The Best Places for Swim Lessons in Howard County, MD
Finding the right swim lessons can feel overwhelming, but after trying a few, I’ve learned it’s all about the right fit. Warm pools, patient instructors, and a fun approach make all the difference!
I’ll never forget the first time I took my kids to the pool. One minute, they were cautiously dipping their toes in the water, and the next, they were splashing like they had been born to swim. But as much as I love watching them play, I also know how important it is for them to actually learn how to swim—both for fun and safety.
So, if you’re looking for swim lessons in Howard County, MD… I’ve done the research (and tried a few places myself). Here are the best spots to help your little one grow confident in the water.
Goldfish Swim School – Columbia
9315 Snowden River Pkwy, Columbia, MD
Goldfish Swim School is a favorite for parents—and for good reason. Their small class sizes, 90-degree pool, and engaging instructors make learning to swim feel like an adventure, not a chore. My favorite part? The warm water means no shivering kids!
Pearl Krongard’s Swim School
8910 Stanford Blvd., Columbia, MD
I LOVED Ms. Pearl’s swim school. However, she books up FAST. She does 1-1 lessons, which is what I preferred when my kids were learning how to swim at two and three years-old.
Columbia Association Aquatics
Multiple Locations in Columbia, MD
If you’re already a Columbia Association (CA) member, their swim lessons are a fantastic option. They offer group, semi-private, and private lessons for all ages. Plus, their pools are some of the best-maintained in the area.
Howard County YMCA
4331 Montgomery Rd, Ellicott City, MD
The YMCA is a great choice if you’re looking for affordable, high-quality lessons. Their instructors focus on water safety first, which gives me peace of mind. I also love that they offer lessons for older beginners—perfect for kids (or adults!) who want to gain confidence in the water later on.
British Swim School
1743 W Nursery Rd, Linthicum Heights, MD
British Swim School focuses heavily on water survival skills, which I really appreciate as a mom. Their methods are different from traditional swim lessons, with an emphasis on floating and breathing control before full strokes.
Miss Jesse Swims
Indoor lessons at Turf Valley (2700 Turf Valley Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21042), or at-home lessons.
My kids loved working with Miss Jesse! She actually came to our house and did 1-1 lessons right in our backyard pool.
Safe Splash Swim School
Jessup, Ellicott City, and Laurel locations.
They offer swim lessons for all ages, following their four c’s —> Comfortable, Capable, Confident, and Competitive!
BONUS: Big Blue Swim School is NEW to Columbia, MD!
8910 Old Annapolis Rd, Suite A, Columbia, MD
Starting as early as three months old, infants, toddlers, and kids can learn to love water and understand water safety! Kids will be equipped to feel comfortable and empowered in the pool.
Which Swim School is Right for Your Family?
Honestly, Howard County is full of options for swimming lessons, and you can’t go wrong with any of them. It all comes down to what works best for your child’s personality and schedule. If you’re not sure, see if you can opt. for a trial lesson, so you can test the waters before committing!
