The PPA Training Center
602 Elkton Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Pikes Peak Athletics Training Center is the premier destination for swim lessons and water safety instruction in Colorado Springs.
This state-of-the-art facility features a small, warm water pool in addition to a deep-water pool designed to accommodate swimmers of all ages and skill levels. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and top-tier instructors, the Training Center offers small group and private lessons, competitive swim training, and comprehensive aquatic programming. Whether you’re looking to build foundational skills or refine advanced techniques, the Pikes Peak Athletics Training Center provides a supportive environment that fosters growth, safety, and swimming excellence.
Not sure which class to choose?
Swimmers start upon enrollment,
no waiting for a new session - claim your spot today!
Have more questions before you commit? Find answers here.
Group Lessons with Current Openings:
Frequently Asked Questions: Ongoing Lessons
-
Enrolling is simple!
Find the appropriate swim level for your swimmer with our Find My Level tool.
Choose the location and class that works best for your schedule.
Click Register to create an account (or log in) through our enrollment system.
By default, your swimmer will begin at the next scheduled class. If you'd like to start later, we can adjust your start date up to two weeks in advance. Simply contact our Front Desk at (719) 400-7450 or trainingcenter@pikespeakathletics.com after enrolling.
Once we receive your enrollment, our team will review your registration before processing payment. During this review, we'll:
Apply any eligible discounts (such as military or multi-sibling discounts)
Prorate tuition if your swimmer is joining after the start of the current session
Process the appropriate tuition based on your enrollment date
Ongoing Billing
Swim lessons are billed automatically on the 16th of each month for the following month's session.
If you enroll before the 16th: We'll process any prorated tuition due for the current session (if applicable). Your next full month's tuition will then be automatically processed on the 16th.
If you enroll after the 16th: Because billing for the upcoming session has already taken place, we'll process both your prorated tuition for the current session (if applicable) and your tuition for the following month's session when your enrollment is finalized.
After your enrollment has been reviewed and payment has been processed, we'll send you a confirmation email with additional enrollment details.
You'll also receive an automated email from our enrollment software, Jackrabbit, containing the policies you agreed to during registration, including our billing, make-up lesson, and withdrawal policies. We recommend saving this email for future reference.
Withdrawing from Lessons
Our swim lesson program is an ongoing monthly enrollment, so there's no need to re-register each month.
If you decide to withdraw, simply complete our Withdrawal Form no later than the 15th of the month to avoid being billed for the following session. Once tuition has been processed on the 16th, it is non-refundable, as your swimmer's spot has been reserved for the upcoming session.
-
In addition to monthly tuition, new swim lesson families will see two enrollment fees:
- $35 Family Enrollment Fee (per family)
- $10 one-time Initial Enrollment Fee (per swimmer under age 12).Administrative Fee (per family)
A $35 Administrative Fee is charged once per family when you first enroll.
This fee helps support the enrollment process and the behind-the-scenes work that keeps our programs running smoothly, including account setup, scheduling, customer support, and ongoing program management.
How it works:
Charged once per family at enrollment
If a family withdraws and later re-enrolls, the Administrative Fee may be charged again, up to two times within a 12-month period
Automatically processed using the payment method on file
Non-refundable
Families transferring between PPA programs (such as group lessons, private lessons, Base Camp, or Swim Camps) do not pay another Administrative Fee
Initial Enrollment Fee (per swimmer)
A one-time $10 Initial Enrollment Fee is charged for each swimmer under age 12.
This fee includes either a pair of PPA vetted goggles or a reusable swim diaper for our youngest swimmers. Providing equipment we're familiar with allows instructors to spend less time adjusting gear and more time teaching.
How it works:
One-time fee per swimmer under age 12
Includes goggles or a reusable swim diaper
Non-refundable
-
We understand that life happens! Illnesses, family vacations, and unexpected events are sometimes unavoidable. To help support our swim families, Pikes Peak Athletics offers up to two make-up lessons per 4-week session for missed group lessons on a space-available basis.
Because make-up lessons depend entirely on another swimmer's absence, they are a courtesy and cannot be guaranteed. Our goal is always for swimmers to attend their regularly scheduled weekly lesson whenever possible, as consistent attendance is one of the most important factors in building confidence, skill retention, and long-term swimming success.
If your swimmer misses a lesson, you may schedule a make-up lesson while actively enrolled via the Parent Portal or by contacting our Front Desk at trainingcenter@pikespeakathletics.com or (719) 400-7450.
We generally recommend checking availability the morning of or the day before you'd like to attend. While we understand the desire to plan ahead, most absences are reported within 24 hours of class, making additional openings available at that time as we rely on absences to schedule your swimmer’s make-up.
Please Note:
Swimmers may make up up to two missed lessons per 4-week session.
Make-up lessons are offered on a space-available basis and are not guaranteed.
We encourage families to schedule make-up lessons within 1-2 weeks of the missed lesson whenever possible for the greatest educational benefit.
Make-up lessons remain available only while a swimmer is actively enrolled in group lessons.
Unused make-up lessons are forfeited upon withdrawal and cannot be carried forward to a future enrollment.
Make-up lessons have no cash value, cannot be converted to tuition credits, and cannot be applied toward future tuition.
Make-up lessons cancelled with more than 24 hours' notice may be rescheduled.
Make-up lessons cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice, or not attended, are forfeited.
Private Lesson Option
Families may also request to convert a make-up lesson into a 30-minute private lesson with their swimmer's instructor for a $20 fee, based on instructor availability. Mini Group Lesson make-ups may be requested for a $9 fee, also subject to availability.
-
Because our swim lessons operate as ongoing monthly classes with limited enrollment, we don’t offer a "pause" option.
Your swimmer's spot is reserved for them each month and remains unavailable to other families as long as they are enrolled. If you know you'll be away or need to miss lessons for an extended period, you'll have two options:
Remain enrolled to reserve your swimmer's spot and continue participating when you return with 2 lessons available for make-up each session.
Withdraw from lessons by completing our Withdrawal Form before the 15th of the month. Your spot will then become available to another swimmer.
When you're ready to return, we'll always do our best to find another class that fits your swimmer's age, skill level, and schedule. However, because enrollment changes throughout the year, we cannot guarantee that the same class, instructor, or time will still be available.
If you'll only be missing one or two lessons, we recommend remaining enrolled and taking advantage of our make-up lesson policy whenever possible.
-
If you decide to discontinue lessons, simply complete our Withdrawal Form no later than the 15th of the month to avoid being billed for the following month's session.
Tuition is processed on the 16th of each month for the upcoming session. Once tuition has been processed, it is non-refundable, as your swimmer's spot has been reserved and staffing has been scheduled based on enrollment.
If your swimmer isn't quite ready to stop swimming but needs a different day, time, or level, our Front Desk is always happy to help you find another class that better fits your family's needs.
-
At Pikes Peak Athletics, our swim lessons are designed as ongoing monthly sessions rather than short-term classes. Learning to swim is a developmental process, and every swimmer progresses at their own pace. By remaining enrolled, your swimmer can continue building confidence, strength, coordination, and water safety skills without unnecessary interruptions.
Ongoing enrollment also means you don't have to worry about re-registering every month or losing your swimmer's spot while they're working toward the next level. Your swimmer will remain in their class until they're ready to advance, you'd like to change class times, or you choose to withdraw.
There are many benefits to consistent, year-round swim lessons, including:
Developing lasting muscle memory and strong swimming technique
Building confidence through regular exposure to the water
Reducing skill regression that often occurs after long breaks
Allowing instructors to build on previous lessons instead of reteaching lost skills
Supporting steady progress at a pace that's appropriate for your swimmer's individual development
Because every child learns differently, we don't expect swimmers to master a level within a set number of weeks. Our curriculum is designed to meet swimmers where they are and help them build a lifelong foundation of confidence, safety, and swimming skills.
If you decide to discontinue lessons, simply complete our Withdrawal Form no later than the 15th of the month to avoid being billed for the following month's session.
Tuition is processed on the 16th of each month for the upcoming session. Once tuition has been processed, it is non-refundable, as your swimmer's spot has been reserved and staffing has been scheduled based on enrollment.
If your swimmer isn't quite ready to stop swimming but needs a different day, time, or level, our Front Desk is always happy to help you find another class that better fits your family's needs.
-
To support swimmers most effectively, we offer a low instructor to swimmer ratio across all levels.
1:3 | PLittle
1:4 | Little Pikes 1, 2, and 3
1:2 | Mini Little Pikes 1, 2, and 3
1:8 | Water Babies
1:8 | Base Camp
-
All swim lessons are 30 minutes long. Base Camp lessons are 45 minutes long.
Thirty minutes is the ideal lesson length for most young swimmers. Learning to swim requires focus, coordination, confidence, breath control, and physical effort - all in a stimulating environment. Our instructors make every minute count by keeping swimmers actively engaged while allowing brief opportunities to reset and refocus. Longer lessons don't necessarily lead to faster progress, especially for younger children.
The greatest predictor of progress isn't longer lessons - it's consistent time in the water. Families who are able to attend multiple lessons each week or provide additional opportunities for recreational swimming often see skills develop more quickly. If once a week is what your schedule allows, attending consistently each week is the best way to support steady progress.
We invite you to learn more here:
Consistent Swimming Lessons – Even After Summer Is Over -
Because ongoing swim lessons are held indoors, classes typically continue as scheduled during rain, snow, and other weather conditions.
Winter Weather
At our Pikes Peak Athletics Training Center, we strive to remain open whenever it is safe to do so. Colorado Springs weather can vary dramatically from one neighborhood to another, so we recognize that conditions at your home may be very different from conditions at our facility.
If we determine that closing the facility is necessary for the safety of our swimmers, families, and staff, we'll notify enrolled families as early as possible via email and social media. Swimmers affected by a facility closure will be eligible to schedule a make-up lesson.
If our facility remains open but you choose not to travel due to conditions in your area, please input your absence on the Parent Portal or contact us our Front Desk at (719) 400-7450 or trainingcenter@pikespeakathletics.com. While our standard cancellation policy still applies, our team is always happy to discuss available make-up options when severe weather creates unique circumstances.
Lightning Delays
If lightning or other weather conditions require us to temporarily suspend lessons, we'll do our best to resume classes as soon as it's safe. If lessons must be canceled due to a weather-related closure, affected swimmers will be eligible for a make-up lesson at their primary location or at the Pikes Peak Athletics Training Center, depending on availability.
Because weather-related closures are outside of our control and instructors remain scheduled to work, canceled lessons due to facility closures are not eligible for refunds or account credits. Instead, families are welcome to schedule a make-up lesson in accordance with our make-up policy.
-
At Pikes Peak Athletics, swimmers are placed based on a combination of age, current skill level, confidence in the water, and developmental readiness. Our goal isn't to place swimmers in the highest level they can "get by" in - it's to place them where they'll be the most successful and continue building a strong foundation.
Our curriculum has been carefully designed so that each level builds upon the one before it. Every skill your swimmer learns is intentionally preparing them for future skills. Before a swimmer can confidently swim across the pool, they first need to develop comfort in the water, breath control, body position, buoyancy, balance, and efficient movement. Taking the time to build these foundational skills leads to stronger technique, greater confidence, and safer swimmers in the long run.
For our youngest swimmers, age is just as important as skill. Early childhood is a period of tremendous cognitive, physical, and emotional development. Our preschool curriculum is designed around what children are developmentally ready to learn - not simply what they can imitate. As swimmers grow, they'll naturally become ready for more complex skills and greater independence.
Unlike programs that promote swimmers after a fixed number of weeks, we advance swimmers when they've consistently demonstrated the skills needed to be successful in the next level. This helps ensure swimmers continue progressing with confidence instead of becoming frustrated by gaps in their foundation.
If you're unsure where to begin, our Find My Level tool can help you choose the best starting point. If you still have questions, our team is always happy to help recommend the class that's the best fit for your swimmer.
You can also explore the goals and focus of each level on our Curriculum page.
-
Pikes Peak Athletics teaches using our own proprietary curriculum, developed and continually refined by our leadership team over decades of combined experience teaching swimmers of all ages and abilities.
Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all national curriculum, we've built a program that reflects how children actually learn to swim. Every level, every progression, and every skill has been intentionally designed to support the next stage of development. We don't simply teach isolated swimming skills - we teach the foundational abilities that allow swimmers to become confident, capable, and safe in the water.
Our curriculum emphasizes:
Water safety and confidence first
Developmentally appropriate progressions for each age group
Strong foundational skills before introducing more complex techniques
Efficient, technically sound swimming mechanics
Building independence through confidence, not fear
One of the things that makes our curriculum unique is that it is never done evolving. Our leadership team is continually evaluating lessons, observing swimmers, mentoring instructors, and refining our teaching methods based on what produces the best outcomes. As we learn more about skill acquisition, child development, and effective teaching strategies, our curriculum evolves alongside that knowledge.
Our goal has never been to move swimmers through levels as quickly as possible. Our goal is to develop swimmers who are confident around water, understand how to keep themselves safer, and possess strong swimming skills they can carry with them for life.
If you'd like to explore what each level teaches and why, visit our Curriculum page.
-
Every Pikes Peak Athletics instructor completes an extensive training program before ever teaching independently. New instructors work through classroom education, in-water training, shadowing, and supervised teaching to ensure they're prepared to safely and effectively teach swimmers of all ages and abilities. All instructors are also certified in CPR and First Aid.
What truly sets Pikes Peak Athletics apart is the team behind that training.
Our instructor development program is led by experienced aquatic professionals who have spent decades teaching, coaching, building curriculum, and training other instructors. Our owner, Anna, was a Division I swimmer and has dedicated her life to the sport. Our Director of Program Operations has more than 20 years of experience in the aquatics industry, beginning as a swim instructor at age 16 herself. Our Lesson Program Supervisor was a competitive collegiate swimmer and has more than a decade of teaching experience. Together with our leadership team, they continually evaluate our curriculum, refine teaching methods, mentor instructors, and ensure every lesson reflects the highest standards of safety and instruction.
Training at PPA doesn't end after onboarding. We believe great instructors are always learning. Through ongoing mentoring, continuing education, observations, and regular feedback, we continually invest in our team so they can provide the best possible experience for every swimmer who walks onto our pool deck.
Want to learn more? Read our article: The Evolution of Swim Lessons.
-
All that is needed for the first day is a swimsuit and towel – you’ll pick up your goggles (or swim diaper) when you arrive. Not everyone uses goggles, and that’s okay! Your swimmer will likely hit a point where they choose to wear them. We encourage learning to swim both with and without goggles.
Learn more about our suggestions in our article:
Dive in Style: Choosing the Best Swimsuits and Goggles for Your Little Swimmers -
We ask that a parent or guardian remain on-site for the duration of their swimmer's lesson. This ensures an adult is immediately available should a bathroom break, emergency, or other need arise, and gives instructors an opportunity to share important progress updates at the end of class.
At the Pikes Peak Athletics Training Center, parents are welcome to watch lessons from either of our designated viewing areas:
The Front Desk viewing area overlooking the Lessons Pool
The upstairs Parent Viewing Balcony overlooking the Training Pool
We ask that parents remain in these viewing areas rather than on the pool deck. Keeping the deck clear allows our lifeguards to maintain unobstructed sightlines, minimizes distractions for swimmers and instructors, and helps ensure emergency pathways remain accessible.
At the Country Club of Colorado and The Club at Flying Horse, parents are welcome to watch from the designated seating and viewing areas available at each facility. Swimmers who wish to continue swimming after their lesson (members only) must first exit the water, check in with their parent or guardian, and then may return to the pool.
Swim Camps: Parents and guardians are not required to remain on-site during Swim Camps.
-
Click Here to view Pikes Peak Athletics Learn to Swim Program Progression to Swim Team
-
Every swimmer is different, so there isn't a set timeline for learning to swim.
A swimmer's progress depends on many factors, including their age, previous experience in the water, comfort level, personality, developmental readiness, consistency in attending lessons, and opportunities to practice outside of class. Some swimmers move through levels quickly, while others need more time to build confidence before new skills begin to click.
It's also important to remember that progress isn't always linear. Most swimmers experience periods of rapid improvement followed by plateaus while their brains and bodies develop the coordination, confidence, and muscle memory needed for the next skill. These plateaus are a normal—and expected—part of learning.
Just as importantly, learning to swim is not the same as becoming "water safe." There is no point at which anyone—child or adult—is completely without risk in or around water. Even elite and Olympic swimmers are supervised by trained lifeguards because emergencies can happen to anyone. Swimming lessons are one of the most important layers of water safety, but they never replace active adult supervision.
Even after your swimmer has completed lessons, we encourage families to keep their skills fresh. A few private lessons, a swim camp, or occasional refresher lessons each year can help maintain confidence, reinforce proper technique, and prevent skill regression—especially through the elementary and middle school years.
Rather than focusing on how quickly a swimmer advances through levels, we encourage families to celebrate steady growth in confidence, safety skills, and independence while recognizing that water safety is a lifelong responsibility.
Want to learn more? Read our article: How Long Will It Take for My Child to Learn to Swim?
-
There isn't one secret to faster progress - it's usually a combination of consistency, confidence, and practice.
Attend lessons consistently. Swimming is a skill built through repetition and muscle memory. Missing lessons or taking long breaks often leads to regression, meaning swimmers spend valuable lesson time rebuilding skills instead of learning new ones. Regular attendance is the single biggest factor in long-term progress.
Practice outside of lessons whenever you can. Time in the water doesn't have to look like a formal lesson to be valuable. Visiting the pool, playing in the water, practicing floating, blowing bubbles, jumping in safely, or simply becoming more comfortable getting their face wet all help reinforce what they're learning with their instructor.
Ask your instructor what to work on. Every swimmer is different. Your instructor can often suggest one or two simple things to practice between lessons based on your swimmer's current goals. Sometimes that might be blowing bubbles in the bathtub, floating on the back, or practicing arm movements at home. Small amounts of practice between lessons can make a big difference.
Keep swim lessons positive. Celebrate effort just as much as accomplishments! Talk about swim lessons with excitement, ask your swimmer what they practiced, and recognize their hard work. Children who feel confident and excited about coming to lessons are often more willing to try new skills.
Trust the process. Swimming isn't a straight line. Most swimmers experience periods of rapid progress followed by plateaus while their brains and bodies organize new skills. That's a normal—and expected—part of learning. Your instructor is continually building the foundation needed for long-term confidence, safety, and strong technique.
Want to learn more? Check out these articles:
-
If your instructor has indicated your swimmer is ready to move up levels, please stop by or contact our Front Desk to transfer your swimmer to the next level. Our Front Desk team can be reached at (719) 400-7450 or trainingcenter@pikespeakathletics.com.
In the event we don’t have a spot available in the next level on a day/time that works for your family we will:
Place your swimmer(s) on the appropriate waitlist(s).
Continue instructing your swimmer in their current class by incorporating skills from the next level to keep them engaged and challenged.
We do not recommend dropping your swimmer to wait for a spot to become available as maintaining consistency is key in skill progression!