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Special Needs Swim Lessons in Upper Darby

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

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Sunsational Swim instructors

Mobile swim lessons

Private special needs swim lessons in Upper Darby, PA!

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 Upper Darby. 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 Upper Darby 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 Upper Darby, PA

We believe our students deserve the best, so we work with only the best swim instructors in Upper Darby. 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: Sarah P.

Sarah P.

Havertown, PA 19083

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Evelyn M.

Evelyn M.

Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania 19010

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Samuel J.

Samuel J.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Emi B.

Emi B.

Wallingford, Pennsylvania 19086

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Coeli T.

Coeli T.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19127

Swim Instructor Profile Image: michael l.

michael l.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19123

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Tyshay C.

Tyshay C.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Jeanne H.

Jeanne H.

Brookhaven, Pennsylvania 19015

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Christy D.

Christy D.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19126

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Donzel T.

Donzel T.

Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania 19038

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Mohammad U.

Mohammad U.

Westville, New Jersey 08093

Swim Instructor Profile Image: Elena S.

Elena S.

Glenside, Pennsylvania 19038

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 Upper Darby

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

$

66

/ 30 minutes

-13%
$

92

/ HOUR

-12%

BEST VALUE

12 lessons

$

71

/ 30 minutes

-7%
$

98

/ HOUR

-7%

MOST POPULAR

6 lessons

$

76

/ 30 minutes

$

105

/ 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 Sarah P. profile Card Image

Sarah P.

Havertown, PA 19083

Sunsational Certified Since 2021

Hi! My name is Sarah. I have been a certified swim instructor since February 2021. During that time, I have worked with children and adults of many ages and varying levels of experience, including parents with infants and young toddlers, preschool and school-aged students, beginning teens, and adults, and families with disabilities. As a parent, I know firsthand how important it is to ensure your child's safety and comfort around water - that is just one of the many reasons why I love to teach!

Instructor Caryn L. profile Card Image

Caryn L.

Ardmore, PA 19003

Sunsational Certified Since 2018

Hi, My name is Caryn and I have been teaching swimming for 6 years from the age of 6 month infants-15 years of ages. I am also a mother of a six year old. I have had experience with children most of my life as a camp counselor and baby sitting. I love teaching swimming because I love to see the reward the student gets after they have the confidence and can do it!!!

Instructor Kristin Z. profile Card Image

Kristin Z.

Ardmore, PA 19003

Sunsational Certified Since 2019

Hello, I'm Kristin. I've taught swim lessons at YMCA for a few years. I enjoy teaching children (5 and up) how to enjoy and be safe in the water. I'm a triathlete who loves working with adults on improving their stroke. I can also help with open water swimming.

Instructor Terrence B. profile Card Image

Terrence B.

Philadelphia, PA 19131

Sunsational Certified Since 2023

Hi, my name is Terrence and I've been teaching swim lessons for 5 years with ages 3 to adults. I've also worked with children for 8 years as a teacher, etc. I went to Penn State and earned a degree in Psychology and a minor in Business. I love teaching swimming because I love swimming and I just feel like everyone should know how to swim. Its very beneficial!

Instructor D’Mar M. profile Card Image

D’Mar M.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19139

Certification N/A

Easy-going, and my lesson strategy is flexible and straightforward. Not only am I looking to help you become a better swimmer through comfort and technique, I am also looking to help make you more knowledgeable about some advanced terminologies and intricacies that come with the sport or hobby of swimming!

Instructor Paul W. profile Card Image

Paul W.

Philadelphia, PA 19143

Sunsational Certified Since 2017

Hi my name isPaul, I`ve been teaching swimming since I was 14. I`ve taught to many different levels, from infants to adults, beginners to experts. In high school I was captain of my swim team. I have a lot of teaching methods to fit almost any student, and achieve the goal of safe swimming.

Instructor Samantha M. profile Card Image

Samantha M.

Philadelphia, PA 19104

Sunsational Certified Since 2019

Hello! My name is Sami and I would like to teach your kids how to hone their swimming skills or just get comfortable around the water! I have been teaching lessons for three years with ages 3-10. I am also currently in an Early Childhood Education program at Ivy Tech online. I love the water and am very comfortable in it and I did competitive swimming for two years, as well. Teaching swimming is very exciting and rewarding job and I can't wait to get started with your child!

Instructor Andrea G. profile Card Image

Andrea G.

Rutledge, PA 19070

Sunsational Certified Since 2019

Hi, my name is Andrìa. I`ve been teaching swim lessons for 8 years with students ages 1 to 14 years old. I also have experience teaching lessons to special needs children. I`ve worked with kids for almost 13 years as a babysitter, a swim instructor, a lifeguard, and a tutor. I graduated from Ursinus College in 2018 with a bachelors degree in chemistry. I love teaching swim lessons because I love the sense of accomplishment I can see on a child's face when they are finally successful.

Instructor Caitlin C. profile Card Image

Caitlin C.

Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania 19010

Certification N/A

Hi! My name is Caitlin, and I am a rising sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania. Ive swum competitively since 2nd grade, was co-captain of my high school team, and have lifeguarded since February 2021! I have given swim lessons to children aged 2 to 12, of all skill levels. Im confident in my ability to teach from the basics all the way to technical stroke assistance!

Instructor Samuel J. profile Card Image

Samuel J.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104

Certification N/A

Hi, Im Sammy! I believe every child deserves to feel safe, confident, and excited in the water. I have been a swim instructor at Camp Horseshoe and the West Chester Summer Swim program since February 2021, and I have also served as an Aquatics Director at the camp. Ive helped kids of all ages discover the joy of swimming. My lessons combine patience, encouragement, and fun with a strong focus on safety, so parents can relax knowing their children are in good hands. Whether its learning to float, mastering strokes, or simply building confidence, I make swimming a positive and memorable experience for every child.

Instructor Evelyn M. profile Card Image

Evelyn M.

Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania 19010

Certification N/A

Hi! My name is Evelyn, and I am a current college student in Pennsylvania with a lifelong background in aquatics! I have taught swim lessons with multiple reputable companies since August 2023 and enjoy cultivating an individualized lesson plan and teaching approach for every student. I have worked with all levels in all age ranges and am very patient with my students, as I understand that swimming and refining technique can be very intimidating and difficult. My goal as an instructor is to have each student feel that they have learned something new every lesson that they can apply in the future. I am also an Emergency Medical Technician on an ambulance, a lifeguard, a current aqua aerobics instructor, and an ex-water polo player.

Instructor Kathryn S. profile Card Image

Kathryn S.

Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania 19010

Certification N/A

I was a competitive swimmer for 14 years and recently finished my Division I college career at Colgate University. I have a passion for sharing the knowledge I have gained through my time in the sport, as well as emphasizing the importance of water safety for children of all ages. I have been teaching swimming lessons since October 2016, with over 8 years of experience in one-on-one and group swim lessons for children of all ages. I love getting to know my students, and I am confident in my ability to tailor swim lessons to fit each childs needs and comfort level!

Instructor Carolyn Q. profile Card Image

Carolyn Q.

Philadelphia, PA 19121

Sunsational Certified Since 2016

Hi, my name is Carolyn and I've been teaching swim lessons for about 5 years to swimmers ages 6 months to those who swore they were teenagers at heart! In addition to teaching, I was also a lifeguard and a competitive swimmer before leaving for college. I went to Drexel University and earned a degree in Engineering in 2015, but am looking forward to getting back to teaching. My favorite part of teaching is the excitement from my students when they reach a milestone in the ultimate goals!

Instructor Alexandra G. profile Card Image

Alexandra G.

Villanova, Pennsylvania 19085

Sunsational Certified Since 2023

Hi, my name is Lexie and I've been teaching swim lessons for about 5 years. I have had experience drawing out lesson plans, organizing lessons, and even a year as a head swim coach of a country club. I have also worked with children for about 7 years. I have math tutored, babysat, and nannied for a number of years. I am from Wisconsin and I went to Monona Grove High School. I now go to Villanova University, I work on biochemistry research, and will be a junior this upcoming fall.

Instructor Emi B. profile Card Image

Emi B.

Wallingford, Pennsylvania 19086

Certification N/A

Hi! Im Emi, and Im from Media, PA. I have been competitively swimming since January 2014 and have been working with children since February 2016. This will be my third season as a swim instructor and my first as a Sunsational partner. I recently graduated from Skidmore College with a BA in Neuroscience and Psychology (along with a minor in Education), and I love incorporating research-backed teaching methods into my lessons. Im comfortable working with swimmers of all ages and skill levels. Im looking forward to working with you!

Instructor Coeli T. profile Card Image

Coeli T.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19127

Certification N/A

Hi! I'm Coeli (pronounced Chay-Lee). I grew up swimming and diving at various swim clubs and found a passion for the water. I have experience teaching swim teams, private lessons (6 months to 50+ years old), and fitness aquatic classes. I love making practices fun, focused, and encouraging!

Instructor Fredericka C. profile Card Image

Fredericka C.

Philadelphia, PA 19128

Sunsational Certified Since 2025

Hi, my name is Fredericka and I've been teaching swim lessons for 7 years at different organizations including the YMCA. I have worked with children in different environments including camp settings and school classrooms. I have a lot of experience in swim team, so coaching and working on stroke refinement is my specialty.I love teaching swimming because I learned to swim at a young age, and it opened many doors for me down the line.

Instructor michael l. profile Card Image

michael l.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19123

Certification N/A

Hi, Im Michael! Im a 24-year-old film student living in Philadelphia with a passion for teaching swimming. I bring over a decade of competitive swimming experience and two years as a swim instructor, specializing in working with children ages 4 months to 13 years. Ive had the privilege of teaching kids from diverse backgrounds and with a wide range of physical abilities. I consider myself an intuitive and encouraging instructor, and I believe learning should be fun while still building essential, life-saving skills. My goal is always to create a safe, positive environment where kids feel confident and excited to grow in the water since February 2023.

Instructor raanan m. profile Card Image

raanan m.

Philadelphia, PA 19147

Sunsational Certified Since 2017

Hi, my name is Raanan and I've been teaching swim lessons for 9 years to children from 4 years old to adults. I currently hold my Basic Life Saver from the American Heart Association as well as my Water Safety Instructor from the American Red Cross. I received my bachelors degree from Rutgers University in '16 in Criminal Justice, and am pursing a career in social services. I love teaching others to swim because it teaches a survival skill, and others to enjoy the water, as much as I have.

Instructor Julie B. profile Card Image

Julie B.

Media, PA 19063

Sunsational Certified Since 2017

Hi, my name is Julie! I taught swim lessons for 7 years and was a lifeguard for 6 years. I also swam competitively for 14 years! I`m now a speech language pathologist working with students aged 5-8, which I`ve been doing for 4 years. I earned my bachelors and masters degrees in speech pathology from La Salle University and now I`m getting a second masters degree in special education from Penn State. I have a passion for teaching and a love for swimming and I can`t wait to share that with you!

Instructor Tyshay C. profile Card Image

Tyshay C.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140

Certification N/A

Im a swim instructor who loves helping kids feel safe and excited in the water. Teaching them to swim through play and encouragement, I create a space where safety and joy go hand in hand. Nothing makes me happier than watching a childs confidence grow with every splash.

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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 Upper Darby, 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 Upper Darby, 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 Upper Darby 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 Philadelphia. 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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