Why We Are Different

Small Class Sizes

At Martha Burns, we have no more than five children per class. This means your child will get the individual attention he needs. And while many programs meet only once a week for a half-hour, we believe children need more pool time than that. Our classes meet twice weekly for a half-hour or once weekly for an hour. That way, your child gets more time in the water to build confidence, gain strength, and improve stroke technique.

Individualized Instruction to meet Varying Abilities

We've found that children learn best when instructed at a pace that they set and challenges that we set. They learn through repetition and watching other swimmers of varying abilities. The least accomplished swimmer strives to reach the level of the most accomplished swimmer. Yet the more experienced swimmers are still motivated to learn and master the four strokes so that they can advance on to stroke class. Every student progresses at her own pace and builds confidence in her own abilities. Parents benefit from this philosophy, too, since siblings at different levels can be registered for the same class!

A Method that Works—and Fast

Here at Martha Burns, we hear from parents over and over that they've tried other programs and have never had such immediate success as they do here. Children age two and up learn to swim with no floatation devices or water wings, regardless of the child's age. Not surprising, most of our students begin to swim unassisted within a month. Our teaching is tailored to meet each child's individual needs, regardless of where he is at. Just check out our testimonials to understand the magic of our methods. Happy parents with strong swimmers provide all the advertising we need, and we think word-of-mouth messages are the best kind.

A Comfortable 92° Water and Large Viewing Area

While other programs have multiple classes happening in the same pool at the same time, we know children learn better without so much distraction. That's why we have only one or two classes in the pool at a time. The warm 92-degree water and modest pool size allows children to stay relaxed and focused. And your child will never sit shivering on the edge of the pool while watching other students take their turn. Instead, she'll sit on our specially-designed steps right in the water where she'll be comfortable. Our non-intimidating setting puts everyone at ease, even those afraid of the water.

No False Sense of Security

Swimming is a skill that could someday save your child's life. Swim programs that teach only in shallow water provide a false sense of security. Kids need deep-end instruction. Your child will learn to swim in deep water, giving her the confidence she needs to manage in any situation. Even the youngest students venture into deep water with the support and encouragement of our instructors.

Comfortable Parent Accommodations

When parents sit on the pool deck at other programs, children naturally look to them for comfort. Unfortunately, that otherwise loving attachment hinders progress in the pool. Parents at Martha Burns Swim School can monitor their children's improvement from two places. Our pool viewing room has comfortable chairs and a clear view of the pool.