Hayley ThomasFinding the right place for swimming lessons in Nashville shouldn’t feel like you’re being thrown into the deep end without a life vest.
Between the “Music City” traffic and the sheer number of swimming pools claiming top honors, it is easy to feel like you’re just treading water while your wallet sinks.
We spent weeks visiting local facilities and chatting with neighborhood parents who have seen it all.
We spoke with families who have worked with instructors who can calm terrified toddlers and technical coaches who can fix a messy butterfly stroke in a single session.
If you are tired of programs that prioritize “splash and play” over actual technique, this list focuses on schools for the best swimming lessons in Nashville. These swim schools provide measurable results and genuine water safety skills.
How much does a swimming lesson cost in Nashville?
You can generally expect to pay between $40 and $70 per session for group classes in the Nashville area. If you are looking for more personalized attention, private lessons usually start around $60 and can climb to $120 for specialized coaching or video analysis. Most local schools also charge an annual registration fee, typically ranging from $50 to $100, which covers insurance and administrative costs for the year.
1. Sea Love Swim
Website: https://www.sealoveswim.com/
Address: Gordon Jewish Community Center, 801 Percy Warner Boulevard
Contact: (615) 412-5181 | [email protected]
Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sea Love Swim utilizes a gentle, play-based approach to water safety designed for the youngest swimmers in the family.
The curriculum prioritizes a child’s comfort and confidence in the water, moving away from the “skill-checklist” mentality that can sometimes overwhelm nervous toddlers.
The Parent/Tot sessions are a local favorite because they allow parents to participate directly in the lesson, learning how to support their child’s progress.
I recently spoke with a neighbor whose two-year-old was initially terrified of the pool until working with an instructor who uses games to introduce life-saving floating techniques.
Because the school operates within the GJCC, peak time slots often fill up months in advance. Families typically need to book weekend spots well ahead of time to ensure a consistent schedule.
Customer Reviews
Gentle, engaging, and professional swim teacher for their little one!
We chose Sea Love Swim for our son’s first swim lessons. TJ is the best! From the very first lesson, she made him feel comfortable, safe, and excited to be in the water. Our son (2YO) loved her and learned so much. We highly recommend her to any parent looking for a gentle, engaging, and professional swim teacher for their little one!
- Lauren Tangard | Google Review
Gave me peace of mind over the summer
We used Sea Love Swim last year for swim lessons for 4 year old and 8 month old! My oldest daughter grasped Sharlene’s style so quickly. I felt so confident and safe with her ability to not only swim, but float on her back when she got too tired! It definitely gave me peace of mind over the summer. My youngest was able to float on her back for short times as well. Can’t wait to see the girl’s progress this summer!!
- Tara Hall | Google Review
2. Nashville Swim Academy
Website: https://www.nashvilleswimacademy.com/
Address: 1105 63rd Avenue North
Contact: (615) 906-7479 | [email protected]
Hours:
- Mon 12:30 PM – 7:00 PM
- Tue, Thu, Fri 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sat 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sun 12:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Nashville Swim Academy operates out of a dedicated facility built specifically for aquatic instruction.
The pool remains at a consistent, warm temperature to prevent shivering, while the viewing area allows parents to observe lessons through a glass partition.
This setup helps children maintain focus on their instructor rather than searching for their parents during the lesson. The facility also includes detailed changing rooms and an organized entry flow that efficiently manages the afternoon rush.
While the academy offers a premium environment, the pricing reflects that quality, sitting higher than standard community center programs.
Additionally, the school maintains strict policies regarding cancellations, so make sure to follow your schedules with them accordingly.
However, many parents find the organized, distraction-free atmosphere worth the extra cost. This best fits children who struggle to focus in loud, public recreational pools.
Customer Reviews
We LOVE Nashville Swim Academy!
We LOVE Nashville Swim Academy! We tried another program for a few months for a more convenient location to our home, but quickly found out that Swim Academy is far superior. Their new facility is phenomenal and was done with great attention to details to make classes and changing before/after easier. I cannot recommend them enough!!
- Carrie Spitz Purser | Google Review
I am very pleased we chose Nashville Swim Academy!
My daughter LOVES Nashville Swim Academy! We have really enjoyed the new location and pool. The pool itself is fantastic, and the viewing area lets you watch the lesson without being a distraction to your child. I have found the other parents and caretakers to be friendly and kind. I was a bit overwhelmed by all the swimming options in Nashville, but I am very pleased we chose Nashville Swim Academy!
- Sara Murphy | Google Review
3. Swim & Play Nashville
Website: https://swim-play.com/nashville/contact-swim-and-play/
Address: 1800 West End Avenue (Inside SpringHill Suites by Marriott)
Contact: (615) 240-1867 | [email protected]
Hours: Sun-Thu 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (By Appointment Only)
Swim & Play Nashville hosts their lessons inside the SpringHill Suites on West End, creating a calm atmosphere distinct from the echoing noise of public centers.
Families seeking a quiet, clean indoor environment often prefer this location, as it feels more like a private club than a municipal pool.
The program offers significant flexibility, including options for instructors to travel to your home pool for private coaching.
The small-group ratios here are among the best in the city for the price. This ensures that each swimmer receives individual correction rather than getting lost in a crowd.
Because the West End location operates by appointment only, it lacks the chaotic “shift change” feel of larger schools.
One thing to consider is that the hotel pool area is physically smaller than dedicated aquatic centers. This makes it better for learning fundamentals than training for long-distance endurance.
Customer Reviews
Offers several options of lessons for all types of ages and levels.
Amazing instructors that are very knowledgeable and great with kids. The program is very well run and offers several options of lessons for all types of ages and levels. This really helped my children to feel comfortable in the water while learning to swim safely. I highly recommend.
- Greg Williams | Google Review
4. Worden Aquatics Nashville
Website: https://www.wordenaquatics.com/
Address: Gordon Jewish Community Center, 801 Percy Warner Boulevard
Contact: (615) 241-1179 (Call & Text) | [email protected] | wordenaquatics.com
Hours: Mon-Thu 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Worden Aquatics is the go-to destination for adults and competitive teens who require technical stroke refinement.
The coaches excel at breaking down the physics of swimming, moving beyond basic lap swimming to focus on hydrodynamics and efficiency. Rather than relying on rigid lesson plans, the instructors adapt their teaching to the specific biomechanics of the swimmer.
During a session I watched, the coach pinpointed a subtle hip rotation issue that a swimmer had struggled with for months, correcting it with precise drills.
This level of expert analysis makes the investment worthwhile for triathletes or adults overcoming a lifelong fear of water.
Take note that scheduling requires some flexibility, as their weekday window is limited to standard business hours. They also do not currently offer lessons on Fridays or weekends.
Customer Reviews
Great coach
I am so glad I found Worden Aquatics and coach Lori. I came to her as a complete novice and as an adult student. As a teacher, she has this unique ability to see that “one thing” that needs to be worked on to help me perfect the swimming technique. I am now able to do most of the strokes and am working on the butterfly stroke which is hard to believe! She is very kind and gentle, she is a great coach.
- Elizaveta Kalaidina | Google Review
For any kids or adults in need of swim lessons
Learning how to properly swim as an adult has always been a goal of mine. I’ve been working with Coach Jacob and Warden Aquatics for a few months now and making good progress. Jacob is a knowledgable coach who is encouraging and patient. I appreciate his easy-going demeanor and natural way of instilling confidence when I get frustrated with myself for not picking something up as quickly as I’d like. I would highly recommend him for any kids or adults in need of swim lessons.
- Jason Anderson | Google Review
5. SafeSplash SwimLabs Nashville West
Website: https://www.safesplashswimlabs.com/locations/nashville-west-tn
Address: 6720 Charlotte Pike, Suite 105 (Inside Nashville West Shopping Center)
Contact: (629) 702-2935
Hours:
- Mon, Thu 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Tue-Wed 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Fri 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Sat 8:30 AM – 12:15 PM
- Sun 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM
SafeSplash SwimLabs brings a high-tech approach to West Nashville, featuring “flow pools” equipped with advanced video analysis technology.
Unlike static lanes, the current in these pools allows swimmers to stay in place while the instructor analyzes their form from every angle.
Mirrors on the pool bottom provide instant visual feedback, which is an incredible tool for visual learners who need to see a mistake to correct it.
The facility is also highly capable when working with swimmers of all abilities. They make it a point that every kid gets the same kindness and respect here, regardless of their skill level or verbal ability.
As a larger franchise operation, instructor assignments can rotate, meaning your child might not have the same teacher every week. Still, the standardized curriculum helps maintain progress despite these changes.
Customer Reviews
The instructors seemed very well trained!
The instructors seemed very well trained! We drove 2 1/2 hours to come and I was not disappointed. My son loves to swim but is very low functioning and nonverbal. His disabilities didn’t seem like an issue for them at all. They didn’t seem scared, uneasy or intimidated by him and that makes him feel safe. We are very excited to come back!
- Maghan Osborne | Google Review
This is a great school and couldn’t recommend more!
Everyone who works there is so friendly. They even remember by eldest daughters name who attended a few years ago. They did wonders with my eldest and she is an advanced swimmer in her second grade class in PE. My youngest has learned just as quick in less than a year in at 4 years old. This is a great school and couldn’t recommend more!
- Nicole Payne | Google Review
