Where the water is for every-body, & every brain!
Discover the joy of swimming at Zen Penguin Swim School! Specialized, sensory-friendly lessons crafted with care for our autistic, ADHD and neurodivergent community.
With 20+ years of combined experience, we are not your average swim school. Every person on our staff shares a deep love for the water, and we are thrilled to have the privilege of sharing that joy with you and your children.
Our philosophy is built on a foundation of trust and bio-mechanics. We believe that the water is for everybody, so we prioritize inclusion from the start, rather than treating marginalized identities like an after-thought.
Where the water is for every-body, & every brain!
Discover the joy of swimming at Zen Penguin Swim School! Specialized, sensory-friendly lessons crafted with care for our autistic, ADHD and neurodivergent community.
With 20+ years of combined experience, we are not your average swim school. Every person on our staff shares a deep love for the water, and we are thrilled to have the privilege of sharing that joy with you and your children.
Our philosophy is built on a foundation of trust and bio-mechanics. We believe that the water is for everybody, so we prioritize inclusion from the start, rather than treating marginalized identities like an after-thought.
Swim Membership Plans
Select Your Class Membership
Parent-Child Play Session
$220
Monthly
5 students + parents,
1 instructor
Once a week
30 min. lessons
Specialized instructor
Neurodivergent community
MOST POPULAR
Semi-Private Lessons
$260
Monthly
2 students, 1 instructor
Once a week
30 min. lessons
Specialized instructor
Neurodivergent community
1-on-1
Lessons
$390
Monthly
1 student, 1 instructor
Once a week
30 min. lessons
Specialized instructor
Neurodivergent community
Private Pool
Lessons
$599
Monthly
1-on-1, no other swimmers in the pool
Once a week
30 min. lessons
Specialized instructor
Neurodivergent community
Just a heads-up
Since we’re a specialized swim school, class spots are limited.
Once you’ve locked in your spot, taking a break from your membership means we can’t promise the same spot will be available when you return.
*All classes and membership plans are subject to availability.
Swim Membership Plans
Select Your Class Membership
Parent-Child Play Session
$220
Monthly
5 students + parents,
1 instructor
Once a week
30 min. lessons
Specialized instructor
Neurodivergent community
MOST POPULAR
Semi-Private Lessons
$260
Monthly
2 students, 1 instructor
Once a week
30 min. lessons
Specialized instructor
Neurodivergent community
1-on-1
Lessons
$390
Monthly
1 student, 1 instructor
Once a week
30 min. lessons
Specialized instructor
Neurodivergent community
Private Pool
Lessons
$599
Monthly
1-on-1, no other swimmers in the pool
Once a week
30 min. lessons
Specialized instructor
Neurodivergent community
Just a heads-up
Since we’re a specialized swim school, class spots are limited.
Once you’ve locked in your spot, taking a break from your membership means we can’t promise the same spot will be available when you return.
*All classes and membership plans are subject to availability.
Swim Membership Plans
Select Your Class Membership
Parent-Child Play Session
$220
Monthly
5 students + parents,
1 instructor
Once a week
30 min. lessons
Specialized instructor
Neurodivergent community
MOST POPULAR
Semi-Private Lessons
$260
Monthly
2 students, 1 instructor
Once a week
30 min. lessons
Specialized instructor
Neurodivergent community
1-on-1
Lessons
$390
Monthly
1 student, 1 instructor
Once a week
30 min. lessons
Specialized instructor
Neurodivergent community
Private Pool
Lessons
$599
Monthly
1-on-1, no other swimmers in the pool
Once a week
30 min. lessons
Specialized instructor
Neurodivergent community
Just a heads-up
Since we’re a specialized swim school, class spots are limited.
Once you’ve locked in your spot, taking a break from your membership means we can’t promise the same spot will be available when you return.
*All classes and membership plans are subject to availability.
Summer Package
The sun is here! Join us for our 10 weeks summer swim session. Same great, specialized instructors, unique class approach and welcoming community.
"I am so grateful to you"
"I just want to tell you what a great experience the girls and I had today! In the car, I asked them what their favorite part of swimming lessons was. Ailie said it was doing the back float (which I have never been able to get her to do with me), and Evie said that YOU were her favorite part. To which Ailie responded that you were also one of her favorite parts - you and back floating. Anyhow, I am so grateful to you for making such a calm, welcoming environment for them!"
- Erin
"My life changed forever"
"When I first looked at the waters of a pool, it seemed very dangerous like it was going to drown me. Now it feels like it is my friend."
- Jillian
"My kid loves her lessons"
"My kids have learned more swimming with Penny and her teachers in just a few short months than they have in all the other lessons we’ve taken combined. Her respectful, direct approach to teaching survival swimming clicks with kids and meets them where they’re at developmentally. My kid loves her lessons and feel proud of what they’re doing in the pool, they are excited to attend every week. The teachers are caring, compassionate and really understand how kids learn. They let the child take the lead and kids love feeling empowered.”
- Ayn
Swim lessons for all ages & levels!
Before we get to swimming, we're going to get to know each other. Whether you're 3 or 93, our instructors want to know what your experience with the water has been. Once we've exchanged BFF bracelets, we're going to talk about how your body moves in the water, and WHY it moves that way.
We're not rushing to get you across the pool - instead, we're going to work on the fundamentals so you deeply understand how your body moves through the water, why certain things happen, and how to move in a way that makes sense for your brain and your body.
By the time we do put the strokes together, your swimming will be smooth, confident and relaxed.
What to expect in class...
We do things a bit different! Learn more about what you and your child can expect at your first class. Click below to learn more.
Our Values
Zen Penguin Swim School is not just a place to learn to swim - it's a community where you, and your swimmer are taken care of, and belong.
Nervous System Regulation is one of the most important pieces of the puzzle when it comes to learning to swim. We understand that humans are co-regulators, which means our nervous systems are constantly checking in with each other. That is why we care deeply for our instructors, and pay them a thriving wage. We know that when our staff has a strong support system, they are able to show up as their best selves for your children.
We know that community is KEY to creating a sustainable business that can stick around for years. One of the ways we prioritize a diverse and vibrant community is by using part of your monthly subscription to help other community members access swim lessons that they may not otherwise be able to afford. We currently offer a self-funded scholarship program to families in need, and are on track to provide over $140,000+ in scholarship funds in 2025.
When you join Zen Penguin Swim School, you're not just jumping in the water with us - you're jumping in to community with us.
Dive Into Savings!
When our swimmers cancel, you can JUMP IN!
Claim your JUMP-IN Spot for just $80 as spots become available.
Our Values
Zen Penguin Swim School is not just a place to learn to swim - it's a community where you, and your swimmer are taken care of, and belong.
Nervous System Regulation is one of the most important pieces of the puzzle when it comes to learning to swim. We understand that humans are co-regulators, which means our nervous systems are constantly checking in with each other. That is why we care deeply for our instructors, and pay them a thriving wage. We know that when our staff has a strong support system, they are able to show up as their best selves for your children.
We know that community is KEY
to creating a sustainable business that can stick around for years. One of the ways we prioritize a diverse and vibrant community is by using part of your monthly subscription to help other community members access swim lessons that they may not otherwise be able to afford. We currently offer a self-funded scholarship program to families in need, and are on track to provide over $140,000+ in scholarship funds in 2025.
When you join Zen Penguin Swim School, you're not just jumping in the water with us - you're jumping in to community with us.
Zen Penguin Staff
Meet the Team
Penny P.
Founder & Swim Instructor
Sarah M.
Swim Instructor
Stephanie B.
Swim Instructor
Cecilia T.
Swim Instructor
Katie Z.
Operations Manager
Our Pools
The Puddle
Come swim with us in our private indoor pool in NE Portland! The pool is heated to 93 degrees!
12029 NE Ainsworth Cir #100, Portland, OR 97220
The Pond
Coming Soon!
16640 SE 82nd Dr, Clackamas, OR 97015
Our Pools
The Puddle
Come swim with us in our private indoor pool in NE Portland! The pool is heated to 93 degrees!
12029 NE Ainsworth Cir #100, Portland, OR 97220
The Pond
Coming Soon!
16640 SE 82nd Dr, Clackamas, OR 97015
Quick Links
Quick Links
Quick Links
Quick Links
Resources
Resources
Resources
Resources
Connect With Us
Connect With Us
© Zen Penguin Swim School 2025 All Rights Reserved.
© Zen Penguin Swim School 2025 All Rights Reserved.