★ 1

Source: Google

★ 1

Source: Google

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Source: Google

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Source: Google

★ 1

Believe the reviews! These people are rude, unprofessional and absolutely shouldn’t be trusted with your child. She utilize a public pool and I was one of the patrons in the pool today while she was teaching a lesson, the way she talked to and about a child who was probably no more than 3 years old was appalling! I was so shocked! Now, It’s make perfect sense why they don’t allow the parents in the area to watch (only on a muted screen in the lobby). There are so many people in the community who has experience this “school” and have the same complaints! We ALL can’t be lying! Parents please, Before booking with her do intensive research, read reviews on fb and Google and ask people in the community about their experiences! Also, If you have a bad experience with DBSA PLEASE, PLEASE file a complaint with the milsop center at the front desk. If more people report the issues they’re having to the milsop center they will be force to take action. Lacey is the owner and was the one teaching the “lesson” I witnessed in the pool today! Shocking 😳

Source: Google

★ 5

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazing Swim Academy!

Dream Big Swim Academy is absolutely fantastic! The instructors are patient, knowledgeable, and truly care about each child’s progress in the water. The one on one lessons ensure personalized attention, and the focus on safety and proper technique is outstanding. I highly recommend Dream Big Swim Academy to any parent looking for high-quality swim lessons. Five stars all the way!

Source: Google

★ 5

I knew I wanted my kids to learn pool safety & learn the correct way to swim, so I could have peace of mind when my boys are ever around water. I started my oldest with lessons just a little over the age of 2 years old & the results are amazing. He is almost 4 now & he is learning to put all the skills he’s learned so far together to independently swim in the water.
When we had our second child, I enrolled him as an infant & it’s amazing as a baby what he has also learned. One take away from the lessons that we still use during bath time is “(name) ready, go!” if I do not say it before I rinse his hair he freaks out but when I say it before doing so he is calm while rinsing his hair. We will be re-enrolling him this summer as well!
With that being said, if you’re considering enrolling your child look no further! Ms. Lacey knows what she is doing & has all the education & knowledge needed to teach your child. I am beyond happy with her program, it’s worth every penny!

Source: Google

★ 5

We LOVE this program! We have participated for a few years and it is definitely worth it. This is an irreplaceable life skill. Our family is grateful for the staff and techniques taught. We plan on continuing for years to come. Our daughter would not be who she is without this outstanding program.

Source: Google

★ 5

Dream Big is an amazing program with dedicated, patient, and very informative instructors. My two year old, sometimes not always cooperative, has been able to grasp a skill set that will ensure she is safe in the water during her childhood. I highly recommend the program for kids of all ages!

Source: Google

★ 5

We started our daughter in lessons at about 13 months old. Then, I was worried about water safety. Now, and almost 3, we continue our lessons, to enhance her skills. Due to this program, we can go out on the lake, swimming in our pool, in vacation, with a lot less worry, knowing that she loves the water, and has some water, safety, and swimming skills!

Source: Google

★ 5

My autistic son has been doing lessons with Ms. Lacey (the owner) for about 9 months and has made tremendous progress. He went from not even being able to blow bubbles in the water to swimming in just about 4-5 weeks. Ms. Lacey is a no nonsense instructor who takes this life saving skill very seriously, as she should.

Source: Google

★ 1

This program is unprofessional and misrepresents services provided.I booked a special needs lesson believing that in that booking I was securing a professional who understood, adapted to, and had compassion for those with disabilities and their stressed and flustered parents. The instructor’s behavior poolside was inappropriate, unprofessional, and unethical when dealing with children with special needs and behavioral disabilities.

My spouse requested a few moments beyond the instructors barrier to help regulate my four year old child. All disabilities aside he is 4, at a new location, with a new person, and new set of demands. He said “Daddy I’m afraid.” Like any decent parent, my husband tried to help him relax and prepare to engage in the lesson. The instructor began demanding he move behind her stop sign. After my husband refused several times, firmly, and noted that he was going to tend to his child’s needs she became irate announcing “GET OUT. I’ll refund your money. I do this for a living and I don’t have to put up with you.“ My child became extremely upset, and took an entire evening to re regulate.

I am a licensed mental health professional who works with children. I have done so in both private and public settings. I, more than most, understand that parents can be difficult and overbearing. What I don’t understand is how that knowledge isn’t balanced with compassion and patience when considering a pediatric population and a special needs population more specifically.

I had heard through the grapevine that DreamBig’s methods were abrupt, but extremely effective. I was willing to take a chance on the nature of the methods to insure I could feel safe with my child around a pool. In relaying the incident to others in the community I’ve become aware this behavior is common in the program. It makes facility employees uncomfortable (noted by their apologetic behavior afterwards along with anecdotal evidence from other staff), and I can only assume is tolerated by many families whose children have few other opportunities for extracurricular activities.

I recognize there are rules and guidelines about staying off of the pool deck so instructors can do their jobs appropriately- I really do- but the response was not appropriate. He’s 4. He’s scared. It’s 8 feet for 20 seconds. Be a human being and help get him ready to hit the water, not fly into a rage.

If I’m able to discover the regulating body for the credentials this program claims to hold I will be reporting them. I have also voiced my concerns to the Parks and Recreation Director in Weirton. If you have a child who might need 10 seconds to feel safe with a complete stranger. Find another program.

She’s no liar though. She did refund our money .

Source: Google

★ 5

I am so happy I decided to enroll Chase and Kyleigh in swimming. As a mom of twins I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a nervous wreck with having them around water. During Wednesdays safety class, when I saw Kyleigh get dropped in the water- get her head above water- and immediately float on her back with her chin all the way up- it was such a proud mom moment. I have to say it eased my anxiety a little and I thought to myself - this is exactly why I signed them up! I was very happy with Kate and Starr as their teachers- they were both such a good fit for their very different personalities. I look forward to summer classes and the continued progress towards swimming. 🏊

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 1

Signed a 2 month contract stating that lessons are held at the Millsop. Then halfway through the course, the location was changed to a non-insured and non-licensed business to a residential pool in Mingo Junction.

Owner voids their own contract and doesn’t take responsibility.

Myself nor my wife agreed on switching locations. I am also being charged a Millsop fee when the location has changed. We received a poorly written email stating that location was changed without prior discussion with a lot of “rules” to follow. Including no changing rooms for children and no bathrooms. Highly questionable and an inconvenience to those who signed contracts for the Millsop.

The owner is not willing to share information that her residence has adequate home owners insurance coverage to conduct business there.

First class was May 24th. So two months would be end of July. Not sure how you can run a business without knowing basic math. Owner backtracked her comments and deleted once she realized she can’t do math.

Be warned people. Class is a cash grab. Lessons can be done by yourself in own pool if you just YouTube as I think that’s where her curriculum was found. We were warned by multiple people that owner is rude and lessons weren’t worth the money, but figured we would take the chance.

Source: Google

★ 5

We are so thankful for this program! Our son has gained so much more confidence and skills in the water since he started this program.

Source: Google

★ 5

I cannot say enough good things about DBSA. My son has learned important life saving skills since beginning private lessons last year. He’s only 2 1/2 and I know he will be swimming independently for our summer vacation this year! Big thanks go out to Miss Ashley and Miss Amanda for making my boy love the water and have the skills to be safe 🥰

Source: Google

★ 5

The staff is amazing. I highly recommend Dream Big for swim lessons especially if you are concerned about water safety. My son has been there almost a year and has improved tremendously.

Source: Google

★ 5

Swimming has always been a huge fear of my 5 year old daughter's but with plenty of patience and knowledge, Dream Big has taught my daughter how to hold her breath and swim under the water a short distance. I'm amazed at her progress and excited to watch her learn even more. Thank you Dream Big Swim Academy!!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Dream Big Swim has taught three of our littles critical life skills necessary for us to feel safe knowing they are confident, comfortable, and safe in the water. We love DBS!

Source: Google

★ 5

In less than a years time my son has went from barely being able to tread water to being able to swim the length of the pool and jumping off a diving board into the deep end! Cannot say enough good things about Dream Big Swim Academy!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Miss Bri is a wonderful instructor. My daughter has grown in confidence and skills.

Source: Google

★ 5

Our son has been in the Dream Big Swim Academy since he was about 2&1/2. He’s been swimming independently for a number of years and is now working on the actual technique of different strokes. We can’t say enough about this wonderful program and you can never put a price tag on these life saving skills!! We love you Dream Big!!

Source: Google

★ 5

My daughter loves working with the instructors at the Dream Big Swim Academy! They are great with the kids and make it a fun learning experience.

Source: Google

★ 5

My oldest has been attending Dream Big for about three years and her skills are constantly improving. The instructors are well trained and take swimming seriously.

Source: Google

★ 5

Dream big has given my son confidence in the water and a love of swimming!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

My two daughters, age 7 and 4, attend swim lessons here. The lessons are personalized and the instructors are patient and kind. They've made so much progress!

Source: Google

★ 5

Dream Big Swim Academy is amazing! My son has been in swim lessons for almost 2 years and it is amazing to see the progress he has made. He went from screaming the entire lesson to asking to go! He now floats and swims on his own and is working on rolling to his back to breathe when he needs to. Thank you DBSA for making this mama a little less nervous to have her kid around water! Thank you Miss Bri for providing him with a fun atmosphere while teaching him important life-saving skills!

Source: Google

★ 1

Rude staff! The Instructor said to my daughter during her second lesson “I’m tired of telling you to keep your body straight”. I emailed the company my concerns the same day after the lesson and asked for a follow up after they look into the matter. They responded the next morning (Thursday) and said they’ll look into it but “employee redress is a personal matter”. I replied telling them, I never asked for an update on the employee but on my complaint. That way my daughter and I could feel safe and assure knowing that this behavior is not tolerated and wouldn’t happen again. Monday, towards the end of there office hours, I text them asking if she could be assigned a new instructor since class was Wednesday and I assume that they was still investigating the complaint as they hadn’t gave me an update. I felt this request was reasonable and could have been easily been accommodated as they switch up instructors often. Someone text me back immediately and said no they can’t accommodate my request. That it! No resolution, no assurances, no update on the issue! So they expected me to put my child back into the care of a impatient instructor without any assurance that the issue has been resolved! I immediately asked for a refund for the remaining classes that I paid for in advance. They said they would refund after all taxes and fees were deducted. I really feel that they handled my complaint very poorly and unprofessionally. All I was looking for was a follow up email assuring me that my daughter was safe and in good hands with their company but instead I was met with attitude, no response and no solution. Don’t trust these people!!

Source: Google

★ 5

This is THE BEST swim school around, hands down! They are well organized, efficient, and kind. They are so great with the kids, and they have these great little skill cards they provide to parents so you know what skills your child is working on/ trying to master so that you can continue outside of class. My 4 year old son went from having an absolutely crippling phobia of water (was even afraid t have water hi this face in the shower) to literally RUNNING into the ocean on a beach vacation within 4 months at DBSA. I am SO grateful to the entire DBSA team!

Source: Google

★ 4

Good people working hard, good with kids. Overall recommended. Our daughter was about 8-11 months old for the course of the little swimmers academy, and I think she did learn a good bit. However I do have to say that the program amps up kind of steeply, and I'm afraid she began to just hate the water by the end of it. I'm no expert in training small children to swim, but I feel like there might be some more middle ground between the beginning and end of the baby program, which felt a bit intense. Also, within the same program there would sometimes be 3 babies and sometimes as many as 8, which makes it unsure how much one on one your child may get with an instructor.

That being said, if you're taking your tiny child to swim classes, it's probably for the sake of the bottom line--training them to develop the instinct to float instead of sink if they fall into a body of water. So I do understand a certain level of intensity in the training, and respect what they are doing here.

They send sometimes confusingly worded emails, and their web site / app is not always easy to figure out. But altogether a good program run by good people doing a good thing.

Source: Google

★ 5

I love Dream Big Swim Academy! Miss Lacey has a very good program going! My son has learned how to swim with no supports at all. Miss Lacey and the instructors are very knowledgeable. He can swim very well now due to Dream Big! He has been taking lessons since he was 3 and 1/2 years old and is 6 now.

Source: Google

★ 5

Dream Big Swim had been great for my son. He has learned so much confidence in swimming. Highly recommend.

Source: Google

★ 5

Very patient instructors. I’m very glad we got our son into their lessons!

Source: Google

★ 5

My 2 year old daughter started lessons in spring & is now swimming underwater like a pro and everyone is always amazed at how well she does when in public! She can’t wait to start her fall lesson and see what else she can learn from DBSA! 💕💕

Source: Google

★ 5

The Little Dreamers program is wonderful! Our son (14 months old) has always loved the water and thanks to Lacey, we feel much more comfortable with him being in and around water. We took a trip to the lake this summer and our little guy (wearing a life jacket) fell off a tube. He briefly went under water, and we were impressed that even under those circumstances (without warning) he held his breath. We are very happy with the skills he’s learned and highly recommend Dream Big Swim Academy!

Source: Google

★ 5

It was a great experience for my kids 7 & 4.
Staff and instructors are easy to work with and give clear communication. We will be taking more lessons.

Source: Google

★ 5

My 3 year old started lessons this summer and made great progress! Her teacher Bree was fantastic! My daughter loved her and looked forward to going to swim every week! We are taking a hiatus for winter, but hoping to return next year!

Source: Google

★ 5

Lacey and her team are dedicated to teach kids the safest way to swim. She gives them the stern support they need to learn the right way.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

She is amazing at teaching my son to swim!

Source: Google

★ 5

We are new to Dream Big Swim Academy and are so thankful we chose them for our little boy! He has learned so much in just a few months, has gained so much confidence in the water, which in turn, makes us feel more confident about his safety near the water! That was most important to us. The instructors are wonderful, and we thank each of you for your dedication to making our children safe! Choose Dream Big, you’ll be so glad you did! ❤️

Source: Google

★ 5

We love Dream Big! Our soon-to-be four year old has gone from terrified of being in the water to being so at ease. The staff is great as well- CJ is her favorite instructor. She has gained so much skill in the last three months of classes!

Source: Google

★ 1

1 "instructor" dumped water 3 times over the head of my scared and crying 3yr old daughter while another instructor held her still. After the 2nd time my daughter began to cried for the instructors to stop pouring water on her. We came down from the seats to get our crying daughter and were then told later in an email that, we were removed from their class. The same class that we enrolled our daughter in and less than 2 months was then told it was shutting down at the end of July.

Source: Google

★ 5

I called for a little information on swimming lessons. The lady on the phone was so polite and informative. She told me of things I wouldn't even have thought to ask and helped me get to register online. Just that little experience went a long way.

Source: Google

★ 1

Source: Google

★ 5

My son has learned so much so quickly! The instructors are great with the children. My son looks forward to going every week! Highly recommend to all parents!

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve been taking my nephews to swim lessons here for the past few years and they are absolutely amazing! They teach these kids so much to help them learn the safety of swimming . All of the swim teachers are amazing with the kids as well ! Highly recommend big dream swim academy !

Source: Google

★ 5

Lacey and her team are amazing! My daughter has had a fear of swimming for as long as I can remember and Lacey has shown her how to trust herself and that swimming can be safe and fun.

Source: Google

★ 5

My daughter has taken lessons at Dream Big for a 4 years now. She absolutely loves swimming and the entire staff! I love that they teach safety swimming above everything else. To me, safety is the most important aspect! My child is fearless and I could only imagine the things that could have happened if I never put her in lessons. Thank you Dream Big for everything!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Dream Big Swim Academy is amazing! Not only do my girls love attending their lesson each week, it gives me the piece of mind that they know not only how to swim, but also the safety rules and precautions when they are around a pool. Lessons are well organized and planned out with their top notch instructors. If you have small children this is a life-long skill for them to learn as well as a life-saving skill. I highly recommend Dream Big Swim Academy!

Source: Google

★ 5

Individual survival swim lessons for your kids- IMPORTANT and NECESSARY. This program is so important to me. My daughter is 5 and has had Bri and Zach, my special needs son is 3 and has had Lacey and Amanda. These people are angels! Patient and knowledgeable. Not only will your kids have fun, but they’ll learn life-saving skills. It’s essential, treat it as such!!

Source: Google

★ 1

Terrible instructor!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Dream Big has made an indescribable difference in our daughter’s confidence and ability levels in the pool. We can’t believe the difference from last summer to this one. Every teacher she has had so far she speaks positively about and she can’t wait for swim each week. We try to grab “bonus” classes anytime we can! She had a stretch where she couldn’t attend classes due to to sickness, etc. and it broke her heart not to be there. Thank you for creating a program like this in the Ohio Valley!

Source: Google

★ 5

I LOVE Dream Big. Living lakeside, I feel it extremely necessary that my children know life saving swimming skills. We will ALWAYS attend lessons here. My children can swim and are learning much more than just swimming here. Following, I address a complaint that I've read from other reviews.
In other reviews, people state the owner is yelling at people etc. I have a couple points to make with this. One, does your children's teachers at school allow you to interrupt their teaching lessons to talk to you child constantly? No? Why is that? Because the child will lose focus, the teacher's lessons are thrown off track and they can not cover the entirety of their lessons in the time provided.
Point two, that being said, in the rules and contracts that you must sign to acknowledge that you've read the rules, it states CLEARLY that there is no interaction with the students during lessons.
Children may cry from time to time during the lessons, especially at the beginning. All the instructors are trained and will not put your child in harms way. Just because they cry does not mean that's a reason to end the lesson. If your child cries on the first day of school, do you immediately take them back home and quit school? Probably not. The staff at school and Dream Big are both trained to keep your children safe and to enrich their lives while teaching them valuable skills.
That's my view of lessons. How about the views from my children? In their own words....
J, 7 years: I love swim. I'm getting super fast and when I do good I get a prize from the treasure box. Learning to dive is pretty cool too.
K, 3 years: Swim is fun! I get stickers and a prize. I jump in all by myself and I can float!

Source: Google

★ 1

Owner constantly yelling at people. Very unprofessional. Changed venues twice in less than 6 months. Cancel class at last second numerous times.

Source: Google

★ 5

My 2 year old has been taking lessons with Dream Big Swim Academy for the past 8 months. She is treading water, floating, and swimming like a fish, even without flippers. It blows my mind. I can't even swim, maybe I should take lessons.

Source: Google

★ 5

There are not enough words to express the love my girls and I have for Lacey, her academy and the other instructors.. both of my girls have been going for 2 years now and i am so thankful for all they have learned to keep them safe in the water. Do not hesitate to contact the academy for your child. The individualized program is definitely worth it!!
It has been such a wonderful experience.. Thank you!!!

Source: Google