review of: Murray Callan Swim Schools
(4 of 11 reviews)

1012 Law St, San Diego, CA
858-273-7946

get directions

web site:
http://www.murraycallanswimschools.com/

MCSS, without doubt is one of the best swim schools in San Diego.

That being said, they have the following challenges:
* The customer service is perceived as less than friendly
* They have draconian rules regarding payment of classes and make-ups

It is true that early on, they focus more on safety and not swimming (ages 1-2) but their point is that you really want your child to be able to manage themselves safely around a pool before they learn to swim. Our toddler is now learning the technical forms of free and back strokes.

It is true that they seem rather strict (children sitting between turns and other rules). This is a classic "parents involved in teaching" issue. That is, if you, as a parent get involved in your child's education (teach your child the discipline of sitting between turns), you will see results. Once we worked through the habit of sitting with a toy ( (it took about 3 lessons, and needs constant reinforcement and yes, MCSS gives toys too), we found that our child was less distracted and focused more on swimming and showed a advanced pace of learning.

It is true that some of their rules seem rather procrustean, such as the requirement to make up every class missed and to pay for the next session by the 9th class, no exceptions. But there is a demand for their services, and considering MCSS's position, at $15 a class (or thereabouts) it is difficult to get busy parents to take the classes seriously. Many of them might otherwise easily blow off a class or two, or quit the next session without warning.

As a business MCSS's must manage the schedule to make sure classes are full - the only way to encourage parents to commit to the class is to have them pay. So, be prepared to pay for the next lesson group by the 9th class, and to make up missed classes. You can find comfort in that the rules are equally applied across all parents, so no one is getting a privileged treatment.

MCSS might consider the following (not that they will read this) have parents sign renewable contracts, and consider charging more for the classes, offering a discount if paid before the 9th lesson. This way, parents are on the hook for the cost of the class, and are incentives to pay early, and MCSS makes additional revenue to cover the additional risk associated with parents who pay late.

comments

comments about this review

• print this page
• email this page

sponsored links