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Special Needs Swim Lessons in Elmhurst

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+

swimmers

2000+

Sunsational Swim instructors

Mobile swim lessons

Private special needs swim lessons in Elmhurst, IL!

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 Elmhurst. 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 Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst, IL

We believe our students deserve the best, so we work with only the best swim instructors in Elmhurst. 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: Mary R.

Mary R.

Elmhurst, Illinois 60126

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Amy P.

Amy P.

River Forest, Illinois 60305

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Ava J.

Ava J.

chicago, Illinois 60631

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Kathryn (Crickett) C.

Kathryn (Crickett) C.

Chicago, Illinois 60641

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Rosalynn R.

Rosalynn R.

Chicago, Illinois 60632

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Brenna L.

Brenna L.

Arlington Heights, IL 60004

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Ernest R.

Ernest R.

Glenview, Illinois 60025

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Emily M.

Emily M.

Chicago, Illinois 60642

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Melissa M.

Melissa M.

Skokie, Illinois 60076

Swim Instructor Profile Image: nolan i.

nolan i.

Evanston, Illinois 60202-3220

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Cortney A.

Cortney A.

Chicago, Illinois 60610

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Margie G.

Margie G.

Bolingbrook, Illinois 60440

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 Elmhurst

At Sunsational Swim School, we believe special needs swim lessons are essential, and we make them convenient for families in Elmhurst. 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

$

59

/ 30 minutes

-16%
$

84

/ HOUR

-13%

BEST VALUE

12 lessons

$

64

/ 30 minutes

-9%
$

88

/ HOUR

-8%

MOST POPULAR

6 lessons

$

70

/ 30 minutes

$

96

/ 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 Mary R. profile Card Image

Mary R.

Elmhurst, Illinois 60126

Certification N/A

I have been passionate about swimming for as long as I can remember. I started as a competitive swimmer with FMC Swim Club at age 5, competing through my high school years. Over the years, I have gained extensive teaching experience, working with swimmers of all ages at the Elmhurst Park District, from toddlers to middle schoolers and even adults. Additionally, I have taught private lessons and lifeguarded at La Grange Country Club and River Forest Country Club. As a sophomore nursing student, I am driven to share my knowledge of swimming, water safety, and skill development with others. I am also CPR and AED certified, and I am eager to help swimmers of all levels feel confident and safe in the water.

Instructor Amy P. profile Card Image

Amy P.

River Forest, Illinois 60305

Sunsational Certified Since 2023

Hello families and future swimmers. My name is Amy Prah and I am thrilled to be part of your journey to becoming a safe and proficient swimmer. A little about me: I've spent many years as a competitive swimmer, then a competitive swim club coach, then an instructor to children, adults and those with special needs. So it's safe to say I have a love for the water. I am honored to work with you and look forward to helping you accomplish all of your swimming goals. See you in the pool!

Instructor Adaora U. profile Card Image

Adaora U.

Oak Park, IL 60302

Sunsational Certified Since 2017

My name is Adaora and I am a strong believer in playful and creative learning, and want to pass that value on to the children that I teach. I have 5+ years working with a diverse range of children, and my specialty is helping toddlers to overcome their initial fears of the water. I also work with children with cognitive & physical disabilities, helping them adapt to the water. I believe that children thrive in learning environments that have both structure and warmth.

Instructor Sonia B. profile Card Image

Sonia B.

Chicago, IL 60707

Sunsational Certified Since 2017

Hi, I'm Sonia, teacher w/30+ yrs in/out of the water. Love of water and competitively swimming(HS) lead to being a Life Guard& Water Safety, Life Guard and Canoe Instructor. Taught swimming at all levels, infant-adults, at YWCA, JCC, NW Sports Camp, Baker Dem, and Manley HS in LG/SM groups(schools/camps), privately and coaching. Watching someone gain confidence, seeing concrete skill growth and the joy they have in their accomplishments in the water is rewarding

Instructor Marla S. profile Card Image

Marla S.

Wheaton, IL 60187

Sunsational Certified Since 2025

Marla has 5 years of experience teaching ages infant -12 with the Illinois Park Districts. She also has 2 years of experience assisting in Montessori schools.

Instructor Michelle L. profile Card Image

Michelle L.

Clarendon Hills, Illinois 60514

Sunsational Certified Since 2017

Hi, I'm Michelle & I've been teaching swim lessons & coaching for more than 15 yrs. I have worked as a guard, instructor, coach and trainer. I was a competitive swimmer through HS and earned All Amer. consideration & Iowa state champ runner-up & earned a scholarship. My Bach. degree is from the Univ. of Iowa. I'm comfortable teaching all ages how to swim, perfect your stroke or train you for a competitive career. I love showing kids how to be confident, safe & love to swim for a lifetime.

Instructor Ava J. profile Card Image

Ava J.

chicago, Illinois 60631

Sunsational Certified Since 2024

Hi, I am Ava Jimenez. I am a junior currently going to Illinois State University. I have been a lifeguard and swim instructor for 4 years. I have previously played competitive water polo and was an assistant coach for a team. I am excited to share my passion for the water with students ages 2 - adults!

Instructor Kathryn (Crickett) C. profile Card Image

Kathryn (Crickett) C.

Chicago, Illinois 60641

Certification N/A

Heya! My name is Crickett, and I am so pumped to hop in the water with your little one! I am the former Aquatics Director of a family-oriented country club. I oversaw private and group swim lessons, as well as a competitive youth swim team, giving me a wide range of teaching experience from beginners to advanced swimmers. Im a certified Lifeguard Instructor and now work in critical care transport EMS, so safety is always my top priority. I have tons of games and fun toys to bring alongside the hard work we will be putting in the pool!

Instructor Stacey K. profile Card Image

Stacey K.

Cicero, IL 60804

Sunsational Certified Since 2017

Hi, my name is Stacey. I've been teaching & coaching swim for twenty years. I teach all ages: from infants through seniors. I'm a former competitive swimmer, but now enjoy the water non-competitively. My background as a Mental Health Therapist & Yoga Instructor encourage success with my students, as I strive to best support their learning styles and help them to find rhythm and relaxation via their breath. I hope to instill confidence in my students & for them to ultimately enjoy swimming!

Instructor Janet S. profile Card Image

Janet S.

Chicago, Illinois 60630-4676

Sunsational Certified Since 2024

Im Jan and Ive been a swim instructor for more than 20 years. Working in both community programs and private lessons. I teach ages 2 - adults, though I am open to special needs learners too. I am passionate about sharing my love of the water by teaching swimming! I want to teach you how to be safe in the water and swim so that you have a new skill when you go back to school. And to any adults who have always wanted to learn, this summer would be a good time.

Instructor Samantha N. profile Card Image

Samantha N.

Chicago, IL 60647

Sunsational Certified Since 2025

Hi! My name is Sam. I've been teaching swim lessons for over two years. I have worked with a range of people, including babies, children, teenagers and adults. I've worked with children for 8 years as a camp counselor, babysitter, coach, and teacher assistant. I went to UIC and graduated in 2018 with 2 degrees in criminal justice and psychology. I love teaching swimming because I love to see the progress of my swimmers who went from not knowing how to swim to being able to swim on their own.

Instructor Joy S. profile Card Image

Joy S.

Chicago, IL 60647

Sunsational Certified Since 2019

Hi, my name is Joy and I've been teaching swim lessons for 7 years with ages 3 months to 80 years. I've also worked with children for 13 years as a a youth group counselor and a babysitter. I went to Seton Hall University and earned a degree in Psychology in 2013. I love teaching swimming because it brings me great joy to see children learning and progressing and this particular skill.

Instructor Julia H. profile Card Image

Julia H.

Chicago, IL 60647

Sunsational Certified Since 2025

Hello, my name is Julia. I've been teaching swimming for 5 years to children age 2 and older, as well as to adults. I am a school teacher and tutor as well with 18 years experience. My education background is in Environmental Studies. I love teaching swimming because I believe I am helping children stay safe and enjoy the water. I recall learning to swim as a child from instructors at an indoor pool in New York City. Now I use those skills to stay healthy and help others.

Instructor Sarina K. profile Card Image

Sarina K.

Morton Grove, Il 60053

Certification N/A

Hi, my name is Sarina, and I have been teaching swim lessons since March 2021, working with kids ranging from 6 years old to adults. I have been competitively swimming for 9 years now. I have also lifeguarded for 2 years, giving me the opportunity to work with kids and their safety. I am currently a sophomore at Virginia Tech studying materials science engineering. I have always loved teaching young kids how to safely have fun and swim in the water since it is a skill I use frequently!

Instructor Rosalynn R. profile Card Image

Rosalynn R.

Chicago, Illinois 60632

Certification N/A

My name is Rosalynn Ross and I go by Rosie. I am a pre-med major at UIC. I have been teaching ages 6 months to 80 years old for 30 years. I enjoy teaching everyone to be safe in and around the water. I started teaching at the McGaw YMCA in Evanston in 1995. I have also coached at the YMCA in Arlington Virginia and Westchester California. I also worked at the JCC as the Aquatic supervisor/swim coordinator. While working at the Santa Monica YMCA I was promoted to Aquatic Director. It was during covid and we were the first YMCA to bring back swim lessons. I feel that swimming is an important life skill that everyone should learn. I have a great passion and patience for coaching swimming to anyone no matter what age or level.

Instructor Christopher R. profile Card Image

Christopher R.

Chicago, Illinois 60623

Certification N/A

My name is Christopher Rodriguez. I have been swimming since the age of seven and have been teaching since February 2020. I have always been passionate about showing others new skills and am very patient with young or older students. My experience comes from a background of general teaching that began in high school as a lifeguard. Moving on to a dual lifeguard/swim instructor role, I began my teaching journey. I have taught students ages 1-76 and am mostly focused on teaching competitive swimming. Thank you, and I am excited to get started!

Instructor Brenna L. profile Card Image

Brenna L.

Arlington Heights, IL 60004

Sunsational Certified Since 2024

Hi families!! My name is Brenna and Im so excited about the opportunity to be teaching you all! I was a competitive swimmer for 8 years and have 6 years of instructing experience. Ive taught all skills and abilities ages ranging from 6 months to 85 years of age (because its never too late!). I was also a lifeguard for 5 years. I was also a swim coach for a 8&U boys and girls at a nearby park district for 3 years!! I cant wait to get to know all of you and help you grow!

Instructor Cynthia B. profile Card Image

Cynthia B.

Chicago, IL 60623

Sunsational Certified Since 2017

Hi, my name is Cynthia. I'm a Junior at DePaul University majoring in Business Management with a concentration in Sports Management. I've been teaching swim lessons for ten years with ages 3mo - 50 years. I volunteered at my local pool throughout high school. Today, I am on my 7th year as a Head Coach for swimming and water polo. Additionally, I taught group and private lessons at the YMCA for five years. Swimming is an amazing life-skill to have, that is why I love to teach.

Instructor Eder B. profile Card Image

Eder B.

Chicago, IL 60608

Sunsational Certified Since 2013

I have been working as a lifeguard and teaching kids how to swim for seven years. I started working for the Chicago Park District when I turned 16, I taught swim lessons and coached the swim team. I enjoy working with kids and ensuring they safe in the water. I love working and teaching kids/adults how to swim because I love to see how they progress and enjoy meeting new people.

Instructor Ernest R. profile Card Image

Ernest R.

Glenview, Illinois 60025

Certification N/A

Hello! Im Eric, a rising sophomore at Emory University, a state and national-level swimmer with numerous top placements, and the current captain of the Emory Swim Club. Im a former varsity swim team captain with over 10 years of competitive experience, and I specialize in all four strokes. Ive coached and mentored swimmers of all levelsfrom beginners learning the basics to advanced athletes refining technique. My approach is patient, encouraging, and tailored to each swimmers goals, whether thats improving stroke mechanics, building endurance, or boosting confidence in the water. Im passionate about helping others enjoy the sport as much as I do.

Instructor Matthew K. profile Card Image

Matthew K.

Chicago, IL 60608

Sunsational Certified Since 2017

Hi my name is Matthew, I`ve been instructing swimming for 15yrs I am a USMS Masters Member ID# 217R-09N11 I formerly facilitated a program with Chicago Mary Kaplan and Autism Speaks called ÔÇ£All in SwimÔÇØ focusing on teaching children on the autism spectrum or any form of developmental difficulties. I`ve also taught 3rd and 4th grade English and speak Spanish fluently. I studied at the School of the Art Institute Chicago majoring in Fine Art

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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 Elmhurst, 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 Elmhurst, 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 Elmhurst 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 Chicago. 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!


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