If you want indoor swimming lessons that are available all year round, DolFUN SWIM Academy is a good option. We love their holistic approach to their lessons and how child-friendly they are. 

We also like that their water is warm and therapeutic, always at around 88-92 °F. Their environment is also very conducive for learning with internationally and nationally-trained and friendly instructors who’ll make you feel comfortable in the water. 

They also have a certified infant/adult CPR and professional rescue team at all times, which we like because it makes us feel very secure.  

Although they mention that they have swimming classes for both children and adults, they seem to have mostly class schedules for children available. Check out their programs and prices in the table below: 

Aside from swim lessons, they also offer pool rentals for birthday parties and events, which we like. 

One thing we did notice, however, is it was a bit difficult to book a session online. Their page is not that intuitive, based on our experience. 

It might be best to go to their office or call them to book an appointment. Their staff are warm and approachable, they’ll make sure to assist you. 

SwimBabes™ has been around since 1941 and is actually the first swimming school in Oregon. After trying their services, it’s not difficult to see why they have been a trusted swim school in the area through the years. 

For one, they use time-proven methodologies that they adapted to meet the needs of today’s parents and kids. They specialize in Swim Survival Safety™ swim lessons for infants, toddlers, and young children. 

Their highly-trained and specialized instructors teach the turn and float methodology to their students and teach children how to survive an accidental fall or entry into water. They teach infants as early as 8 weeks old.

From what we’ve seen, they don’t just have extensive experience in what they do, but they’re also very warm and welcoming, making it easier to be at ease when they teach. 

Aside from their excellent teaching skills, we also like that they invested in high-quality UV water purification systems to make sure that the water is always clean and pure. They don’t use chlorine, which is a great bonus. 

They offer three kinds of classes. They have SynchroBabies™ for infants up to toddlers three years of age that’s meant to introduce children to the water. 

They also have Swim Survival Safety™ that we mentioned earlier which targets kids up to 6 years old to turn over and float independently. After the child has finished this class, they can move up to After Survival classes where they can take private or semi-private group sessions. 

Although we like that they have a wide range of classes for children, we did note that they only offer classes for kids. If you’re looking for adult swimming lessons, it’s best to check out the other swim schools on our list. 

Registering and paying online is a pretty easy process based on our experience. Do know that if you’re new you have to pay a one-time $54.95 registration fee outside of the fees for swimming classes. 

Lessons start at $286 per month for twice a week sessions, which is a bit more pricey compared to other swim schools. So that’s something to consider. 

The Northeast Community Center was formed in 2005. It was created to be a center of fitness, wellness, and connection. 

We can attest that they have stayed true to their mandate with their wide range of programs for both adults and children. They have group fitness classes, sports and dance classes, summer camps, and swimming lessons for all ages. 

Check out this list for an overview of their available classes for various ages and skill levels: 

We love that they have a wide range of choices of swimming lessons available for every skill level and age group. Even adults can enjoy swim lessons here. 

However, do note that availability of these sessions depend on the instructors’ schedules. You can check out their website for the time slots. 

The price points for their classes depend on how long the sessions are, which can be pricey in the long run. You pay $98 for a 30-minute session and $126 for 45 minutes. 

If you’re going to join the Swim Club, you have to shell out  $133. While Advanced Swim Club sessions cost $147. 

Aside from swimming lessons, you can also go there to do lap swimming, open swimming, or water workouts. You can even get your Red Cross certification here. 

Online registration is a bit tricky at first, but it’s doable. They have video tutorials to guide you on their website. 

With over 29 branches in the country, Emler Swim School has proved very popular among parents and their children for their established track record and proven swimming curriculum.

They have over 45 years of experience, and it shows in their methodic and hands-on approach. They’re one of the only swim schools that offer a 100% swimmer guarantee, which is very impressive. 

For the purposes of this review, we checked out their Portland-Beaverton Washington Square branch in particular. 

They’re a bit different in that they employ a semester-based, year-round approach that integrates child development best practices. This leaves children engaged and ready to learn, based on our experience. 

They have five kinds of classes, each with their own set of levels and benchmarks. You can check out their list below: 

If you’re not sure which class your child should take, you can consult with their staff for advice. They’re very friendly and approachable from what we’ve seen. 

They also have an online class finder tool you can use to see which class would best fit your child. 

Do note that these classes are designed and made for children only. If you’re looking for adult swim classes, you may check out the other schools here on our list. 

We personally like that they have a conducive environment to learn. We were impressed with their state-of-the-art facilities and UV water purification system that ensure the safety and comfort of children. 

If you want to learn how to teach your child in the comforts of your own backyard and at your own pace, they also have EmlerSwim@Home™. This innovative program involves interactive streaming swim lessons for kids. 

They’ll teach parents and guardians how to teach children in a self-paced curriculum with instructional videos, live weekly video calls, and personal coaching. They even have an online community where you can meet fellow parents where you can share tips and connect. 

As for pricing, it would depend on the class you choose, when you sign up for it, and how you choose to pay. They have flexible payment options, which we like. 

You can get the exact price for your lessons by calling their hotline or checking out their parent portal. Do know that classes are non-refundable so make sure you’ll push through before signing up. 

Bethany Athletic Club was established in 2016, making them younger compared to the other swim schools we featured on this list. Still, we included them because of their accessibility and overwhelming positive feedback. 

They offer barre, basketball, Pilates, and personal training classes, as well as various programs and camps for kids. They also have an Aquatics Department who handles all swimming needs. 

After trying their facility, we saw why they’ve made a name as a swimming school and fitness center in Portland. For one, they’re open daily with reasonable and consistent operating hours. 

They also have a very friendly and welcoming staff. It really feels like a supportive community where you can come to relax and work out. 

Their Aquatics Department also offers private and semi-private swimming lessons for both children and adults. We like that they have a fun and relaxed atmosphere conducive for learning. 

To see their list of classes and prices, check out the table below: 

Their rates are very reasonable, making them an ideal place if you want to learn how to swim on a budget. 

For more experienced swimmers, they also have the Waves Swim Club,  a USA Swimming certified competitive swim team that operates in Bethany Athletic Club. 

Aside from private swim lessons, you can also enjoy lap swimming. Do know that reservations for pool lanes are no longer allowed, it now operates on a first come, first served basis. 

MJCC, a cherished institution in the Portland community for over a century, provides a welcoming space for both the local Jewish community and individuals of all faiths.

Offering a wide range of recreational programs for all age groups, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, and versatile event spaces, MJCC is a multi-faceted community hub. We think they can be the place to go even if it’s not for swimming lessons.

MJCC boasts top-notch facilities, including a fitness center with spa-like locker rooms, a spacious ballroom for events, and the MJCC SportsPlex featuring an indoor soccer field.

With two pools, including a 25-yard main pool and a warm water pool maintained at 92-94 degrees, MJCC caters to swimmers of all ages. From infants to senior adults, their swimming lessons cover a broad spectrum of needs, making it a family-friendly destination for learning to swim.

We like that they offer private and semi-private swim lessons, providing a personalized and focused learning experience.

This one-on-one or two-on-one approach allows instructors to address specific needs and challenges, helping students progress more effectively.

The center has implemented an online system for scheduling private swim lessons, ensuring a convenient and efficient process for students and their parents or guardians. We like how this approach saves time and streamlines the booking process.

One thing to note though is that group lessons are open to MJCC members only. This could be a limitation for non-members who wish to take advantage of their swimming lessons.