A good school should build self-confidence, teach safety precautions in water and create a warm, friendly and happy atmosphere among students and instructors. Visit a few fitness clubs or private swimming schools in your neighborhood and consider some of these points:

* Location: The closer to home, the more likely you are to go. A neighborhood sports club or swimming school will also be more likely to attract your child's schoolmates, too.

* Frequency and flexibility of schedule: Many schools offer swimming lessons once or twice a week. A few offer classes as many as five times a week. Intensive learning is more likely to speed up competency.