Swim School
WHAT Swim School
Your First Step into Swimming Starts Here!
The Woodland Hills Aquatic Team (WHAT) Swim School is located in the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh at the Woodland Hills High School pool in Churchill, PA. As part of the Woodland Hills Aquatic Team—proud members of USA Swimming and Allegheny Mountain Swimming—our Swim School offers recreational swim lessons with a focus on water safety and the building blocks of competitive swimming.
At WHAT Swim School, we believe swimming should be safe, fun, and a skill that lasts a lifetime. Our lessons not only teach essential water safety but also help swimmers develop confidence, coordination, and a love for the water. The benefits of learning to swim extend far beyond the pool—and can stay with you for life.
We offer lessons in 7-week sessions throughout the year, making it easy to find a time that works for your family.
Have questions or want to learn more? Contact Coach Anna, our WHAT Swim School Director, at whatswimschooldirector@gmail.com.
WHAT Swim School Group Lessons
Group Lessons
Dive into learning with WHAT Swim School! Our small group classes are designed for every stage — from first-time swimmers to those ready for pre-competitive training. We also offer Parent & Toddler sessions and Adult Learn to Swim classes. By grouping swimmers by age and ability, we create a fun, safe environment where skills grow and confidence soars. With our small class sizes, every swimmer gets the attention they need to make a splash!
Group Lesson Fees
- $110 for 7 – 30-minute small group lessons (Parent & Toddler; Preschool; Level 1; Level 2; Level 3)
- $130 for 7 – 45-minute small group lessons (Level 4; Level 5; Adult Learn to Swim)
WHAT Swim School Location
Woodland Hills High School, 2550 Greensburg Pike, Churchill, PA 15221
Fall 2025 Session Group Lesson Dates
| Lesson | Saturday Classes | Monday Classes | Wednesday Classes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 9/6/2025 | 9/8/2025 | 9/10/2025 |
| 2 | 9/13/2025 | 9/15/2025 | 9/17/2025 |
| 3 | 9/20/2025 | 9/22/2025 | 9/24/2025 |
| 4 | 9/27/2025 | 9/29/2025 | 10/1/2025 |
| 5 | 10/4/2025 | 10/6/2025 | 10/8/2025 |
| 6 | 10/11/2025 | 10/13/2025 | 10/15/2025 |
| 7 | 10/18/2025 | 10/20/2025 | 10/22/2025 |
Please note: Classes won’t be held on days when the school district is closed or the pool facility is booked for other events.
Also, to keep things fair and consistent, we don’t offer refunds or make-up classes for missed lessons. For full details, please see our Canceling Registration and WHAT Swim School Class Cancellation Policy below.
If you have any questions or want to learn more about our programs, feel free to reach out to Coach Anna, our Swim School Director at whatswimschooldirector@gmail.com.
Fall 2025 Session - Group Lesson Schedule
Saturday Class Schedule
*see class descriptions below
| Saturday | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 9:30AM-10:15AM | Level 4: Advanced | Level 5: Pre-Competitive | Adult/Teen Learn to Swim |
| 10:20AM-10:50AM | Preschool: Water Adjustment/ Beginner | Level 1: Beginner | Level 3: Intermediate |
| 10:55AM-11:25AM | Preschool: Water Adjustment/ Beginner | Level 1: Beginner | Level 2: Advanced Beginner |
| 11:30AM-12:00PM | Parent & Toddler | Level 1: Beginner | Level 2: Advanced Beginner |
Monday Class Schedule
*see class descriptions below
| Monday | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 5:30PM-6:00PM | Parent & Toddler | Level 1: Beginner | Level 2: Advanced Beginner |
| 6:05PM-6:35PM | Preschool: Water Adjustment/ Beginner | Level 1: Beginner | Level 2: Advanced Beginner |
| 6:40PM-7:10PM | Preschool: Water Adjustment/ Beginner | Level 1: Beginner | Level 3: Intermediate |
| 7:15PM-7:45PM | Level 2: Advanced Beginner | Level 3: Intermediate | Adult/Teen Learn to Swim (7:15-8:00) |
Wednesday Class Schedule
*see class descriptions below
| Wednesday | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 6:05PM-6:35PM | Preschool: Water Adjustment/ Beginner | Level 1: Beginner | Level 2: Advanced Beginner |
| 6:40PM-7:10PM | Preschool: Water Adjustment/ Beginner | Level 1: Beginner | Level 3: Intermediate |
| 6:40PM-7:10PM | Preschool: Water Adjustment/ Beginner | Level 2: Advanced Beginner | Level 3: Intermediate |
| 7:15PM-8:00PM | Level 4: Advanced | Level 5: Pre-Competitive |
Class Full??
WHAT Swim School Fall/Winter 2025-2026
Registration Opens 10/16/2025 @ 7AM
Group Lesson guide
Parent/Toddler Class
Designed for swimmers ages 12 months to 3+, this 30-minute class welcomes parents or caregivers to join their little ones in the water. Together, you’ll learn important water safety skills while helping your child build comfort and confidence in the pool. Our fun, interactive lessons encourage young swimmers to explore the water and connect with peers in a safe, supportive environment.
Preschool – Water Adjustment/Beginner
This 30-minute class is designed for preschoolers ages 3 to 5 who are ready to swim independently without a parent in the water. Whether your child is new to the pool or still getting comfortable, our instructors focus on safety while helping each swimmer build foundational skills in a fun, supportive setting.
If your child needs a parent in the water, please consider registering for the Parent/Toddler class instead.
Level 1 - Beginner
This 30-minute class is for swimmers ages 5 to 12 who are comfortable in a classroom setting and are new to swimming or just starting to develop their skills. In Level 1, our instructors focus on building essential basics like putting their face in the water, learning proper breathing, kicking on both stomach and back, floating, and safely jumping into the pool—all while making the experience fun and encouraging.
Level 2 – Advanced Beginner
This 30-minute class is for swimmers ages 5 to 12 who are comfortable in the water and have mastered basic skills like putting their face in, gliding in a streamlined position, swimming short distances, floating on their backs, and jumping in safely. In Level 2, instructors focus on developing Freestyle and Backstroke techniques, introducing rotary breathing, building confidence in deep water, practicing safe deep-water entries, and learning to tread water.
Level 3 - Intermediate
This 30-minute class is designed for swimmers ages 5 to 12 who can confidently swim Freestyle and Backstroke for at least a quarter of the pool and feel comfortable in deep water. Instructors will help refine stroke techniques, introduce Butterfly and Breaststroke kicks, teach diving skills, and build endurance by swimming longer distances.
Level 4 - Advanced
This 45-minute class is designed for swimmers ages 6 to 13 who want to learn the fundamentals of competitive swimming in a fun, low-pressure environment. Swimmers should comfortably swim at least half a pool length of Freestyle and Backstroke, have a basic understanding of Butterfly and Breaststroke kicks, and be able to perform a kneeling or standing dive. Instructors will focus on refining stroke techniques and building competitive skills. Swimmers who can swim multiple lengths with good technique and dive confidently are encouraged to move up to Level 5 or join the aquatic team.
Level 5 - Pre-Competitive
This 45-minute class is for swimmers ages 6 to 14 who want to build on their competitive swimming skills in a fun, supportive environment. Swimmers should be able to swim at least two lengths of the pool using good technique in Freestyle and Backstroke, and have a basic understanding of Butterfly and Breaststroke. Instructors will focus on developing all four competitive strokes and helping swimmers gain confidence and endurance as they prepare for aquatic team opportunities.
Adult/Teen Learn to Swim
Designed for swimmers ages 13 and up—whether you’re just starting out or building on basic skills—this 45-minute class helps you overcome any fears and enjoy the water. You’ll learn floating techniques, survival skills, and foundational swimming strokes, all tailored to your individual needs. Our goal is to help every participant feel confident and comfortable in the pool, no matter your age or experience level.
WHAT Swim School - Private swim lessons
WHAT Swim School offers private lessons for swimmers aged 4 and up, whether you’re just starting out, swimming recreationally at any level, or training competitively. Our instructors are carefully matched to your needs and their availability to ensure the best experience.
Private lesson registration is open throughout each session but must be reserved at least one week in advance. Please note that each lesson is registered for individually—there are no multi-lesson discounts.
Private Lesson Fees:
- $50 per 30-minute one-on-one lesson
- Lessons must be registered for separately
- Spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged
Private Lesson Availability:
- Tuesday 8:00PM-8:30PM
- Thursday 8:00PM-8:30PM
- Saturday 9:00AM-9:30AM
WHAT Swim School Location
Woodland Hills High School, 2550 Greensburg Pike, Churchill, PA 15221
Please note: We’re unable to offer refunds or make-up lessons for missed Private Lessons.
If you have any questions or want to learn more about our programs, don’t hesitate to reach out to Coach Anna, our WHAT Swim School Director, at whatswimschooldirector@gmail.com.
Scholarship/Grant Opportunities
At WHAT, we believe every child should have the chance to swim—no matter their financial situation. That’s why we offer scholarship/grants for both our Swim School and Aquatic Team programs. While funds are limited, the application process is simple and completely confidential.
If you’d like to learn more or apply, please contact us at whatswimschooldirector@gmail.com. Rest assured, all applications and awards are handled with the utmost privacy.
Waitlist Registration
Thanks to the great response to our group lessons, we’re not able to accept waitlist registrations at this time.
Canceling Registration
If you cancel your Group Lesson registration more than 24 hours before the first class, a $5 processing fee will apply. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the first class or after classes have started will be charged the full cost of the session.
WHAT Swim School Class Cancellation Policy
Swim School and Aquatic Team will be closed whenever the Woodland Hills School District closes for the day or cancels all after-school programs. In addition to announcements through local news outlets, we’ll notify participants as soon as possible by email and post updates on our website. Please note, make-up lessons are only offered if WHAT Swim School cancels a class.
If you have any questions or want to learn more about our programs, feel free to contact Coach Anna, our WHAT Swim School Director, at whatswimschooldirector@gmail.com.
WHAT Swim School: Health and Safety Protocols
- Swimmers will enter the pool through the designated high school entrance and check in with a lifeguard or instructor before entering the pool. Detailed instructions about entering and exiting the pool area will be emailed to all participants before the first class.
- Participants will wait on the blue benches, as directed by swim school staff, to begin their lessons and leave their belongings there.
- Parents or guardians are welcome to accompany their child to the check-in area and watch lessons from the spectator seating. For swimmers aged 6 and under, one parent or guardian is allowed on the pool deck to assist with safe entry and exit.
WHAT Locker Room Use Policy
In line with USA Swimming Safe Sport policies, locker rooms are open only to swimmers under 18 years old—adults are not permitted inside.
Swimmers who do not need adult assistance may use the locker room bathrooms. Those who require help can use the restrooms located near the balcony spectator seating area.
We encourage swimmers to arrive ready to swim to minimize the need for changing at the pool. After class, swimmers under 18 who can change independently may use the locker rooms or simply pull clothes over their swimsuits to leave the facility.
Swimmers needing adult assistance to change should use the restrooms by the balcony area or pull clothes over their swimsuits to exit.
Health and Safety/COVID-19 Disclaimer
The Woodland Hills Aquatic Team (WHAT) follows all guidelines and rules set by the CDC, Allegheny County Health Department, and Woodland Hills School District to keep our community safe. However, please understand that attending any public place, including our swim programs, carries an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19, a highly contagious virus that can cause serious illness or death. By participating in WHAT Swim School, attendees voluntarily accept all risks associated with potential exposure to COVID-19.