We emphasize the importance of proper stroke techniques from the very beginning. By focusing on the fundamentals, we help swimmers build a strong foundation that supports advanced skills and competitive swimming in the future.

Unlike traditional session-based lessons, our program offers ongoing classes where families are drafted on the 1st of every month. This flexible structure means that swimmers can progress without waiting for a new session to begin

When swimmers are ready to move up to the next level, we strive to make the transition as smooth as possible. While moving up might require changing days and times, we do our best to accommodate families' schedules.

Swimming is a lifelong sport, and at Ensworth, we are able to serve swimmers of all ages and abilities.
 
Parent Child Level → Level 2 → Level 3 → Level 4 → Level 5 → Pre TAG 1.0 → Pre TAG 2.0 → Ensworth Aquatics (Year-Round Team)
 

Teeny Tiny Tigers (6 months to 17 months)
Teeny Tiny Tigers is our beginner swim class for the youngest swimmers aged 6 months to 17 months. Focused on building comfort and confidence in the water, this class uses fun songs and simple activities to help children start learning basic skills like floating, rolling, and getting out of the pool safely. A trusted adult must be present in the water with the participant throughout the class.

Tiny Tigers (18 months to 23 months)
Tiny Tigers is our introductory swimming class designed for swimmers aged 18 months to 23 months, new to swim lessons and/or pool time. This program introduces essential infant swimming basics through water acclimation, engaging songs, and skill practice, helping to solidify the foundations of floating, rolling, and safe exit strategies. A trusted adult must be present in the water with the participant throughout the class.

Tiny Tigers Level 1 (18 months to 23 months)
Tiny Tigers 1 is a parent-child class for swimmers aged 18–23 months who have successfully completed our Teeny Tiny Tigers or Tiny Tigers classes, or show higher water comfort. This class focuses on growing your child’s confidence in the water while encouraging independence. An adult will remain in the water as swimmers continue practicing skills such as kicking, jumping in, and climbing out — all key steps toward transitioning into our Junior Cubs class. Instructors will guide both the swimmer and the adult, helping your child build independence while showing you how to step back and support from the sidelines.

Level 2 is designed for beginner swimmers who are new to lessons or still gaining comfort in the water. This class provides personalized support in a safe, assisted environment. Swimmers focus on building water confidence, proper breath control, and learning basic safety skills like floating, kicking, freestyle arms, glides, and blowing bubbles. 

Level 2 Class Offerings – 

Jr Cubs Level 2
- Swimmer age range:  2 years old
- Ratio (swimmers to instructor):  2:1

Cubs Level 2
- Swimmer age range: 3 - 4 years
- Ratio (swimmers to instructor):  3:1

Tigers Level 2
- Swimmer age range: 5 - 7 years 
- Ratio (swimmers to instructor):  3:1

Level 3 is designed for swimmers who are comfortable in the water and ready to swim independently. Each child receives personalized support to build confidence and develop the core foundations of freestyle, backstroke, and water safety. The focus in this level is on mastering basic swim skills without hands-on assistance, while fostering readiness for more advanced levels. 
To begin in level 3, swimmers must be comfortable blowing bubbles out of their nose, submerging under the water, putting their ears in the water, and being able to roll from their stomach to their back while kicking with assistance comfortably.

Level 3 Class Offerings – 

Jr Cubs Level 3
- Swimmer age range:  2 years old
- Ratio (swimmers to instructor):  2:1

Cubs Level 3
- Swimmer age range: 3 - 4 years
- Ratio (swimmers to instructor):  3:1

Tigers Level 3
- Swimmer age range: 5 - 7 years 
- Ratio (swimmers to instructor):  3:1

Teen Tigers Level 3
- Swimmer age range:  8 – 12 years
- Ratio (swimmers to instructor):  4:1

Level 4 is for swimmers who are already confident swimming on their stomach and can roll to their back to breathe, and then roll back to their stomach to keep swimming without assistance. This level builds on those foundations with hands-on instruction in the Instructional Pool, while also introducing deeper water (6 feet plus) practice in the Competition Pool to boost endurance and confidence. Swimmers will begin learning breaststroke kick and arms, and butterfly kick, while continuing to strengthen their freestyle and backstroke.

Level 4 Class Offerings – 

Cubs Level 4
- Swimmer age range: 3 - 4 years
- Ratio (swimmers to instructor):  4:1

Tigers Level 4
- Swimmer age range: 5 - 7 years 
- Ratio (swimmers to instructor):  4:1

Teen Tigers Level 4
- Swimmer age range:  8 – 12 years
- Ratio (swimmers to instructor):  5:1

Level 5 is for swimmers who can confidently swim 25 yards of freestyle and backstroke, and perform the kicks for breaststroke and butterfly. This level focuses on building endurance in freestyle and backstroke, timing in breaststroke, and learning the butterfly swim. Swimmers also focus on refining key competitive skills such as ready position, streamline, kneeling dives, stroke count, and finishes. This level serves as a key step toward transitioning into our Pre-TAG program.

Level 5 Class Offerings – 

Tigers Level 5
- Swimmer age range: 5 - 7 years 
- Ratio (swimmers to instructor):  5:1

Teen Tigers Level 5
- Swimmer age range:  8 – 12 years
- Ratio (swimmers to instructor):  6:1

Pre TAG 1.0
Small-group team setting designed for level 5 graduates and swimmers ready to begin training in a team environment. This group is coached by USA Swimming-certified swim coaches.

Swimmer Entry:  Graduation from Level 5, Evaluation placement, or invitation from the Director of Swim School.
Practice:  2x/week for 40 minutes
Expectations: Consistent practice attendance, swim equipment, and attend at least 1 Splash Meet per season.

Pre TAG 2.0
Advanced prep group for swimmers ready to build stamina and technique for year-round team coached by USA Swimming-certified swim coaches.  This group feeds directly onto the Ensworth Aquatics year-round swim team, during the 4 designated movement months throughout the swim year. 

Swimmer Entry:  Graduation from Pre TAG 1.0, Evaluation placement, or invitation from the Director of Swim School
Practice: 2x/week for 45 minutes.
Expectations:  Consistent practice attendance, must wear swim cap, bring required equipment to practice daily, individual goal setting, and attend all Splash Meets + Marshmallow Mini Meet.  Swimmers are expected to move to the year-round swim team from Pre TAG 2.0 within one year.

Tiger Team
A flexible team track for swimmers who balance multiple activities but want to continue fine-tuning their swimming technique. 

Swimmer Entry:  Graduation from Level 5, Evaluation placement, or invitation from the Director of Swim School.
Practice:  2x/week for 1 hour, optional dryland 1x per week
Team Recommendations:  Attend at least 1 practice per week. Swimmers are encouraged to work towards a goal of middle, high school, or summer swimming seasons. Swimmers are encouraged to attend (Splash Meets + 2 USA-sanctioned meets allowed per swim year) through USA Swimming flex registration.

Still not sure of the right level for your swimmer to start here at ESS?   New to ESS and feel your swimmer is ready for Pre TAG 1.0, Pre TAG 2.0, or Tiger Team? Worried your swimmer is in between levels? Schedule an Evaluation TODAY! 

Email us at swimschool@ensworth.com or call 615-301-8933