Maki Swim School

 

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cherie g.

Brooklyn, NY

I learned to swim years ago, but since forgot the small techniques which make one an efficient swimmer. I decided swim lessons were a good idea. Maki swim school is definitely cheaper than most of the places that I researched. First the complaints:

1.) Three students to a teacher sounds like a great learning environment for an adult swimmer, however, this means you will be sharing the pool with 8 other people in a very confined space within the pool.  It is very difficult to practice what you just learned, because others are either in the way or splashing around or just standing in the pool.

2.) If there are others in your group aren't as advanced, typically they occupy most of the instructor's time and it takes your time away.

3.) The pool is kind of small. And once you work your way into the actual swimming portion, its not very viable to test out your new skills.

4.) The pool is kind of freezing. Especially during the March, April, May months. I would suggest some type of wet suit thingy.

The good news:

1.) I spent weeks focusing on breathing which was super boring, but very helpful. Turns out that was mostly my problem.

2.) I did learn how to swim from the 10 week program.

3.) The teachers are very patient.

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Denise L.

San Jose, CA

I took my 4 year old here for a once a week/ 10 weeks program. Like any parent, I was worried about my son's compatibility with his new teacher. My worries melted away when I saw how much fun he was having with his teacher.

Then it all changed.

The second week, his teacher was sick and instead had a substitute who was also new to the school. She was too pushy and forced my son's head to go underwater when he wasn't ready (mind you, this is only my son's 2nd time in the pool).  My son didn't feel too happy when we left the school.

We had to cancel a class the following week because my son was begging not to go back to the school. We had the same situation the following week. We also learned that my son's original teacher will no longer be teaching and will be moving out of town.

I decided to call the school and freeze the program we already paid for. The administrator was very rude and told me that I would lose 2 weeks of the 10 weeks that I paid for and I shouldn't listen to my son, that he's only 4 years old..what does he know about anything. I was appalled but tried very hard to maintain civil. I then said my son should at least get a different teacher if he is going to finish his classes. She asked me if there were any other time we were available, I told her 2 alternatives and she gave an option completely different from my available days/hours. To complete the call and avoid altercation with this woman, I agreed to the arrangement she made.

To sum this up, I will never go back to this school. I believe in customer service and how this sustains any business.

Finally, children may be small and have little voice, but we must remember that those tiny voices come from the most sincere hearts that should never be ignored.

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Elite '08

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Eugene F.

Campbell, CA

I'm an adult who has kinda forgotten how to swim and have been looking for a place that has classes for adults at a time that I could actually go to.  Enter Maki Swim School (thanks to Yelp!).  I visited their website, entered my contact info, and what type of classes I wanted to take.  It took a few weeks (I think it was because they were waiting for a spot to open up) to contact me, but they let me know that there was a spot was open the following week.  

I've gone two weeks, and it's actually pretty good.  I opted to take the group adult classes (which is only 3 students at a time) with two teachers; which means a lot of one-on-one time with the teacher which is nice.  Classes are only 30 minutes, but with a lot of individual attention, it is worth it.

Only drawback is that you will also be sharing the pool with a bunch of munchkins (maybe four or five kids) that can get in the way, but isn't that big of a deal.

10 thirty minute classes were $160, plus a one-time registration fee of $50.

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Kristan B.

San Jose, CA

This swim school is amazing. They will be moving soon, but I know that's convenient for some.

I take the little girl I nanny for (she's four) here once a week on Fridays for her semi-private swim lesson. She gets rather nervous, and it didn't seem to get much better while she was taking lessons at AVAC. Since she has switched to this swim school it's been a complete turn around. She is almost swimming on her own, when just a few weeks ago she didn't really want to get her face in the water.

Tiffany is a wonderful instructor. She is firm, yet supportive of the kids. When a child says they don't want to do something, she is encouraging and assertive and gets them to do it anyway. The children seem less frightened when she lets them know, "I will not let go unless I tell you first." She gets the kids to listen, behave, and SWIM!

After each lesson, if the child has behaved they receive one gold (plastic) coin. After they get 5 coins they can pick a prize out of the treasure box. This seems to be the most exciting and rewarding part because the children know...as a result of swimming, they get a prize. It also teaches delayed gratification, which I am a big fan of.

I like the small feel of this place (they have one pool!) and am a little nervous to see how the new pool is once they move. I remember not enjoying AVAC because you couldn't sit next to the pool, but had to sit behind a glass wall and watch the kids from there. I love the teaching methods used here, and can't wait to see what else this four year old can do!

They also offer classes for older children, but I would call to double check ages. They also offer bday parties!

Check it out! It's fantastic and highly recommended!

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C C.

San Jose, CA

My kids (2 and 4) started at Maki swim last summer.  It is indoor, however, since they rent the pool from Diver Dan, they can not fully enclose the facility (state regulation).  They do keep the water temperature ~82F, but once you leave the pool, it's cold gets especially in winter.   I always have trouble getting my kids dressed because they are cold.

I do like the instructors.  They are patient, encouraging, and can bring out the best in their students.  However, I have problem with scheduling, and administration.  They canceled one of my kids class because they couldn't get the pool set up on time, and then canceled it again (after moving it on a different date) due to who knows what.  After all that, it is hard to find an empty time slot to fit my schedule.  And the woman who handle the administration is rude and unhelpful.

The good thing about them (other than the teachers) is that the rate is very good, and there is no set session date.

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