Zen Penguin Swim School · Consent-based swim lessons
Swim lessons at your child's pace, not ours.
No bribes, no force, no tricks. Just information delivered the way your child's brain needs to hear it. Built to serve autistic, ADHD, anxious and sensory-sensitive kids, this program works for any child who needs to learn to swim!
No membership needed. Booking takes about two minutes in our family portal. Already swim with us? Sign in →
"The consent-based model… empowered our child to feel in control and trust himself in the water."
Kelly, parent · ★★★★★ one of 37 five-star Google reviews
How we teach
Information and consent. Never force.
Your child learns every real swim skill here, including the hard ones. We just get there differently.
1
We explain the why
Before each new skill, your child hears what's coming and why it works. Kids who understand the plan stop fighting the water.
2
We wait for a yes
Nobody is dunked, bribed or tricked. A dysregulated nervous system can't learn - it can only panic. We work through the hard parts, like faces in the water, with your child, instead of forcing them through it.
3
Skills that keep them safe
Every swimmer learns Backfloat to Breathe™, so they can float, breathe and rescue themselves. Every coach trains 100+ hours in the method first.
How it works
Three steps. No commitment until you're sure.
Step 1 · about two minutes
Book a first lesson
Tell us about your swimmer in the family portal and pick a time. It's $40, and we confirm within two business days.
Step 2 · thirty minutes
Meet your coach
Your child gets in the water, or sits on the edge, which is fine too. You'll know by the end if we're the right fit.
Step 3 · if it fits
Pick a weekly spot
Same coach, same time, every week. Billed monthly. Pause or stop any month.
Prices
Every family starts with one $40 lesson.
After that, choose a weekly class. 44 lessons a year with holidays built in, so every month costs the same.
Ages 3 months to 6 years · you're in the water too
Parent & Child
$220 /month
Up to 5 parent-and-child pairs with one coach.
Ages 3 and up · 2 swimmers, 1 coach
Most popular
Semi-Private
$260 /month
Where most swimmers start.
Any age · 1 swimmer, 1 coach
1-on-1
$390 /month
For kids who need a little extra attention and support.
Any age · nobody else in the pool
Private Pool
$599 /month
For swimmers who need the whole space.
Why we cost more:
Two kids per coach instead of six.
A private pool, kept at 93 degrees.
Coaches with 100+ hours of training
The same coach every week, so no lesson starts from scratch.
Cost in the way? Ask us about our scholarship program!
Families say
★★★★★ 37 five-star reviews
"This is the place to go if you have a sensitive or anxious kid (or even if you don't)...My son can't access many lessons or activities but does great with Penny and her team"
Kari B., parent
"He went from dreading swim lessons to being excited for them. It honestly makes me tear up during his lessons."
Katie K., parent
"My 9yo and 11yo...went from them thinking they could swim to me knowing they are safe in deep water. The peace of mind I have about their ability is worth every penny."
Julie M., parent
Our pools
Two warm, private, indoor pools
Never open to the public. Parents watch from the bench, where your swimmer can see and hear you.
The Puddle · Airport · NE Portland
Our private indoor pool in NE Portland,
located inside Higher Elevations Learning Place.
12029 NE Ainsworth Cir #100, Portland, OR 97220.
The Pond · Clackamas · SE Portland
Our private indoor pool in Clackamas,
inside Clackamas Day School
16640 SE 82nd Dr, Clackamas, OR 97015.
Try one lesson.
Your child meets their coach.
You talk about how they learn, what they're nervous about, what they love.
Then they get in the water — or sit at the edge, whatever they feel ready for.
By the end, you'll know if Zen Penguin is right for your family.
If it is, we find you a weekly spot!
Questions first?
Zen Penguin Swim School
Sensory-friendly swim lessons for ages 3 months to adults, in two private indoor pools in Portland and Clackamas. Built by neurodivergent teachers.
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© Zen Penguin Swim School · Portland, Oregon · Backfloat to Breathe™ · Privacy & terms · Accessibility