ABSOLUTELY YES! Everyone at Zen Penguin is an ADHD and/or autistic adult, with several of us parenting our own neurodivergent kid(s). Penny, our founder, is not just someone who knows how to swim; she's also done years of research on co-regulation, the nervous system, and how to help your kids move through their sensory experiences to reach their goals, so that our whole team can help your child learn to swim in the way that feels best for THEM. We keep groups small on purpose to provide an intimate, relaxed vibe for the class. Kids are never forced to perform skills they aren't ready for (including putting their face in). Our philosophy is, children who are afraid of the water have accurately assessed the danger of the situation, and we will never gaslight them about that. Instead, we focus on an information heavy path through those fears, acknowledging what's scary, and empowering them with the knowledge of how their body works in the water, so they can learn to safely enjoy the water in a calm and regulated way.

Every kid's journey with the water looks different, and goes along a different timeline. Some kids pick it up right away, and some kids take a long time before finally feeling confident. typically parents can expect somewhat of an exponential curve when it comes to our lessons - it will look like we aren't doing much in the beginning, because we are laying the foundation of trust. Then, every kid reaches a point where "WHOA, they're SWIMMING!"

Below, there. is a button that will take you to an interest form. Tell us about your kid(s), and what days/times work the best for your family (the more flexible you are, the more likely you'll be able to get in). Classes are created based on personality, temperament, and sensory needs, so while you. may not get the first time you request, your child will end up in a class that is ideal for their specific needs.

All lessons are 30 minutes long and take place at the same day and time each week, except for the pre-planned holidays.

Our lessons are ongoing and year-round. All lessons are paid via monthly autopay. This is a month-to-month subscription. If you wish to stop lessons at any point, please email us with 2 weeks notice that you no longer intend to continue. Your spot will be immediately offered to the waitlist. If you decide to come back, simply email us to find out what spots are currently available or to be re-added to the waitlist!

Refunds will not be given for sicknesses, planned vacations, or other absences but in most circumstances you are able to receive a make-up credit.

Reporting Absences:

If you have to miss a class and fill out the online absence form at least 48 hours in advance you are eligible to register for a make-up class from our "JUMP-IN list". These lessons are times/slots available due to other students having to miss their classes that are announced weekly on Wednesdays via email.

For last-minute absences due to illness (of the student or a household member) we will offer a make-up class whenever possible. You still need to fill out the absence form to be eligible for a make-up credit. Filling out the absence form is the ONLY way to be eligible for a make-up credit. If you call, text, email, or tell us in person we will appreciate the heads up but the system will not add a credit.

Scheduling Make-Up Classes:

Make-up classes can be scheduled based on availability with our Jump-In list! A weekly email goes out on Wednesdays with current availability for the next week. You can request a make-up class by replying to that email or emailing jumpin@zenpenguinswimschool.com We are not responsible for coordinating make-up lessons. Unfortunately we do not have the staff hours to work out make-up dates for everyone individually. Selecting a time from the Jump-In list is the ONLY way to use make-up credits.

Make-Up Expiration:

Make-up classes must be scheduled and used within one year from the date of the missed class. This ensures that all students have the opportunity to catch up on any missed sessions.

As always, it is our goal that every student and family has an incredible experience swimming with Zen Penguin Swim School. Our official policy is that refunds will be given solely at Zen Penguin Swim School’s discretion. That said, sometimes life gets in the way, or there’s a personality mis-match, or kiddos just aren’t quite ready to learn this life skill.  If you sign up and your kid straight up refuses to swim, or life happens and suddenly you can’t make that time anymore, you can get a pro-rated refund for the unused portion of your lessons before the 2nd lesson. If you have any concerns, please contact us so we can make sure you and your kiddo are taken care of!

Zen Penguin will take these days off -

Spring Break - Monday - Friday (Follows PPS Calendar)

Mother’s Day

Memorial Day Weekend - Saturday - Monday

June 1st

Father's Day

Independence Day

July 25th

First Week of School Break - Week before Labor Day (8 days including Labor Day)

Halloween

Thanksgiving Break- Thursday - Sunday

Winter Break - Monday before Christmas through Saturday after New Years

There are no make-ups or refunds for these missed dates, as they were already considered when setting the monthly rates.