing per their guidelines.
Swimming should be for everyone.
STRIDE Aquatics is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Through our Adopt a Child program, donors fund three months of lessons that bring a child from our low-income waiting list to fully water-safe. 100% of every Adopt a Child gift goes straight to that child's lessons.