Catch the Wave Swim Club
Lesson Formats & Pricing
We keep things simple and focus on what matters most — your child’s progress and your family’s experience.
To see exact lesson pricing, start by choosing your nearest location.
Want to see exact lesson pricing for your location?
Choose your nearest Catch the Wave location to view your location’s tuition and class availability.
How Our Pricing Works
Two simple pieces: Monthly tuition + one annual family fee. That’s it.
- Monthly tuition based on the number of lessons in that month.
- One annual family fee that covers your entire family for the full year — unlimited registrations and re-registrations, with no per-child charges and no extra admin or technology fees.
Choose Your Lesson Format
Lesson pricing is based on the lesson format you choose. We offer two formats, each designed to support different needs and learning styles.
Standard Group Lessons
What it is
Small group instruction with a consistent weekly schedule
What it includes
- BraveSwim™ survival-first curriculum
- Structured class progression
- Shared lesson plan and pacing
Best for
- Families who want a predictable routine
- Swimmers who are comfortable learning alongside peers
- Steady, consistent progress week to week
Private or Semi-Private Lessons
(1–4 swimmers)
What it is
A reserved time slot for one family or shared swimmers
What it includes
- The same BraveSwim™ survival-first curriculum
- An Individualized Swim Plan (ISP)
- Flexible pacing, skill order, and teaching approach
Best for
- Siblings or friends sharing a lesson
- Swimmers who need more individualized pacing or focus
- Adults, teens, adaptive swimmers, or accelerated progress
WHY FAMILIES LOVE OUR PRICING
Simple, predictable, and free of the confusing fees many programs add on.
One annual fee covers all family registrations and re-registrations — with no per-child enrollment charges.
Predictable monthly tuition keeps billing simple and easy to understand.
No processing fees, banking fees, technology fees, or admin fees — ever.
No late charges or penalty fees when life happens.
frequently asked questions
Can siblings or friends share a private lesson to split the cost?
Yes. Unlike swim schools that charge per child, our Private and Semi-Private lessons are billed at a flat rate for the time slot. This means siblings or friends can share a single lesson and split the cost, making personalized instruction significantly more affordable than traditional per-swimmer pricing models.
Do you charge registration fees?
We do not charge per-child registration fees. Many swim programs charge a registration fee for every child, every session. We don’t do that. Instead, we have one simple Annual Family Fee that covers your entire immediate family for 12 months. This allows you to enroll or unenroll siblings throughout the year without paying repeated registration or re-registration fees.
How does monthly billing work?
Billing is simple and predictable. Tuition is processed automatically each month based on your selected lesson format and schedule. Your enrollment continues month-to-month, so you don’t need to re-register or re-commit every session. When you’re ready to withdraw, you simply provide proper notice based on your specific location’s policies.
Is tuition charged per lesson or a flat monthly rate?
Tuition is charged per lesson and billed monthly based on how many lessons you’re scheduled for that month. Most swimmers attend weekly, but some families choose 2x per week or more. Either way, your monthly total simply reflects the number of lessons on your schedule and may vary slightly month to month based on how often your scheduled day or days occur.
Why are private lessons priced as a flat rate instead of per swimmer?
Private and semi-private lessons are priced by the time slot because coaching attention is the resource being reserved. This makes pricing more transparent and allows families to share a lesson (up to the swimmer limit) without being charged per child, which often makes personalized instruction more affordable than traditional per-swimmer pricing models.
Are there transaction fees, credit card fees, or late fees?
No. We have a strict “No Junk Fees” policy. Unlike many gyms and activity centers, we never charge processing fees, technology fees, or late fees. The price you see is the exact price you pay.
Why do swim lesson prices vary between Catch the Wave locations?
Catch the Wave locations are independently owned and operated, which means tuition rates reflect local market conditions, facility costs, and operating expenses. As a result, pricing can vary by location. For example, our Crystal Lake location has different rates than our South Beloit or Janesville locations. Your specific location’s page always displays the most accurate and current pricing.
Do I have to wait for a new session or semester to begin?
No you can start right away. We operate on a rolling, year-round schedule, so you don’t have to wait for a new session to join. If you find a class that works for your family today, we’ll simply prorate your tuition for the remainder of the month so you can get started immediately.
Does Catch the Wave offer drop-in or casual swim lessons without ongoing monthly billing?
Skill development works best with consistent practice, so most families choose ongoing enrollment. Some locations may offer limited pay-as-you-go or casual lesson options based on availability. Because this varies by location, families should check with their nearest Catch the Wave facility for current options.
Do we need to purchase any required swim gear in addition to tuition?
Some levels require standard swim gear, such as reusable swim diapers for infants and a Catch the Wave swim cap as swimmers progress. Swim caps are introduced as swimmers level up and are purchased separately because they support teaching consistency, swimmer focus, and progression—helping families get the most out of the program. If a cap ever presents a temporary issue, our team will work with families to keep swimmers moving forward.
Do you offer discounts for Military or First Responders?
Yes. As a veteran-led organization, we are proud to honor those who serve. Most Catch the Wave locations offer special pricing for active and retired military, police, fire, and EMS families. Because our schools are individually owned and operated, the specific discount amount varies by franchise. Please contact your local office directly to confirm their current offer and have it applied to your account.
How do I pause, withdraw, or cancel lessons?
You can withdraw by providing notice based on your location’s cancellation policy. Most locations require advance notice because coach schedules and class spots are planned ahead. Your local office can confirm the exact notice window and help you choose the cleanest stop date.
Is the withdrawal or cancellation notice period the same at every Catch the Wave location?
No. Because Catch the Wave locations are independently owned and operated, withdrawal and cancellation notice periods vary by location. Some locations require 30 days’ notice, while others require 6 weeks. Always refer to your specific location’s FAQ page or contact your local office to confirm the exact policy.
Can we switch from group lessons to private lessons later?
Yes. Many families transition between lesson formats as goals or needs change. Availability varies, and your local office can help coordinate the switch when space allows.
Do you offer multi-child discounts?
No. Catch the Wave does not offer a standard multi-child discount because we prioritize simple, predictable billing across all locations. That said, many local Catch the Wave locations run seasonal promotions, introductory offers, or limited-time discounts. Because these vary by location and time of year, families should check with their local team for the most current offers.
What happens if we miss a class-do we lose the money?
Not necessarily. All of our locations offer makeup classes as part of our promise to families. Makeup options depend on the lesson type, reason for absence, and your location’s policies. All makeup guidelines are explained before enrollment, and your local team can confirm exactly what applies to your account so there are no surprises.
What is an Individualized Swim Plan (ISP), and when is it used?
An Individualized Swim Plan (ISP) is a personalized lesson plan used in Private and Semi-Private lessons. It applies the same BraveSwim™ survival-first curriculum taught in group classes, but allows coaches to adjust pacing, skill order, emphasis, repetition, and teaching approach based on a swimmer’s needs, readiness, and goals. ISPs are not used in standard group lessons, which follow a shared class structure.
Who is included in the "Immediate Family" for the Annual Family Fee?
The Annual Family Fee covers swimmers living in the same household under a single family account. This typically includes parents or guardians and their children living together, including step-siblings or foster children residing in the home. Children from separate households—such as cousins or grandchildren not living full-time in the same home—require a separate family account.