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Special Needs Swim Lessons in Alexandria

Private, at-home special needs swim lessons. One-on-one instruction for Autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome, and more – in your home pool.

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200k+

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Sunsational Swim instructors

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Private special needs swim lessons in Alexandria, DC!

When raising a child with special needs, learning to swim can feel like another hurdle – but it’s one that can be overcome. At Sunsational Swim School, we’re proud to offer special needs swim lessons near you in Alexandria. Our experienced instructors teach one-on-one lessons for children with Autism, ADHD, sensory challenges, physical disabilities, and more. Our goal is to help our special needs students build water confidence, improve fitness and learn essential water safety skills.

Sunational Swim Lessons At Home!

We make special needs swim lessons near me convenient by letting you choose the schedule and location – whether it’s in the comfort of your home pool or a community pool. Our patient, caring instructors adapt lessons to your child’s unique needs, ensuring a positive and supportive experience that helps them thrive as safer, happier swimmers.

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We cater to many needs

Autism, Asperger’s or related syndromes

Cerebral Palsy

Down Syndrome

Sensory Integration Disorder

ADHD

Physical difficulties

Sensory challenges

And many others

Why are Alexandria SNAP swim lessons so important?

Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death in the US for children under 14, and in most cases, it happens in just minutes – even when a caregiver is nearby. In fact:

Why Swim lessons important image
75%of children who drown were out of sight for five minutes or less
9 out of 10drowning deaths occur while an adult is present

Enrolling your child in swimming lessons is one of the best ways to prevent drowning by teaching them essential water safety skills

Featured kids swim instructors in Alexandria, DC

We believe our students deserve the best, so we work with only the best swim instructors in Alexandria. Every Sunsational swim teacher has a minimum of 2 years teaching experience, is CPR/First Aid certified, passes a national background check, and has a proven track record of successful teaching before they even land an interview with Sunsational. We back their expertise with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Why? Because we know great instructors mean fast results!

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Christina M.

Christina M.

Alexandria, Virginia 22301

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Eric N.

Eric N.

Arlington, Virginia 22204

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Grace T.

Grace T.

Alexandria, Virginia 22311

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Richard S.

Richard S.

Washington, District of Columbia 20024

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Felicity H.

Felicity H.

Alexandria, Virginia 22312

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Wallis L.

Wallis L.

Alexandria, Virginia 22312

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Diya S.

Diya S.

Washington, DC 20036

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Freedom M.

Freedom M.

Fort Washington, Maryland 20744

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Abby K.

Abby K.

Washington, District of Columbia 20008

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Fawziyyah S.

Fawziyyah S.

Washington, District of Columbia 20001

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Sam G.

Sam G.

Temple Hills, Maryland 20748

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Celia O.

Celia O.

Arlington, Virginia 22201

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

We're so confident in the quality of our swim instructors that we stand behind them with our Sunsational Instructor Guarantee!

If your first lesson is anything less than sunsational, just let us know and we can either refund your unused lesson time or re-start your lesson package with a more suitable Instructor, your choice!

Start swimming faster with personalized special needs swim lessons in Alexandria

At Sunsational Swim School, we believe special needs swim lessons are essential, and we make them convenient for families in Alexandria. With flexible scheduling and lessons at your home pool, your loved one can learn in a safe and supportive environment.

Our instructors tailor each one-on-one session to your child's unique needs, ensuring personalized lessons that help them build confidence, improve skills, and achieve meaningful progress.

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start swimming faster img

Benefits of swimming lessons for special needs students

It could save their lives

Often it is simply a lack of awareness that causes danger among children with special needs. Our special needs swim lessons educate kids on all aspects of water safety, and the skills they need to survive in a water environment.

Help boost confidence & self-esteem

Many children with special needs have problems with confidence, but successfully learning a new skill like swimming with the help of a special needs swim instructor can make all the difference.

It improves their fitness & strength

Special needs children can benefit from the improvement of strength and fitness that comes with our swim lessons, making them healthier and more capable.

Improve coordination & range of motion

Swimming is an activity that improves balance, coordination and range of motion, all things that many special needs children struggle with. Our talented special needs swim instructors can help your child improve their skills in each area as they learn to swim.

instructor image

Special Needs And Abilities/ SNAP Swim Lesson Pricing

The more you buy, the more you save! Have special funding? We accept grants from third-party organizations to support swim lessons for special needs students.

1 Student

30+ Minute Private Lessons

(1Hr+ Can be divided by multiple students)

18 lessons

$

70

/ 30 minutes

-13%
$

98

/ HOUR

-11%

BEST VALUE

12 lessons

$

75

/ 30 minutes

-6%
$

104

/ HOUR

-5%

MOST POPULAR

6 lessons

$

80

/ 30 minutes

$

110

/ HOUR

*60+ minute lessons can be divided into back-to-back lessons for multiple children

Swim Lessons With Local Swim Instructors You Can Trust

instructor image

What makes our Swim Instructors Sunsational?

Passed Extensive Background Checks

Minimum 2 Years Experience

Current CPR/First Aid Certification

Fully Insured Through Our Company Policy

Patient, Caring and Love Teaching!

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Private swim lessons vs. Group swim lessons

Learn about why parents choose Sunsational for their Private Swimming Lessons

Private Swim Lessons

vs

Group Swim Lessons


Quick Results with 30+ minutes of individualised instruction

vs

Slow Progress with limited 1-on-1 attention

Flexible scheduling, book multiple kids back-to-back

vs

Flexible scheduling, may vary for each child

Save time lessons at your home or community pool

vs

Time-Consuming - travel required to and from lessons

Faster Progression saves money in the long run

vs

More Sessions Needed Needed to see real progress

Search Nearby Instructors

*If you'd like to work with a specific instructor, we'll do our best match you with your request. However, instructor availability is not guaranteed. If the instructor is unavailable, we'll pair you with a swim instructor who's equally qualified!

Instructor Christina M. profile Card Image

Christina M.

Alexandria, Virginia 22301

Certification N/A

Dear future clients and students, Im overflowing with thankfulness to be able to swim! I want to share the fun and joy of helping others to: - be safe around and in water - discover a new water world to explore - feel the accomplishment of learning new skills, practicing step by step - set themselves up to receive the health benefits of great exercise - share the goodness with family and friends - safely, confidently, take a deep breath and jump right in! I grew up near the beach, so water reminds me of home. In the winter, wed go to the Y or get treated to a trip to family in Florida. I have taught lessons for over 3 years with ages 4 months through adults. Now, Im a mom, RN, and lifeguard too. Cheers.

Instructor Sydney K. profile Card Image

Sydney K.

Arlington, VA 22202

Sunsational Certified Since 2023

Hi, my name is Sydney Koerner. I have been teaching swim lessons for 6 years and taught ages 2.5-15, as well as coached swim team for kids aged 12-18. I also have experience teaching adult swim lessons and swim lessons with special need children and adults. I earned my B.S. in Exercise Science from Central Michigan University in 2019. I want to share my passion for swimming with others and hope I can help swimmers of all ages be comfortable and confident in the water!

Instructor Eric N. profile Card Image

Eric N.

Arlington, Virginia 22204

Sunsational Certified Since 2024

Hello my name is Eric, I love to be fun and goofy as well as bringing a positive attitude to every lesson. Im very patient and love going above and beyond with all my clients. I believe to go by my student's speed and comfortability and will always give an option to learn something new or to continue fine tuning a stoke. I prioritize safety first and then stroke development. Ive worked with as early as 3 month to 60+ years.

Instructor Tejas P. profile Card Image

Tejas P.

Alexandria, VA 22304

Sunsational Certified Since 2019

Hi. I am Tejas Patel and swimming is a life-skill that I enjoy teaching to others. I have been teaching since 2013 with ages 6 months to 14 years. I`ve also worked with children since 1999 as a Soccer, T-Ball, and Track & Field Coach, Boy Scout Volunteer, and as a tutor and teacher. I love passionate and able to execute a quality swim program.

Instructor Natalie V. profile Card Image

Natalie V.

Alexandria, VA 22306

Sunsational Certified Since 2017

Hi, my name is Natalie and I`ve been teaching swim lessons for 5 years. I`ve worked with children for 10 years as a babysitter and helping with daycare centers and with a classroom of disabled and special needs children. I am currently going to school for Accounting at George Mason University. I love being in the water and getting to teach children how to have fun and be safe while swimming!

Instructor Anna K. profile Card Image

Anna K.

Arlington, VA 22204

Sunsational Certified Since 2024

Hi, my name is Ania I am from Poland and I've been teaching swim lessons for 5 years with ages 2 to 18+. I've also worked with children for 11 years as a tutor, babysitter and Camp Counselor. I love teaching swimming because it makes me feel very proud and happy to see the progress that kids are able to make during the lessons.

Instructor Sheila K. profile Card Image

Sheila K.

Arlington, VA 22204

Sunsational Certified Since 2017

Hello! My name is Sheila, a California native, and swimmer for 15+ years. with 6 years of expertise as a lifeguard & swim instructor. I conduct private lessons & group classes, teaching children of all levels, from beginner to pre-swim team & adults. I have a BA in Poli Sci, LMU (2013), & dual Master's from Syracuse University (M.A. IR & M.S. PR, 2015). As a former professional water polo player & swimmer, I particularly enjoy focusing on stroke technique with children at a young age.

Instructor Grace T. profile Card Image

Grace T.

Alexandria, Virginia 22311

Certification N/A

Hi, Im Grace! Ive been swimming since February 2011 and continued through college, where I swam competitively all four years and earned two conference championships. I have been instructing and coaching since July 2016. I have also worked with a wide range of swimmersfrom beginners learning basic water safety to experienced swimmers honing their technique. Whether you're looking to build water confidence, improve stroke mechanics, or prepare for competition, Im dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment where every swimmer can thrive. I look forward to working with you or your child and helping you achieve your goals in the water!

Instructor Richard S. profile Card Image

Richard S.

Washington, District of Columbia 20024

Certification N/A

Im Richard Smith, a certified swim instructor and aquatic program leader with over five years of experience helping swimmers of all ages build confidence and skill in the water. My passion for swimming started youngI competed throughout grade school and high schooland its been a core part of my wellness journey ever since. Over the years, Ive taught parent-and-child classes, youth and adult group lessons, and private one-on-one sessions. Whether youre a first-timer with water anxiety or someone looking to improve your technique, I believe that everyone can learn to swimand should. My approach is supportive, patient, and focused on helping you feel safe, strong, and comfortable in the water.

Instructor Jamie O. profile Card Image

Jamie O.

Arlington, Virginia 22203

Sunsational Certified Since 2019

Hi my name is Jamie and I`ve been teaching swim lessons for 4 years. I`ve taught boys and girls ages 5-13 with varying skill levels. I`ve also worked as a camp counselor for 6 summers and coached a 2nd grade girls` soccer team this past Fall. I love teaching swimming because I believe swimming is a skill that everyone should learn. I love helping kids grow and most importantly having fun while learning!

Instructor Kyree J. profile Card Image

Kyree J.

Arlington, VA 22209

Sunsational Certified Since 2017

Hi, my name is Kyree and I have taught swimming lessons for 3 years with ages ranging from 2 to 62. I've also done volunteer work with special needs children helping them to get acclimated to the water for 4 seasons. I have been a Lifeguard/poolmanager for 4 years. I teach swimming because everyone should know how to swim no matter the age. One of my favorite moments is when you achive something you never thought possible. Times like that inspire me to want to teach everyone!!

Instructor Felicity H. profile Card Image

Felicity H.

Alexandria, Virginia 22312

Sunsational Certified Since 2023

Hi! My name is Felicity Hicks and I've been teaching swim lessons since 2013. I graduated from George Mason University with a BA degree in Psychology in 2017. I've worked with a wide range of ages, from 1 year old kiddos to 70 year old young-at-hearts. I've also worked with children ages 1-12 as a babysitter for 14 years. I started swimming competitively when I was 11, and continue to bring that joy and passion for swimming into my teaching. I love seeing clients progress and learn new skills.

Instructor Wallis L. profile Card Image

Wallis L.

Alexandria, Virginia 22312

Certification N/A

Hi, my name is Wallis Lahtinen-Hicks. I have been a swim instructor and coach since February 2014. September through May, I coach with the FISH swim team, working with the 5-9 year old group in addition to teaching private lessons to people of all ages and skill levels. As a lifelong swimmer, I love teaching children and adults how to swim, be safer, and have fun in the water.

Instructor Aisling R. profile Card Image

Aisling R.

Washington, DC 20003

Certification N/A

Hi! My name is Aisling Riederer, and I have been teaching swim lessons for over 3 years. I have taught ages 18 months to 12 years, as well as adults. I have also worked with children for over 7 years through both babysitting and working in a daycare. I grew up swimming competitively, and I love teaching swim lessons as a way to continue to share my love for swimming and water safety!

Instructor Stephanie S. profile Card Image

Stephanie S.

Rosslyn, VA 22209

Certification N/A

Hi, Im Stephanie! I have experience teaching swimming lessons to many children from infants to middle schoolers, and adults. With competitive swimming experience since February 2015 and a background as a lifeguard, I have a strong foundation in swimming techniques, water safety, and helping swimmers of all levels feel confident in the water. I am passionate about helping kids learn to love swimming while also learning important safety techniques. I offer lessons at my outdoor rooftop pool, or I can come to your poolwhatever works best for you! Whether your child is just starting to learn how to swim or is looking to refine their techniques, I am here to make the process fun, engaging, and tailored to their needs. Lets dive in!

Instructor Estelle N. profile Card Image

Estelle N.

Arlington, Virginia 22204

Certification N/A

Hi! My name is Stella, and I have been teaching swim lessons since August 2022. I have always been passionate about watching students grow and flourish. I have been a swimmer all my life, both competitively and just for fun! I have worked with children as young as 3 months to 15 years old. My main focus, especially for the little ones, is always water safety. As a competitive swimmer, I also have the knowledge, ability, and experience to teach older kids the proper form and technique so that they can truly feel confident in the water. I have worked with kids with a variety of special needs, including gross motor deficiencies and autism, so Ive learned to adapt to what each child needs and how to mold the teaching environment into what works best for them!

Instructor Aubrey H. profile Card Image

Aubrey H.

Washington, District of Columbia 20052

Certification N/A

Hi, my names Aubrey! I was a competitive swimmer for 10 years and have been teaching swim lessons since February 2023. I was also a lifeguard. I have experience teaching from babies to middle schoolers. I was a team captain for two years and led my "little fishes" through their first swim meets! Im Red Cross and YMCA certified in lifeguarding, CPR, and first aid. I love the water, especially the beach.

Instructor Diana G. profile Card Image

Diana G.

Washington, DC 20036

Sunsational Certified Since 2017

Hi! My name is Diana and I have been teaching private and group swim lessons of children age 2-15 for 8 years. I swam competitively through college and am highly knowledgeable about the technique and safety measures required in swimming. I absolutely love sharing my passion for swimming with young swimmers! I attended the University of Delaware and completed a bachelors degree in International Business and currently work in non-profit fundraising.

Instructor Diya S. profile Card Image

Diya S.

Washington, DC 20036

Sunsational Certified Since 2024

Hi! Im Diya, a 19-year-old with 15 years of swimming experience. I've competed for almost 10 years and have been coaching for the past 3 years. With a strong background in teaching and managing swim programs, Im passionate about designing engaging and effective lessons for swimmers of all ages and skill levels. My goal is to create a supportive and enjoyable environment where you can achieve your swimming goals. I look forward to potentially working together and making a splash!

Instructor Freedom M. profile Card Image

Freedom M.

Fort Washington, Maryland 20744

Certification N/A

Hello, my name is Freedom Morant, and my pronouns are she, her/they, them. I have taught over 75 swim lessons since February 2018, ranging across all levels and ages. I am here to provide a safe and effective learning experience for all swimmers.

Instructor Abby K. profile Card Image

Abby K.

Washington, District of Columbia 20008

Sunsational Certified Since 2024

My name is Abby, and I am a graduate student at George Washington University. I've been teaching swim lessons since 2015, starting with group lessons before moving to private instruction. I have worked with students ages 2 and up! One memorable student was a girl who was initially terrified to put her face in the water. By the end of our lessons, she was confidently jumping in and swimming. I still treasure the thank-you card she gave me. Over the years, I've helped children conquer their fear of water, worked with swim team members to refine strokes, and helped adults improve their skills. Seeing my students' pride when they achieve something they once thought impossible is my greatest joy.

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Got questions?

We have answers. How do you support students with special needs?

We make scheduling easy. Morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend lessons are avaialble 6AM-8PM to fit your family’s lifestyle. You choose the days, times and number of lessons per week that works for you. Because all lessons are private, scheduling is completely flexible and can be adjusted for vacations or weather. In Alexandria, our instructors teach year-round, so you can start lessons whenever you’re ready.

Private adaptive swim lessons help swimmers develop confidence, motor skills, sensory balance, and water safety awareness—skills that extend beyond the pool. For families in Alexandria, private lessons mean convenience, personalized attention, and the reassurance of a trusted instructor coming directly to your pool.

Absolutely. Sunsational specializes in private, at-home swim instruction, so lessons happen in a familiar and comfortable environment. Many families in Alexandria find that teaching in their own pool reduces sensory distractions and anxiety, helping swimmers focus and thrive. In addition, swimmers learn to safe where it matters most--their home!

Yes! Sunsational Swim School proudly provides adaptive swim lessons for children and adults with special needs throughout Washington DC. Our certified instructors are trained to work with a wide range of learners—including those with autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, and sensory processing differences—using patience, flexibility, and proven teaching techniques.

Each lesson is customized to the swimmer’s unique abilities, comfort level, and learning style. Instructors focus on trust and communication first, then gradually introduce floating, kicking, and breathing skills. The pace is gentle and guided entirely by the student’s comfort—creating a positive, confidence-building experience in the water.

Yes—Sunsational instructors are certified in CPR and are insured under our company liability insurance policy. Many have professional experience working with children on the spectrum or with physical or developmental disabilities and are certified in adaptive teaching techniques. Every instructor is matched carefully to your swimmer’s needs and communication preferences that you note in your registration.

Our swim instructors travel to your home or community pool. Learn to Swim Guaranteed
with a Sunsational instructor!


Bring the swim school to your pool!ℱ

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