★ 5

We absolutely love Goldfish Swim School! My daughter joined about a year and a half ago when she was just two years old, and she’s come such a long way, she’s already moved up four levels and now swims completely on her own and dives like a little fish! 🐠

The staff is always so friendly and welcoming, and the instructors are truly amazing, especially Yhonny and Manuel, who are our absolute favorites! Maureen, the manager, is wonderful and always goes above and beyond to accommodate any situation and make sure families are happy.

The pool is kept nice and warm, which is a big plus for my daughter since she’s always cold. Every class feels positive, fun, and safe. We couldn’t be happier with our experience and would 100% recommend Goldfish to anyone looking for a great place for their little one to learn to swim! 💦✨

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

We came here for the Trick-or-Treat event, and it was fantastic. The people here were the nicest I met in a while! Thank you!!!

Source: Google

★ 1

This place has the shadiest financial practices. I would avoid if at all possible. If you sign up for a class your credit card will be charged monthly in perpetuity. You have to give 30 days notice in writing to cancel your membership. They have a strict no refund policy. We went away for two months and was told I could put our membership on hold by multiple staff. I documented future absences in their online system as per their policy. They charged us for the two months we were away. We tried to get refunded but the managers ghosted us. The school provided makeup tokens and said that we could take an extra class during the week (subject to availability) but only if we were still paying for monthly classes.

Source: Google

★ 5

My first day was today and I love it! I got the $36 mini 2 at 5pm. The instructor was amazing with the kids and mine. He engaged with the kids and had toys to play in the pool. Eventually with what he taught him with the toys and the doll, my son was already motivated to swim and he looked so confident in his lesson. I wish the lesson could be 45 mins. By the time Justin said it was time to leave I wanted more and so did my son because he enjoyed it. My son is 1 yr and going to 2yrs in March. Little recommendations i would say recording their 1st few lessons for their first time learning it would be nice for memories to show later in the future or just memories for myself. To me when I got out of the water it was cold and got colder as i got out of the pool door. I would love to keep going in the winter, so that's a little concerning because he still small and can get sick. A gate at the front door for him to run around and not leave the property. My child likes to run and have fun. I think my 1st experience was wonderful. I will keep coming back! I love the coloring pages as well.

Source: Google

★ 5

We’ve had such a wonderful experience at Goldfish, and I just want to say thank you to all of my daughter’s teachers for helping her grow into an independent, confident swimmer.

A special thanks to Ryan and Delilah for their patience and encouragement in the pool—my daughter always looked forward to her lesson with you. And of course, a huge shoutout to Kiana, the best deck supervisor! Lol. My daughter loved receiving badges from her, and her outgoing, helpful personality always made us feel welcomed and supported.

We will truly miss everyone at Goldfish, but we’re leaving with so many great memories and skills that will last a lifetime. Thank you to everyone.

Source: Google

★ 5

Took my son here for about a year. Staff are so friendly with the children. They remember their names and recall the progress they made. Always give suggest of areas of improvement. The facility is clean and well equipped. We enjoyed our experiences and my son has gain so many water safety skills and swimming skills.

Source: Google

★ 5

We love it here! Started going when my daughter was 8 months old. The facility is super cute & clean, the staff is great & the prize of the week is so cute & thoughtful.

Source: Google

★ 5

We’ve had such a wonderful experience with Coach Marquise! Both of my children swim with him—each at different levels—and I’ve been so impressed with how he meets them exactly where they are. His calm, patient nature creates a positive environment where my kids feel safe to push themselves and try new skills.

Coach Marquise has an incredible eye for detail; he breaks techniques down clearly, making it easy for my kids to understand what to adjust and why. Beyond that, he genuinely focuses on student outcomes: I’ve seen tremendous growth in both of my children—not only in their swimming abilities but also in their confidence in the water.

I also really appreciate his clear, thoughtful feedback during parent check-ins after each lesson. He takes the time to explain what they worked on, what progress he’s seen, and what they’ll be focusing on next. It’s clear he cares deeply about each child’s success.

We feel so fortunate to have Coach Marquise guiding our swimmers and can’t recommend him highly enough!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 1

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

We’ve had such a great experience at Goldfish Swim School in Hamden! The entire staff is friendly, professional, and clearly cares about the kids. A special shoutout to Yanni and Jordan — they both go above and beyond to make each lesson fun and engaging while still pushing the kids to build real skills and confidence in the water. What really sets Goldfish apart is that they’re not just teaching basic water safety — the curriculum focuses on teaching the proper swim strokes with great technique. It’s amazing to see how much progress our child has made. Every team member we’ve interacted with has been wonderful — it’s a warm, well-run environment and we’re so glad we chose Goldfish Hamden!

Source: Google

★ 5

Absolutely fantastic staff and program. My 4 year old son was screaming and terrified of the water at our local YMCA, but felt much more comfortable here. This place is perfect for him and well worth the extra cost.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Goldfish swim school was well worth it. My child enjoyed going and learned a great deal of technical skills. Staff is very friendly and will accommodate in all circumstances.

Source: Google

★ 3

We rented the facility last weekend for a birthday party. I called to speak to someone prior to the event and never received a call back.. Staff will set basic stuff (table cloth, plates and balloons) and that is basically all the help you will get.
They booked another party later that day and we felt rushed. We discussed 90 minutes of pool time and 30 minutes party room. My guests were rushed out of the pool after 70 minutes. They also had the audacity of cleaning tables and vacuum the floor 15 minutes prior to the end of the party. Basically, kicking everyone out. We paid $600 for two hours and did not get to enjoy the facilities fully. Not the service we expected.
I gave three stars to the facility.

Source: Google

★ 5

Parking can be a pain in the neck in the plaza, and the school can get crowded at times, BUT that is because the instructors and other staff are really great at what they do. All the children from babies to big kids are always having fun and smiling. Usually plenty of seating for spectators. Big fan

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 1

Unfortunately some instructors do not engage at all with the children and seam bothered by little ones However some other instructors are WONDERFUL. Hit or miss every time. Unprofessional and rude staff. Started okay, however turned into a very disappointing experience. Switched to a different swimming school!

Source: Google

★ 5

We are having an amazing experience with goldfish swim school! We have had our daughter enrolled since she was four months old. She is now eight months old and has really taken to the swim experience. She is consistently excited to see her instructor, Megan and swim with all of her baby friends.
Everybody has been incredibly kind. One thing I love about the spot as someone who grew up going to the local YMCA and having to walk all the way back to locker rooms and even farther to a pool is that it's all right when you walk in. There's immediately the viewing area for parents who aren’t swimming to sit which is also one of the entrances to the pool. There are changing rooms farther back in this one room, and it includes bathroom, hair, drying station, and our favorite thing the clothes spinner which gets the excess water out before we pack it in our bag.

The spot is always clean and they are always willing to accommodate if we have to cancel as long as we do it in a timely manner so we can get our make up token. We've made up some classes and we've enjoyed every instructor as well. Truly pleased with our experience.

Source: Google

★ 5

This place is such an amazing environment. My kids really enjoy swimming, learning new things and most of all having fun with all of the amazing staff. Everyone is so kind, friendly and wholeheartedly supportive people. My kids are always looking forward to their swimming lessons. Highly recommend

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Wow, what an amazingly intentional swimming program. We love having our child here. They have thought about all the details.

Source: Google

★ 1

If I could give this location 0 stars I would. I attempted to book a birthday party for my daughter at this location, the staff and “party coordinators” were extremely unprofessional and rude. I called two weeks prior to ask what dates they had available in the next two months and what times. They gave me options for two different times on the weekends. When I called back to book my party the lady first argued with me saying If i didn’t come in person to sign paperwork in 24 hours she’d have to cancel my party, and that the deposit is non refundable. After asking for different options on if they could email me the contract or allow more time than 24 hours for me to get there, the manager then gets on the phone and tells me I can sign it all day of the party, then the women tells me I’m now required to pay the full cost of the party, 600.00, and not eligible to just leave the 50% deposit for whatever reason anymore. She then agrees a few minutes later that I actually can just leave the deposit, now she proceeds to book my party for a 430 time slot only to then tell me that she can’t offer me that time any longer and they need to book me for the earlier 2pm. Even after I told her I’m not available due to my work schedule she continued to refuse to book my party for 430, all while screaming like a maniac in the phone. When I asked to be transferred back to the manager she refused to put my call through. In the end after she shouted at me screaming that i was difficult and if i wanted the party or not, I definitely did not. They are so rude and unprofessional and I will never book a party for my child and spend this kind of money at this location.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I was nervous for enrolling in goldfish swim school but they have been excellent. The front checkin person was so nice on our first day, enthusiastically showing us around and made sure we felt comfortable. The facilities are beautiful and teachers know what they’re doing. It’s very family friendly and I’m so glad we’re enrolled.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 1

Strong variability among teachers, some are fantastic and some are disengaged. The Hamden facility is new (less than a year) but not maintained. The changing rooms are full of mildew and many of the bathroom lights don’t work. The reason for the one star review is due to levels of cleanliness, customer service and billing. If you are considering enrolling make sure you understand it’s a membership and you must provide cancellation notice in writing on their form at least 30 days in advance.

Source: Google

★ 5

Highly recommend the booster weeks they offer. My son can swim now and it’s amazing to see him so confident. The exercises they do are really appropriate for the kids level so he loves it!

Source: Google

★ 5

Couldn’t recommend goldfish swim enough. We absolutely love that the facility is so clean and well managed even on the busiest of days. The staff is always so kind and patient, especially when it comes to a new swimmer. We’ve been taking my son since summer and absolutely love the confidence he’s gotten when it comes to swimming. They’re understanding of a fun curriculum that teaches water safety is so important and so valued in our family.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Great experience! We loved it. So sad we had to move.

Source: Google

★ 5

In reading some of the previous reviews, I'm not sure if I am going to the same place; Goldfish Swim School is marvelous! I'm very impressed with the facility as well as the staff! Rebecca is so engaging and knowledgeable. Johnny is incredibly skilled and inspiring. Jordan is amazingly kind and patient. Malik, you are my daughter's favorite and I apologize if I spelled your name incorrectly...10/10, you guys. I'm so thrilled to have found this place and my kids absolutely love it. THANK YOU!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 1

This place has left me DESPONDENT!! I've been attending this program with my son for two months. Many classes have been canceled due to feces, throw up, and urine in the water. I questioned staff about the cleaning process of the bodily waste and was told they just add more chemicals. There are foul orders in the changing station due to accidents that have not been cleaned. The staff is very lazy and I hardly see any true engagement with the children. I've written MULTIPLE bad reviews and they keep getting taken down. DO BETTER please. This program is for children and their safety should always be priority. I've spoken with a manager named Vince. He should DEFINITELY not be a manager. He's rude unprofessional and lacks communication.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 4

Source: Google

★ 5

Staff were very nice to me, especially Alex, who is currently a lifeguard on Tuesdays. They taught me many new skills. Now that I’m 13, I sadly can no longer go here. That’s why you gotta enjoy things while you have them.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Highly recommended ! My son and I love it. The staff is very kind and very accomodating.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 1

0 communication, I watched my daughter do absolutely nothing on more than 1 occasion. I had no choice but to cancel, and even with my canceling it was never noted. Good thing I kept my receipt. I complained about my concerns, they changed instructors and still nothing. For the price you guys charge you have to do better.

Source: Google

★ 1

Horrible. My godson has had four lessons and he's no closer to learning how to swim than when he walked through the door. So far he has not been taught how to hold his breath. He was given two beginners lessons. When I addressed it and asked for a makeover lesson, I was told that the makeup lesson wouldn't be any different from the one he had. When I was informed and corrected the instructor, as far as it not being his first time. She claims the lesson would have been more aggressive had it not been his first time. Very dissatisfied with this place, so far he's had four lessons, he has two more to go and I have no intentions of paying for anymore. What a disappointment. Do not bring your child here!!!!!

Source: Google

★ 1

Worst experience !!! The pool water is getting the kids sick !!! Plus they have teens over seeing babies which they don’t know how to handle ..worst experience

Source: Google

★ 5

We have loved our experience at the Goldfish swim school! Marques has been nothing short of amazing! My son always wants to go to swim class and has learned so much. When he’s in the water, he’s so confident and puts all his new skills to use. It’s been awesome watching how far he’s come.

Source: Google

★ 5

My son loves it here, there’s not one week where he doesn’t want to go. Very engaging and very kid friendly

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 4

Instructors are nice however it’s the same class every time, not much progression seen if your child can only go once a week. It’s a very clean and well taken care of establishment. I just wish the front staff were friendlier. None of them greet you as you walk in. They always seem like they are in a bad mood, in particular to the plus size lady. You can’t ask her questions without her giving you an attitude. She wore fuzzy slippers one time which is very unsanitary in my opinion.

There was another incident where 2 kids were at the counter and we were waiting in line to be helped. She gave those 2 kids lollipops and my son was asking for one and she ignored him. When I asked to cancel our membership she gave us sarcastic question if it’s been a month since we cancelled. I said, “No. That is why I am giving the notification now that I am cancelling.” Which she then replied, “oh.”

Our first lesson we had trouble finding the place. Once we arrived, we didn’t know how to check and saw the iPad but wasn’t sure if that’s how peopled checked in. No acknowledgement from the front staff so my husband asked her for help and she rudely said, “just to let you know, you have to be on time for the classes, they start in time so you have to be here 10 min early.” We checked roughly 5 min before the class starts, which we apologized but perhaps if she were a little bit more empathetic and let us explain why we were “late”.

Overall, I wish they offered more for toddlers as they are at greatest risk in drowning and encourage the staff to have a positive work attitude.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 2

The only reason I’m giving 2 stars is because it’s esthetically pleasing inside and I had a nice experience with a few of my son’s instructors. This place has been a mental nightmare since my son’s first lesson! The first day they didn’t let me stay with my son even with his speech delay. That’s fine. No problem, I can watch him from the window but with a speech delay he has trouble following directions just like any other kid but it’s harder. I explained this to the staff more than once. They assured me he would be fine. They left him unattended at the pools edge with NO LIFE JACKET so many times I had to run in to tell them to bring another instructor over! Then I asked if he could be moved to a lower level, they said of course we’ll have you try it first and if it’s a better fit we will move him, he loved it. Today they told me he can’t move to that level because of his age. What was the point of even offering it to us if you weren’t going to be able to move him to it? All children are NOT the same when it comes to age! I also inquired about the new program they have called The Golden Leaners and was told I had to pay for one on one lessons even though the email stated it can be done in group lessons. The person who emailed me back about my inquiry didn’t even assess what my son’s needs were to even make the call if one on one would be a better fit for him. I had been trying for days to reach someone by phone and I keep getting their answering service! I would prefer to speak to someone over the phone versus email!
I personally wouldn’t recommend.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 4

My 6 yr old loves the water, so Goldfish Swim was a YES!!! She looks forward to attending weekly classes. The facility is bright, beautiful and welcoming! The seating area that allows parents a full view of their children's lesson, while being in separate rooms, allows a feeling of security for children and their guardians. Convenient private changing "huts", hair dryers, and swimsuit dryer are added amenities. The staff are pleasant and enjoy what they do.

Source: Google