About
La Petite Baleen Swim Schools offers swim classes, swimming lessons, infant swim lessons, aquatic fitness, and competition preparation. The program also offers free swim lessons for babies 2–5 months and teaches people aged 2 months or older how to enjoy the water. Swim classes are available for infants, toddlers, older kids, and adults.
• Ages: 0–18 years old
• Schedule: Class options available throughout the week, including daytime and evening hours
La Petite Baleen Swim Schools has been providing award-winning swimming lessons in the Bay Area since 1979. Its AQUATIC CLASSROOM® program uses a child development-centered curriculum with a ribbon level system and a focus on water safety awareness. The program describes its developmental aquatic approach as emphasizing a balance between love and discipline, with the motto “Pace, Pattern, Compassion, and Fun!” La Petite Baleen Swim Schools operates four San Francisco Bay Area swim schools in San Francisco, Half Moon Bay, San Bruno, Redwood City, and Rohnert Park, California.
The leadership team for the Redwood City site includes Site Director Brian Pirazzi and Assistant Site Director Lizzy Platero. La Petite Baleen began in the backyard pool of co-founders John Kolbisen and Irene Madrid’s Half Moon Bay home in 1979, and co-founder Irene Madrid wrote “Wiggle-butts & Up-faces: A Child’s Primer for Beginning Swimming,” published in 1989.
One parent, Molly H., described the instruction as patient and kind and noted that the facilities were always clean and welcoming. Another parent, Yadira D., shared that her daughter began swimming at La Petite Baleen when she was 2 months old and mentioned a strong foundation in both water safety and family bonding through caring, interactive instruction. A third parent, Divya K., stated that their family would miss the instruction and community at La Petite Baleen and that the foundational skills their child built there would stay with her wherever she goes.
Last updated May 13, 2026.
• Ages: 0–18 years old
• Schedule: Class options available throughout the week, including daytime and evening hours
La Petite Baleen Swim Schools has been providing award-winning swimming lessons in the Bay Area since 1979. Its AQUATIC CLASSROOM® program uses a child development-centered curriculum with a ribbon level system and a focus on water safety awareness. The program describes its developmental aquatic approach as emphasizing a balance between love and discipline, with the motto “Pace, Pattern, Compassion, and Fun!” La Petite Baleen Swim Schools operates four San Francisco Bay Area swim schools in San Francisco, Half Moon Bay, San Bruno, Redwood City, and Rohnert Park, California.
The leadership team for the Redwood City site includes Site Director Brian Pirazzi and Assistant Site Director Lizzy Platero. La Petite Baleen began in the backyard pool of co-founders John Kolbisen and Irene Madrid’s Half Moon Bay home in 1979, and co-founder Irene Madrid wrote “Wiggle-butts & Up-faces: A Child’s Primer for Beginning Swimming,” published in 1989.
One parent, Molly H., described the instruction as patient and kind and noted that the facilities were always clean and welcoming. Another parent, Yadira D., shared that her daughter began swimming at La Petite Baleen when she was 2 months old and mentioned a strong foundation in both water safety and family bonding through caring, interactive instruction. A third parent, Divya K., stated that their family would miss the instruction and community at La Petite Baleen and that the foundational skills their child built there would stay with her wherever she goes.
Last updated May 13, 2026.
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