Swim School>DC>Washington DC>Herndon>Special needs swimming

Special Needs Swim Lessons in Herndon

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

Thousands of

5-star reviews

200k+

swimmers

2000+

Sunsational Swim instructors

Mobile swim lessons

Private special needs swim lessons in Herndon, 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 Herndon. 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.

Get Started

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 Herndon 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 Herndon, DC

We believe our students deserve the best, so we work with only the best swim instructors in Herndon. 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: Kristine T.

Kristine T.

Chantilly, Virginia 20151

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Jessica D.

Jessica D.

Ashburn, Virginia 20147

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Theodore M.

Theodore M.

Darnestown, Maryland 20874

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Amy M.

Amy M.

Leesburg, VA 20176

I think Amy is great. I am terrified of water and she is very patient and helps me overcome these fears. I am a senior and started swimming lessons several times before but could not overcome the fear of water and as a result did not continue. With Amy it is different, she encourages me to try and is excited when I do well. I can float by myself, stand up and lost the fear of water. I am so happy to be in the water and feel comfortable. I still have a long way to go before I can do laps in the pool but I am looking forward to that day and I am convinced and motivated that I can reach that goal. - Ellen C.

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Angelina Z.

Angelina Z.

Fairfax, Virginia 22032

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Caydn H.

Caydn H.

Leesburg, Virginia 20175

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Taliha J.

Taliha J.

McLean, Virginia 22101

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Kiley T.

Kiley T.

Rockville, Maryland 20850

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Benjamin W.

Benjamin W.

Bethesda, Maryland 20817

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Virendra P.

Virendra P.

Annandale, Virginia 22003

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Maddy D.

Maddy D.

Leesburg, Virginia 20175

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Chelsea H.

Chelsea H.

Rockville, Maryland 20852

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 Herndon

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

Book Swim Lessons
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 Jiayanni L. profile Card Image

Jiayanni L.

Herndon, VA 20170

Sunsational Certified Since 2023

Hi parents and students, as a certified American Red Cross swim instructor, helping children to stay safe in, on and around water is capital and rewarding. I have experience with ages 6 months to adult. I assisted my coach and taught other children learn how to swim for 5 years. I like to pay attention to individual needs. I also like to make up songs and games to make learning fun and memorable. Every learner needs a helpful friend and an instructor who will motivate and encourage them.

Instructor Alex T. profile Card Image

Alex T.

Herndon, Virginia 20170

Sunsational Certified Since 2017

Hi, Im Alex and Ive been teaching swim lessons for 5 years with experience teaching toddlers and adults. My passions for aquatics started from the age of 7 when I started summer swim team and it has only grown since then. I've been working as a lifeguard for a little over 4 years now additionally I have 3 seasons of competitive swim coaching and I have been managing pools for a little over 2 years. Currently I attend Christopher Newport University where i'm studying Political Science.

Instructor Greg H. profile Card Image

Greg H.

Reston, VA 20191

Sunsational Certified Since 2017

Hello! My name is Greg and I have been working with kids since I was 16. I started as a camp counselor and also worked at Adaptive Aquatics teaching people who are mentally and physically challenged how to swim. During the school year I work at a preschool where we swim twice a week. During the summer I'm a camp counselor working with ages from 3 to 14. I also go to school for hospitality but have a passion for kids. Look forward to meeting you!

Instructor Maeghen D. profile Card Image

Maeghen D.

Ashburn, VA 20147

Sunsational Certified Since 2023

Hi, my name is Maeghen and I've been working with children for over 20 years. I also have had a life long love of swimming including being on summer team, high school team and a private competitive team. I spent many years as a life guard and swim instructor. I usually work with people age 2 years - adult but babies are welcome too! I look forward to sharing my passion for swimming and safety with you or your little one.

Instructor Kristine T. profile Card Image

Kristine T.

Chantilly, Virginia 20151

Sunsational Certified Since 2023

Hi, my name is Kristine and I've been teaching swim lessons for over 4 years with ages 3-15. I've also worked with children for over 7 years as a lifeguard, babysitter, and tutor. I went to Virginia Tech and graduated with a degree in Microbiology. I love teaching swimming because it is amazing to see how children adapt to a new environment!

Instructor Jessica D. profile Card Image

Jessica D.

Ashburn, Virginia 20147

Certification N/A

Hi, my name is Jessica. I have been swimming since I was 6 months old and teaching/coaching swimming since September 2005. I have taught lessons for ages 1 to 70. I'm passionate about the sport of swimming and ensuring water safety for all.

Instructor Theodore M. profile Card Image

Theodore M.

Darnestown, Maryland 20874

Certification N/A

Hi! My name is Teddy! I have been a lifeguard, swim, and water safety instructor since February 2013! I have worked with children and adults of all ages and swimming abilities. I am also a physical and health education teacher for special needs students!

Instructor Andrew N. profile Card Image

Andrew N.

Mclean, VA 22102

Sunsational Certified Since 2022

Hi, my name is Andrew and Ive been teaching swimming lessons for over 10 years with ages ranging from 3 to adults. I've worked with children's for 10 years as a swimming instructor and a recreational coach. I went to Cal State Long Beach and earned a degree in Kinesiology, Emphasis in Sport Psychology and Leadership in 2018. I love teaching swimming lessons because I enjoy educating people the proper way of swimming and helping people overcome their fears of being in the water.

Instructor Amy I. profile Card Image

Amy I.

Ashburn, VA 20147

Sunsational Certified Since 2017

I swam competitively when I was 8 years old and a marathon swimmer at the age of 11. Amy is certified as a Water Safety Instructor certified & a Lifeguard. She has 10+ years of experience teaching swimming to all age groups and various skill levels., co-coaching swim teams and coaching developmental teams to help swimmers get ready to be competitive swimmers. As an instructor & swim coach, I like to challenge my students by engaging their mind as much as their body in training.

Instructor Amy M. profile Card Image

Amy M.

Leesburg, VA 20176

Sunsational Certified Since 2019

My name is Amy. I swam in high school and am always honored to work with anyone wishing to improve their swim skills and water safety. I've been a swim instructor for over 16 years. I have taught swimmers in groups and individually, from toddlers to adults. I coached a Summer team. I've taught adult triathletes & beginner adults. I work with all ages & also have experience teaching swimmers with disabilities. I also speak Spanish. I enjoy helping swimmers gain confidence in the water.

Instructor Angelina Z. profile Card Image

Angelina Z.

Fairfax, Virginia 22032

Sunsational Certified Since 2023

Hi, my name is Angelina and I've been teaching swim lessons for 4 years with ages 1 to 14. I've also worked with children for 4 years as a swim coach. I go to George Mason University and study Kinesiology as well as being apart of their competitive swim team. I love teaching swimming because it has brought so much to my life and I am excited to share my love of the sport and water safety with others.

Instructor Ahmed F. profile Card Image

Ahmed F.

Falls Church, VA 22043

Sunsational Certified Since 2025

Hello! My name is Ahmed and I have been teaching swimming lessons for approximately 4 years to children ages 8 and up, as well as, to competitive swimmers. I am a two-time national swimming medalist and have been a professional swimmer. Swimming, for me, is an absolute passion and something that I profoundly enjoy. I am a lawyer. I completed my LLB (Hons.) from the University of London, graduating with First Class Honors (2014-2017) and will be attending Harvard Law School in the fall.

Instructor Stella P. profile Card Image

Stella P.

Fairfax, Virginia 22032

Certification N/A

Hello! My name is Stella Paradise. I am a collegiate swimmer and freshman at Ave Maria University in Florida. I have been swimming competitively since June 2017 at both Nations Capital Swim Club and Ave Maria Universitys varsity swim team. I am a Water Safety Instructor certified by the American Red Cross and have been teaching private and group swim lessons at my club, which I thoroughly enjoy! I love working with kids and teaching them how to not only be safe in the water but also to love swimming!

Instructor Caroline H. profile Card Image

Caroline H.

Fairfax, Virginia 22032

Certification N/A

Hi! Im Caroline, a 24-year-old swim instructor from North Carolina. I come from a big family of five and have been in the water for as long as I can remember. I grew up swimming competitively on a swim team and spent my high school years coaching both group and private swim lessons. Teaching swim has always been one of my passionsits where I feel most at home! I feel that knowing how to swim is one of the most important skills to have. When Im not in the pool, you can usually find me at the beach or reading a good book in the sun. I cant wait to help your swimmer build confidence and have fun in the water!

Instructor Caydn H. profile Card Image

Caydn H.

Leesburg, Virginia 20175

Certification N/A

I am currently attending George Mason University, and I have been teaching kids to swim since February 2021. I also am a certified lifeguard for both shallow and deep water. I love swimming and love working with kids.

Instructor Taliha J. profile Card Image

Taliha J.

McLean, Virginia 22101

Certification N/A

Hi! My name is Taliha Jaeder, and Ive been a swim instructor since February 2016 with over eight years of experience teaching swimmers of all ages and abilities. Ive taught at Lake Naomi Club and the YMCA, working with everyone from 3-month-old infants to adults over 60. I also have experience teaching adaptive swim lessons for individuals with physical and developmental disabilities, always focusing on creating a safe, encouraging, and personalized environment. Outside the pool, I work as a software engineer, but swimming has always been a lifelong passion. Whether its building water confidence, learning foundational skills, or refining technique, I love helping each student reach their goals. I look forward to sharing that love for the water with you or your child!

Instructor Kiley T. profile Card Image

Kiley T.

Rockville, Maryland 20850

Certification N/A

Hi, Im Kiley! Ive been teaching swim lessons since February 2020 and truly enjoy helping kids feel safe, confident, and excited in the water. My teaching style focuses on encouragement, creativity, and fun, making each lesson both enjoyable and effective. I love seeing swimmers grow at their own pace while discovering how rewarding swimming can be. I look forward to meeting your family and being part of your swimmers journey!

Instructor Kabriya M. profile Card Image

Kabriya M.

Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878

Certification N/A

Hello! My name is Kabriya Matthews! I have a very bubbly personality; people tell me I have a beautiful smile and a great sense of style. I have a lot of fun hobbies. I love dancing, arts and crafts, spending time with family, and etc. Ive been working with students since February 2022. I have a lot of background working with swim students and I am excited to start our water journey! Prior to that, I worked at daycares and summer camps, assisting and teaching. Teaching is something Ive become very passionate about, and I would love the opportunity to teach you/your child how to swim.

Instructor Benjamin W. profile Card Image

Benjamin W.

Bethesda, Maryland 20817

Certification N/A

Hi, I am Ben Waterman! I am a rising junior at UMD. I have been swimming competitively since I was 8, and I love sharing my skills with others through swim lessons. I have been teaching lessons since June 2020, and I have coached a competitive swim team since June 2021. I have experience working with kids with special needs. I am happy to work with your family to design a unique and effective swim instruction plan!

Instructor Virendra P. profile Card Image

Virendra P.

Annandale, Virginia 22003

Certification N/A

Hi, please call me Viren. I have experience teaching since October 2017. I teach private, semi-private, and group lessons. I can teach from beginner to advanced or swim team-ready in all four strokes. I teach ages from 3 to adult, and toddlers with Mommy and Me. I can also make lesson plans for your individual requests.

Instructor Maddy D. profile Card Image

Maddy D.

Leesburg, Virginia 20175

Certification N/A

Hey there! My name is Maddy Durot, and I have been competitive swimming since February 2015 and coaching since February 2022. I cannot wait to meet you and help your children learn how to swim! I have worked with students from 6 months to 12 years old, including those with special needs.

Loading...

Are You A Swim Instructor?

Find out how you can become a Sunsational Instructor and enjoy flexible scheduling, competitive compensation and a chance to make a difference!

Sunsational Swim Instructor with students

Search our Serviced Locations

Find out if a Sunsational Swim instructor is in your area

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 Herndon, 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 Herndon, 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 Herndon 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

Image Sun

©Sunsational Swim School LLC 2025- Private At-Home Swim Lessons of America

Proudly founded in Los Angeles, Headquartered in San Diego & Serving All America Business 1-301-235-2661