Murray Callan Swim School

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1012 Law St (at San Marcos & Pacific Beach)
San Diego, CA 92109

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(858) 273-7946
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Murray Callan Swim School - San Diego, CA
Murray Callan Swim School - San Diego, CA
Reviews
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Best

I can't say enough about the great experience we've has here. We know without a doubt, our kids have a great foundation for swimming (and they are 4 and 2) and it will keep gettin...

Worst

I took my son to Murray Callan's for over 6 months and ultimately parted ways in a rather ugly manner. Originally, I wrote a scathing review of the school while I was still quite ...

I am so proud! 3/15/2010

I have 2 kids and they came to Murray Callan 8 months ago with very little swimming experience. We tried other schools but we finally found the right one. Over the past 8 months, my kids have become extremely comfortable with the water and are learning to swim the long way across the pool. I can?t believe how much they have learned. I know that the instructors and the very warm water have helped them advance so quickly. We are getting ready for their spring break from school and I am so excited for them to show off their new skills in the water. more
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great lessons 3/3/2010

I have been impressed so far witht he teaching style and the caring teachers. We will keep this up for awhile. hHoping to have a little surfer dude soon. more
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Murray Callan Swim School is ok if you can afford it 8/28/2009

We had our 2 year old enrolled for swimming lessons for about 4 months at the school. The staff was friendly, and their program is decent though it can get a little pricey and time consuming since they require you to come at least twice a week (and it's three times a week when you first join). The swim teacher we had was reasonably patient, but when my son hit a plateau and got to the "I will do things when I want to, how I want to and only if I want to" stage, we feel that they pushed him a little more than he was ready for. We were fine with just easing him into getting comfortable again in the water, but it seemed to be a battle of the wills with my 2 yr old and the teacher, then my son hated going because he kept "sinking" and gulping water and getting it up his nose. So we trusted our gut and did not continue with lessons. Perhaps it will be better when our son is older or if he felt more comfortable in the water. more
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Loyalty Means Nothing 8/24/2009

Management is intransigent on payment rules, going so far as pulling a child out of the pool for not having payment ready prior to entering the pool (cash and check are the only payment methods accepted). Regardless of 5 years client loyalty and history with the company, management was unwilling to allow the child to finish the 1/2 hour lesson with the understanding that the parent return within the hour with the check for payment immediately after the lesson. Pros: great instructors, great environment, great technique Cons: limited payment options/schedules, do not take credit cards more
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love it! 3/14/2009

What's great? the staff, the pool, the cleanliness, the history .... the list goes on. So glad I chose this school for my daughter! more
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Credentials matter! 12/18/2008

I am the grandmother of two children in the Murray Callan program. I also took my own children to the same swim school. I think that they are an amazing business. As a school teacher myself I am amazed by how much experience the Callan family has not only with teaching swimming, as well as other sports, but also as current and retired school teachers through San Diego Unified. They have so much experience, I don't think anyone compares to those credentials. My children grew up to be outstanding swimmers, and I watching my grandkids do the same. I am so proud of them and so pleased that they are in such capable hands. It is hard to find qualified, longstanding, family-run businesses in 2008. more
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I couldn't agree more! 10/18/2008

Responding to Rancho Penasquitos mom. I couldn't agree with you more! I don't understand people today. They get upset about the most ridiculous things. Everyone at the Murray Callan Swim School is so nice and welcoming how can you feel otherwise. I think that their policies make complete sense and all businesses have policies. Their signs around the facility are so helpful and are great friendly reminders. They make it so clear. The ownership has been so helpful and everyone is so friendly. I love this swim school! Pros: Wonderful! more
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Pacific Beach Pool is great! 10/2/2008

I have been bringing my two boys to MCSS in PB for over 3 years now ,coming 3 days a week for most of it. I think my time and committment to the school gives me some insight Pros: Pristine Facility, Excellent Instruction, Staff works hard to accomadate with in means. Cons: Lack of Current Technology ( Bill Pay, Credit Cards, Email, Online renewal/Reg.) Parking more
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Best swim school 8/19/2008

I'm Shannon, Charlee`s mom. I totally disagree with a1mom' s review. I have had to change classes etc and have had no problems whatsoever. I have seen the manager have to deal with some difficult parents and children doing things they shouldn't because they were not being watched by their parents and he handled it very professionally, diplomatically and without anger. Charlee loves her swim coach(manager of MCSS). He is wonderful with with all ages of children and all the parents I know, find he and his staff very approachable. In fact, he is quite funny. As owner of a children's gym I am extremely aware of what it takes to run a children's business professionally and successfully. You must be in tune with each child's needs, be fun, be silly, be stern, be understanding and be able to talk directly to a child on their own individual level. Thats what makes a great instructor. The manager and his staff of instructors all have these qualities. When I have had a question or need a make up class, all office staff has been extremely helpful. There policies are standard and nomal with any childrens programs I have ever seen, including my own. We had previously started out at another swim school and quickly realized there method was not for us and quite scary to Charlee. Murray Callan came highly recommended so we changed over quickly. My daughter loves Murray Callan Swim School and with much research we found there methods to be one of the top regarded methods in all of California. We have been their 1 year and will refer anyone to their facilities. Sincerely Shannon and Charlee more
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I LOVE MURRAY CALLAN SWIM SCHOOL !!!! 2/7/2008

My daughter Jenna has been swimming at Murray Callan for the past year and a half from the time of 4 months. more
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I'm a proud mom of two swimmers!! 2/3/2008

MCSS provides a service to the families of San Diego -- and they do a great job. They are patient and helpful. My two kids have learned more in 6 months than I ever imagined. I can't wait for the weather to warm up so we can swim at home and practice all that we've learned. I've heard some moms complain about ""strict rules"" like having to pay on time ... since when do people expect a service that they don't pay for?? MCSS has decades of experience behind them so they must know what works in order for them to run smoothly. Our family couldn't be happier with this business. If you have a complaint, fine, but make sure it's truly legit before spouting off. Pros: They produce swimmers and that's the ultimate goal. more
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Teaching Kids the Right Way to Swim - Well Managed 1/10/2008

I don't know what these people are talking about below. This is one of the best managed places in town. They are running a business and are extremely professional, however they have set guidelines about missed lessons, etc. and they are very straightforward. As a ex-swimmer who was never as good but swam with may swimmers who went on to be in the Olympics I can assure you that this is one ot the best places for a child to learn to swim correctly. It may take longer but you child will learn to swim the right way. This is a program that works. I have taken both of my children to Murray Cullan. We use to live in Mission Hills prior to moving to North County so we have had the opportunity to go to both the Pacific Beach and san Marcos facilities. Both are well run and most importantly both schools have excellent instructors who are professionally trained. If I had a complaint it would be that sometimes parking can be difficult at either facility, however that is minor when you consider that your child or children are been taught by the best. Pros: Organized, Excellent Instructors, Professionally Run Cons: Parking can be tough more
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<h2>Over 60 years Experience in Swim Instruction and Public Education</h2>

Owner Message

  • <p>Our program was founded by United States Swim School Association Hall of Fame Member Murray Callan and we instruct ages 3 months through adults. We have an individualized program with never more than three students per instructor. We have one-on-one rotation instruction and, as a result, each student will progress at their own rate.</p> <p>We have very warm 93o water, which creates a very relaxing, enjoyable teaching and learning atmosphere. Our swim schools are open year-round; our pristine facilities are indoors.</p> <p>We utilize a soft-touch technique, developed by Murray Callan over the last 60 years, which has been very successful for us; it is based on a Soft-Touch, No-Fear method.</p> <p>Our pools have a lot of shallow water and are custom-designed strictly for teaching swimming and that's all they are used for. Our pools have broad, shallow steps, all the way up to just a few inches in depth so anyone, any age, can seek their own security level by getting their feet on the bottom.</p> <p>We feel that with all those qualities combined, we have the best teaching aquatic environment anywhere.</p> <p>The lessons themselves are a half-hour in length and run on a twice-a-week basis year-round, for the first time in our 35 year history. The schedule choices are either Monday-Wednesday, Tuesday-Thursday, or Friday-Saturday. Our facilities are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 in the morning until 12:40 and then again from 2:20 in the afternoon until 7:00 pm. The last class of the evening starts at 6:30. Our Saturday hours are 8:00 until 12:40 only. We charge for a series of 8 half-hour lessons, which on a twice-per week basis will take four weeks to complete. The cost of lessons is $136 for a series of 8 lessons: a second child in the same family costs $5.00 less at $131. There are no enrollment or registration fees, therefore we only accept cash or checks.</p> <p>We suggest visiting our facilities during our open hours. Potential customers can walk out onto our pool deck unannounced, sit down and observe classes, and if there are any questions at that point, feel free to stop by the front desk and ask. When you are ready to enroll, either give us a call or come down in person and we will try to formalize a schedule that will be convenient for you.</p> <p>All children under the age of 2 must have an adult in the pool with them. All children under the age of 4, even if they are potty trained, must wear two, snug-fitting, non-disposable swim diapers or swim pants.</p> <p>Again, please remember we offer a 2-day-per-week schedule year-round.</p>.

    *All Levels of Swimming Instruction - Beginning to Advance
    *Medically Approved Infant Program
    *One-On-One Rotation Instruction
    *Soft Patient Techniques
    *Family Owned & Operated
    *Ages 3 Months-Adult

    *Over 60 years Experience in Swim Instruction and Public Education

    *Owned and operated by 3 generations of the Callan family

    *Owned,built and custom-designed exclusively for teaching infants and young children to swim

    *Crystal clear water 93o

    *COME VISIT OUR FACILITIES for additional information!

Additional information
  • Hours: check schedule online
  • Neighborhoods: Pacific Beach, Northern, Northern San Diego
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