This place is a hot mess. Every week there is a new teacher and nobody knows what's going on. In the higher levels (otter) there are kids in different levels. Some, the parents have to be in with them, which makes it very difficult for the older kids to learn anything. Moving to private lessons at a different facility. This place would be great for babies in the first group, but once your kid graduates from that, get out of here. Do not recommend at all. Reaching out to the staff is also impossible. There is no way to communicate and it takes them days to respond to emails. read more

We've had a fantastic experience at Wings Over Water! The instructors--Nia, Dayana, and Madison--are professional, friendly, and incredibly collaborative. They've been so welcoming to our special guy, making each lesson a positive and encouraging experience. The front office staff is equally wonderful--accommodating, understanding, and flexible, which makes scheduling and any changes a breeze. Warm temp and room is equally HOT! No shivering kids here. We're so grateful for the supportive environment they've created and highly recommend this swim school! read more

Wings Over Water - Pool - Swimming Lessons/Schools Near Me - Fairfield, Connecticut

Immaculate premises. Helpful and kind employees. Great programs for children and adults! Consistent, warm water temperatures ranging from 88-90 which is great for my Arthritis. read more

Wings Over Water is a great place to take swimming classes for little ones. The boy I nanny for is the only one in the class so it's nice that he gets a one on one with the instructor. His teacher is very calm, nice, and gentle. I love her demeanor! The building has weird parking but once you get inside, the place is very welcoming and clean. There's a large locker room and several private bathrooms with showers. There's also a play area while you wait (if you have young children with you). read more

Wings Over Water - Swimming Lessons/Schools Near Me - Fairfield, Connecticut

This place needs a lot of work. There is a different teacher each week, which is absolutely terrible for anyone with a toddler. Half of them barely teach anything related on how to swim and this place is literally 100 degrees inside. I'll be leaving and won't recommend this swim place to anyone. read more

Last summer a few months after my review one of the manager finally reached out to me to apologize for the lack of follow up and offered us a credit on our account. She was very attentive and nice. While we didn't reenroll my daughter we did use the credit for my son for the infant classes and so far it has been a pleasant experience. read more

Absolutely love Wings Over Water! My son has learned so much since he's been attending. The teachers are all awesome , my son loves Miss Kim and Ashley at the front desk is amazing! She is truly an asset to Wings Over Water with her bright personality and amazing customer service. My son looks forward to going to swim class! read more

Very rude frontdesk，argue and not allow your child move to next level even the teacher said Ok to try next level. Wasting your money and time，kids don't want to stay in a lower level as well. read more

Wings over Water has done a great job making swim lessons fun for my kids. I would highly recommend joining the WOW family. When we joined WOW, my son was afraid of the water. He did not want to put his face in for fear of drowning but the instructors here have been patient yet firm with him. Now he is swimming and loving it. My daughter has grown so much since her time here. She swam her first lap, the length of the pool. Her confidence overall and her skills in water safety have been so greatly improved. Thanks to all the staff here especially, Georgie and Loiry. read more

Wings Over Water - Swimming Lessons/Schools Near Me - Fairfield, Connecticut

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First the stars are for the trainer we worked with. Without him they'd get not even 1 star. They seem like a pyramid scam when dealing with the business side. You pay a fortune and you get your classes. If your lucky to get a slow day or a time the pool is dead that's when your kid can get attention without chaos. Otherwise if you miss class you get a family swim pass, no make up lesson which is ultimately what you pay for, no? The "lessons". I guessed though..something is not nothing. At least you get at least one make up class during safety week. I didn't like that for existing classes when new kids would be added to the roster the while class reverted to the very beginning leaving our kids to sit and wait for "the bubble blowing to finish" I didn't like the fact the kids who are more advanced are not automatically moved up into next phase after being able to accomplish basics of their current session without having to go the whole session. For my child who doesn't swim, I expected he would be with kids like him so they can grow together. It's intimidating for little kids. Anyway there are more regimented pools and classes around. Don't be fooled by the colorful child friendly looking decor. The inability to breathe without the smell of chlorine making your eyes tear is a perk...shows chlorine is definitely working...to kill dirt and bacteria. They just need a really good scrub down. They should look at their pricing. This is like a holiday inn express pool not Chelsea Piers lol. They need to understand their audience and competition. Again, trainers great with beginner swimmers...but aside from that we stopped half way through our session. We went for a good year. The hype became old very quickly. read more

Being new to the area we wanted to get our children into swim school as soon as we could. Wings of Water is straight forward in their mission - it's a swim school. Some parents told us they move at a snails pace and that was also our experience. That's likely part of the business model. After signing up for classes nothing here is straightforward and I don't really know how they run the business, because you have to continually do the leg work. Whomever owns this place isn't involved in how it's being managed. We initially had one teacher and then after one class were told that she was double booked, so we'd have to be flexible and get another teacher instead. Fine. Our regular teacher was engaging and I wouldn't give her 1. Over the course of several months there were so many cancellations and the subs ran the gamut from somewhat involved to preoccupied. What I really don't like about Wings Over Water is the way they treat clients. At Summer's end, we had the last lesson of the month and the instructor then told us she was no longer offering private classes, so we'd have to get that sorted. There's no continuity. When we inquired at the office the woman rolled her eyes, stressed they be on a break for several weeks, and she could add us to the wait list. The utter lack of communication and care for informing people is just shoddy business. Every interaction with the front desk felt frazzled. I'm happy to invest in my children learn skills, especially swimming, but after a complete $1200 Summer program my children are more content in the water and eager to learn, but not full swimmers. I'd look elsewhere and now understand the discontentment of other parents. Also, there was no enforcing of the current city issued mask mandate, despite hanging signage. Catering to children who cannot yet be vaccinated and noticing the same people flouting rules week after week is the nail in the coffin. read more

Absolutely dangerous place to take your children. They have classes for toddlers and young children that are 4 kids to one teachers. While the teacher concentrates on one student, the other children are left to themselves - what could possibly go wrong with 3 children that can't swim in a pool - as they say it only takes a second read more

Wings Over Water is an educational swimming space for children, adults and their families. It's not just marketing hype that they claim to be "one of a kind" and it's because of their Swimplicity® methodology that is used. People who seek to get their kids swimming will be shocked at how quickly this place can do the task! The instructors are indeed professional and can tend to not just those looking to learn but those looking for stroke development, tri-athlete training, and adaptive aquatic skills. They have family swim, lap swim and birthday parties but I've not tried those options yet. The facilities are amazing and they've even got some decent gear for those who need the last minute item or two prior to taking a dunk. read more

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My children have had the best experience here. My son in particular had some anxieties and difficulties in the water and all his instructors have been great. In fact, before this we tried other schools and none could even get him in the water. My older daughter really blossomed as a swimmer in her lessons as well. read more

My girls have been going here since they opened 2 years ago and I have nothing but praises for them. We love Melissa/Edie, the owner of the place and the teachers we have had, except for one and he has left. One of my girls developed a sudden fear of jumping in after she's been there for a session and had been doing so with no issue. Melissa not only guided her out of that phase, she did so gently, though firm with her request without making my daughter feel afraid or bad. For weeks, Melissa thought out of box and came up with really creative solutions for my daughter to try until they figured out something that worked and after that within a lesson or two, my daughter was back to water loving self. Positives: * facility - awesome heated pool in a warm room so kids don't get cold coming out of the water; separate viewing room at a comfortable temp * cleanliness - I know they are strict with their swim pants request, but the facility is spotless and their strictness with the policy makes me feel comfortable knowing my kids may swallow some water * awesome instructors and really amazing teaching methodologies I completely disagree that they keep your kids in a level longer than necessary just to make money. I know that it's hard to see your kids in the same level a few times when you think they can swim really well. But they really evaluate your children accurately based on their techniques and needs. Just because your kids can "swim" around, it does not mean that they are doing it with the techniques that WOW is looking for in the next level. Why does this matter? Well, in the next level, they would be looking to build on that technique, if your kid doesn't have it down, it would slow down the whole class while the instructor works with him/her on it. Cons: * definitely VERY expensive, but not more than penguin and some other high end swim schools that don't even have their own facility * some of the front desk staffs. While we love the original front desk staff, the new ones have not been of equal quality and some are down right rude or incompetent. I hate that these are the first impression the school is getting as I know how great the school is. * they may be getting too big.... it is hard to get a spot, I get it, so some parents are very turned off by it, but they are very busy, I hope they can get the quality staff accordingly. Bottom line, I HIGHLY recommend Wings Over Water! My girls love it there and I won't go any where else as long as I am in the area. read more

Absolutely awful experience at the first lesson. My son was treated as if he did not belong there, instructor constantly demanded him to do skills but did not show him how in a beginner's class. She was extremely rude and kept looking at the clock the whole lesson. The pool was crowed with multiple lessons at the same time and the children had to maneuver their way around other classes going on. I watched as my son continued to try and eventually was on the verge of an anxiety meltdown and the instructor ignored him. I am extremely disappointed and would never recommend this place to anyone. I give it one star for the person who checked us in. read more

We love wings over water! Laura and the professional and knowledgable instructors making learning to swim fun for our girls! The facility is impeccably clean and is kept super warm unlike some other swim places. They are super easy to work with and will add classes if there aren't existing ones that fit your needs. Highly recommend Wings over Water! read more

I went to W.o.W as an adult swimmer, who expressed my fears and anxieties toward the water. The front desk was very encouraging and attentive to my needs. Even though I live in Stamford, they suggested I enroll right away (but my class was a peak-traffic time--that's a whole other story). I was suggested to enroll in the adult beginner class. I believe this was the wrong call completely. Even though the class size was small, each adult was on different levels. One student had already begun lessons a semester or two prior, one was an elderly woman who had much more experience with water than I clearly did, and one other adult, who was late to register had picked up on what I was having trouble with for a week on her first day. Needlesstosay, this really affected my self-esteem. The instructor was not personal, and was not able to give me the attention I needed during class. Our interaction was simply, awkward and uncomfortable, and I do not think he took the time to establish a sense of understanding between him and I, and for something I felt completely skeptical and unsure of, that is, the water. I already didn't trust the water, or find my own strength, and he never allowed me to trust him either. Early on, I considered switching to private lessons, and wondered if one-on-one would be better for me. Upon multiple attempts to bring up my concerns either by speaking to someone at the front desk (before or after class), making phone calls or filling out request forms, my needs had not been met. Ultimately, I ended up spending extra money on a private lesson in addition to the class. After feeling as though my performance was not sufficient for the school, and that my needs were not important enough to be met, I decided to simply quit, and not show up. There was no follow-up from the school, so I ended up calling, finally, to inform them that I did not want to be a part of the class. I did not even mention a refund, since that is against their policy. I believe there were many things I learned as a young adult in the real-world of service. I was a customer--a nervous, uncertain and confused one at that--but one who paid in full--and A LOT of money, to have the opportunity to be supported in something that is one of my greatest challenges and fears. W.o.W sort of...ruined the idea to ever learn how to swim and did not give me any attention. I felt terribly alone and unsupported. I did not feel as I was part of a team that encouraged me. I understand they were busy, and primarily serve their younger learners; I also understand I was discouraged and insecure. But for adult swimmers, be sure you know what your needs are, and be smart on where you choose to go. read more

My daughter has been at WOW since she was 2 years old. Their method of teaching is really one of a kind. It's not the same old routine you find at your local pool. They teach swim safety before your child is even learning strokes etc. Because, really that is what every parents wants don't they? ...for their child to be SAFE in the water? Case and point 2 summers ago my daughter was 3 years old. We were at a friend's pool and she was playing on a floating mat. She wasn't a STRONG swimmer but Melissa taught her how to be SAFE in the pool. As she was floating and playing with her cousin, I knew in the back of my mind that she as going to fall in and I was ok with it. I actually wanted her to fall in because I want to see if she could react properly while I was safely watching. Within minutes she flipped over and was in water over her head. Now it's one thing to see your child do the safety drills in class but, it's another to watch it in action with no instruction. She fell off and did EXACTLY what she was taught and swam to a safe place and held on until I could pull her out. She has been taught safety in the water which to me in invaluable. The comments about the staff being rude are simply not true. Melissa and her staff are firm yes. But, this to me is imperative in swim instruction. Children need to know while swimming is fun we have to always be safe and listen to instruction. I couldn't imagine having her being taught anywhere else. My now 16 month old is enrolled and loving the water. The owner Melissa is incredibly passionate about swimming and she is just amazing with the little ones. She got my daughter through a really tough patch of being scared in the water. She really gets to know these kids and what works for them individually. Give them a shot. I promise you won't be disappointed. read more

Awesome program my children progressed with their skills very quickly and as a former swim teacher I wish I used there technique to teach years ago. Amazing. Smart common sense approach to swim lessons. read more

Awesome swim school!! Melissa and her staff are excellent instructors, professional and extremely caring and nurturing. My grandkids love it and are always eager for their lesson. I highly recommend them if you are serious about teaching kids to swim properly. read more

Very nice facilities. However, 3 critical issues: 1. Very expensive for the quality of service. 2. The school is very profit oriented and often holds kids back a level or two so they can keep kids at school longer and make money - parents need to be firm and ask for a test that their child should pass to justify going to the next level. 2. Customer service - if you have a request,. the school takes over a month to get back to parents. Very low level of service. read more

I'm changing my review to 3 stars. It's almost like they read my review... This week they are being extra accommodating--maybe because I stormed out early last week. Either way, they helped Ellie put her cap and goggles on this week and my daughter seems to be having fun! I'll continue to improve my review if they keep this up. read more

I found Wings over Water after trying a few swim programs with little success. My four year old loves the pool but could not get comfortable without a vest and i knew i needed a place that would give him to tools he needed to not only learn to swim, but learn to save himself and be confident in the water. We signed up the first week of class and had not been there prior to the first lesson. They gave us a tour of the facility and were super friendly and happy to see new faces. When my son and i stepped onto the deck, Miss Kristin was ready for us and immediately started talking with my son, walking right into the pool with him. He normally takes a little while to warm up to new people, but he didn't look back to me at all and just sat on the steps, eager to get in. Kristin was having so much fun with the kids (a good 4 to 1 ratio) they were learning safety throughout the entire class and my son did more than he's ever done in the water in that 30 min. Even at the end, when I heard him say he was scared, Kristin thanked him for sharing his feelings, acknowledged him and then gave him two choices to keep going comfortably. she didnt force him at all, but found a way to instill security so that he could see what he was capable of. it was a terrific environment and I was happy to see my son all smiles when he got out. He asked if we could go home and swim at the pool at our complex so he could practice! the only reason i didn't give it a full 5 star review is because this review is based on my first impressions of the front desk and our own instructor, but i've been to many different programs and this is absolutely one of the best. so good, i'm willing to drive there from Stamford! :) read more

They are very very rude. Call them and try to ask questions you will see. I signed my child there teacher was so cold and rude. They have an attitude like they don't need your business. read more

My son has been taking lessons at WOW since he was six months old. He's now 2 and starting to be able to swim by himself. We have found Melissa, the staff and all of the instructors to be helpful, responsive, friendly, and very accommodating. They even added a class for this fall at a date/time requested because we could not make the other times work because of pre-school/nap schedules. WOW is more expensive than some other local programs, but you get what you pay for. We have had other swim lessons here and there, and the instructors are nowhere near as skilled and safety-focused as at WOW. read more

This is great place for kids to learn swimming. My son are with them since he was 3 years old and now he is 6 and he is doing great! Now my younger son is with them, They have great teatchers and technique!!. read more

Wings Over Water changed our family's life. At eight years old, our son had a profound fear of water and would not enter a pool without both being held and having a floatation device on him. We had tried private and group lessons at almost every local and well respected swimming school in the area but nothing worked. The approach at WOW is unique and allowed for a breakthrough for our son. I cannot speak highly enough about the teachers in this wonderful school. Our son worked with 3 different teachers and they were incredibly persistent, patient, caring and talented. The facility is exceptionally clean and well run, it was a joy to be able to sit and watch his progress week by week. I cannot recommend this school strongly enough, like I said, their program changed our lives. read more

Very good swim school. My daughter has progressed tremendously over the past year at WOW. I am now comfortable with her in a pool by herself without anyone in it. She is only 4 years old. Looking forward to see her progress even more. Thank you WOW staff. read more

Up til this session this was a five star experience. They lost a few really good teachers and have too many inexperienced teachers now. It's too bad because up Til now it was great for teaching safety and encouraging the kids gently but firmly to push themselves. Not worth the money anymore. read more

We enrolled or five year olds at Wings over Water after spending numerous sessions in town park and rec swim classes that never connected for them. Because we consider learning to swim is non-negotiable, we thought we would spend a little more money and try Wings over Water, and we are so glad we did. The experience has been wonderful. My kids are excited to go each week and they are progressing. The teacher inspires confidence and we see marked improvement in our children after each class. The teacher is firm but very positive and supportive of each child, and the approach to teaching seems much more intuitive than the methods we were previously exposed to. All the staff we have interacted with have been professional, friendly, and helpful. The facilities are clean and well designed for parents helping their kids get ready and then get showered/dried off/changed. I wish we had come here from the beginning- my family is so very pleased with Wings Over Water! read more