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443-845-4200

FAQ

How long has Pearl Swim School been in business?
Pearl Swim School (PK swim) has been in business for more than 45 years. It all started in the late 70’s in the state of Colorado as a small business where Pearl would teach two or three clients a day. In 2005, she moved to Baltimore, MD, which allowed her to build clientele and expand her business. In 2017, Pearl finally moved to Columbia, MD which allows her to serve a larger number of clients from Columbia, Elkridge, Laurel, BWI, Fort Meade, Clarksville and even the Virginia area. Miss Pearl Swim School is popular in the DMV area and her business has been able to expand by the help of her loyal clients. Now PK Swim school is able to serve over 2,000 clients a year.

How many Instructors does Pearl Swim School have?
PK Swim school has six certified instructors with 6+ years of experience. Certifications include but are not limited to lifeguard, CPR, WSI, and pool operator. Additionally, all instructors have been trained to teach kids, youth and adults with disabilities.
Meet our staff >

How many instructors teach at one time?
Due to covid-19, the number of teachers teaching is limited to 3-4 instructors at one time. All instructors are required to wear a plastic face shield in the water.
(Read the Covid Protical at the bottom of this page)

If the instructor who I was assigned too does not meet my child or my needs, am I able to switch to another instructor of my liking?
Absolutely!! Anyone who is not satisfied with their lessons provided by the assigned instructor is more than welcome to change to another instructor. However, clients must keep in mind that all instructors are fully booked and change in schedule might be difficult. In order to make changes, clients must be very flexible and understanding of the new instructors’ availability.
Meet our staff >

In how many lessons will my child learn to swim?
The progression of any student depends on the student’s motor skill development, enthusiasm and willingness to learn. PK Swim does guarantee that within the 10 lessons the student should be able to learn and master the basics of swimming and be safe around and in the water.
Learn more about our programs >
Click here to register >

How do I register for lessons?
Lesson registration can be done over the phone by calling 443-845-4200 or in person by visiting our facility at 8910 Stanford Blvd Columbia MD 21045. Potential clients are also encouraged to fill out a PK registration form through our website and/or send us an email at pkswim@comcast.net 
Click here to register >

If I sign up for semi- private lessons or 1-hour swim lessons, do you find the other student/s to do the lesson with me?
Unfortunately we do not! If any client is interested in signing up for semi-private lessons or the 1-hours swim lessons, they must have the complete number of students needed to complete the program.
See pricing >

If I’m unable to complete my set of lessons, can I get a refund?
Unfortunately, no refunds are allowed once payment has been processed. If anyone is unable to complete their set of lessons we recommend that she/he transfers their swim lessons to someone else (i.e: friend, family member, or someone that might want to purchase your swim lessons). However, PK swim school does not handle money difference and the client who is unable to complete swim lessons must seal the deal with the other person. In the past, clients have sold their lessons through Facebook group chats, their friends, or family members.

Do my lessons expire?
Unfortunately, they do! All clients are encouraged to complete their swim lessons within the same year that lessons were purchased. The only exception to this rule would be if lessons were purchased in the last weeks of December, then lessons will have to be completed in the following year. However, they must be completed before the next year is over.

If I completed my first set of lessons or am about to finish my set of lessons, how soon should I sign up for my next set of lessons?
We encourage all recurring clients to sign up for more lessons before they complete their first 10 lessons. Although it might be too soon to know if more lessons are needed, we recommend that you sign up for some lessons than have nothing at all on the calendars. To sign up please call us at 443-845-4200.
Click here to register >

What if I am unsure about signing up, and I don’t know if this program will meet my needs?
In this case, PK swim recommends signing up for a one time trial swim lesson. One person for only $40 and two people for only $50. This usually allows potential clients to come in and get a feel of the program, instructors, pool setting and personnel before committing to a 10 day program. All tirla lessons must be paid in full prior to booking. We accept both Venmo or Zelle. Please remember that refunds are not allowed once payment is processed.

How do I pay for lessons?
All lessons can be paid via cash, check Venmo or Zelle. No credit cards, paypal or cash app are allowed.
Click here to register and for payment info >

If I sign up for swim lessons through the phone or in person, when do I have to pay for my swim lessons?
All clients are encouraged to pay lessons in full on the first day of swim lessons. The only fee clients are expected to pay over the phone is a $10 booking fee, which allows clients to reserve their spots (booking fee is an additional $10 besides the registration fee).
See pricing >

What is PK Swim Cancelation policy?
A 24 hour in advance cancelation must be made. Pearl swim school and staff members must be notified of any cancelations or rescheduling within a 24-window period. If a student fails to notify Pearl Swim school they will be charged for the lesson that they missed and no reschedule will be allowed.

Leave A Review
My son has been attending Ms. Pearl’s lessons for three months now. He is an extremely anxious and cautious child who was scared of swimming. He used to grab on to the neck of his instructors. Ms Pearl worked with him very patiently. Her sincere devotion towards my child has made him very comfortable in water and he is enjoying his lessons. He hugs Ms. Pearl first thing when he sees her. She has taught him skills that are becoming his second nature. Can’t thank Ms. Pearl enough to bring my child to a point when he actually enjoys water and does not scream in water.
— Kanwal S

I’m a 65 years old Asian woman, perhaps one of the oldest among Pearl’s students. I have taken 15 classes with her so far. My goal to take her lessons was to get rid of my fear of water. And, thanks to Pearl’s teaching / coaching, I think I am getting there.

I knew how to float and loved snorkeling but was afraid of water. On the first lesson, Pearl correctly identified the cause of my fear – incorrect breathing and bad habits, which made me feel that I ran out of the air. She has been very patient teaching me the right way of breathing and correcting my bad habits.
I plan to continue taking her class until I feel totally confident. Now I feel I can enjoy swimming for the rest of my life!

— Shuei

Private Lessons
One student and one teacher, are the most effective and efficient method for teaching swimming. Each swimming lesson is tailored to the student and immediate feedback encourages quick and effective learning.
Semi-Private Lessons
Where two students work with one teacher, are most effective when the two students are at the same stage of proficiency and progress at the same rate. Often, competition between the students improves the learning experience.
Adults
Learn to swim for a variety of reasons, and lessons are tailored for the individual student needs. I have taught parents who wish to keep up with their kids, and other adults that have never learned to swim. I have also taught scuba students that wish to improve their endurance for their certification, and I have helped runners and bikers improve their strokes to become tri-athletes.
Covid Protical
All of our instructors have been vaccinated for Covid-19

Covid-19 Important Information to Know:

Thank you for your patience during Covid-19. We are excited to announce that we are now open for swim lessons.

Dear clients, as stated by the CDC, there is no current evidence that the virus can be transmitted in a well-maintained pool. Here is a list of precautionary measures that we will be following when the pool reopens:

  1. Everyone including staff members, students, parents or guardians will be asked to take a self - assessment to confirm that they are not sick. This will allow for entrance to the pool area and complete scheduled swim lessons.
  2. Temperature taken of kids, parents and staff members are no longer required.
  3. Face coverings are mandatory inside the facility.
  4. Instructors are wearing clear face shields.
  5. The use of hand sanitizer will be mandatory as soon as entering the facility and after signing in.
  6. In order to enter and exit the facility in a safe manner we ask that everyone enter the pool area through the door that is by the desk and exit through the door that is near the gate. (all doors will remain open at all times to avoid spread of germs and bacteria).
  7. To avoid crowded areas we ask that one parent or guardian accompanies students to the swim lessons. (Video recordings and/or pictures are allowed during the swim lesson).
  8. Everyone who is watching (parents or guardians) must sit or stand 6ft apart from each other to allow social distancing.
  9. Unfortunately, swimming before or after swimming lessons will not be allowed unless there are fewer than 8 people in the pool.
  10. Please bring your own towels and swim goggles. (Purchase of goggles will be available for sale if needed)
  11. Wrapped up candy provided for kids and students.
  12. Kickboards or rings used for learning during the swim lesson will be disinfected and sanitized.

In addition, the number of swimming instructors will be limited to 4 at a time. The day will be split between instructors to allow social distancing between instructors and students. Therefore, changes in schedule may occur depending on the times you have booked your swimming lessons. We will try our best to rearrange schedules and help everyone as much as we can. Please give us a call at 443-845-4200 to find out your instructor's schedule and make changes if needed.

Thank you for understanding and we hope you and your family are well and healthy.
-Pearl Krongard.