Swimming school · Ann Arbor, MI · reviewed since 2013
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 64%70+44.5Reliability 28%60+16.9Replies to reviews 8%100+8.2Craft & service penalty98−0.2Experts Score= 69Not enough data for value; its weight is shared by the others.Grade B: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.69SCORE
BGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
Reviewers at Goldfish Swim School in Ann Arbor frequently praise the staff's patience, kindness, and ability to accommodate children with special needs through individualized instruction. The facility is often described as clean and organized, with positive mentions of family swim events and a welcoming environment for toddlers and older children. However, some customers criticize the pricing structure, class sizes, and perceived lack of progress in group lessons, while others report difficulties with scheduling flexibility and communication regarding specific incidents.
Google rating: 4.7 out of 5 from 264 reviews (86% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 264 Google reviews (158 with written comments, 8 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 99% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 22, 2026.
Service: Swimming Pool serving Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Data from Google, last updated October 26, 2026.
Score profile vs other swimming pool installation services
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and replies to reviews; weakest: reliability.
This companySwimming Pool Installation Services median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Goldfish Swim School - Ann Arbor: 70/100 on this factor. Category median: 79.B
70
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Goldfish Swim School - Ann Arbor: 60/100 on this factor. Category median: 72.B
60
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Goldfish Swim School - Ann Arbor: 98/100 on this factor. Category median: 78.A
98
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 89.–
–
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Goldfish Swim School - Ann Arbor: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Goldfish Swim School - Ann Arbor: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 48.A
100
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
264 Google reviews we collected
4.7of 5
5 stars22686%
4 stars197%
3 stars10%
2 stars52%
1 star135%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 158 written reviews
87%praise
Praise12387%
Complaints1813%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude6043%
Quality & results2417%
Would recommend2216%
Price & value1712%
Speed & response75%
Honesty & trust75%
Communication43%
What customers talk about
We read 158 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“I couldn’t be happier with the kindness and professionalism of his instructor and the staff.”
“We had our first lesson at Goldfish Swim School in Ann Arbor today, and it was a great experience!”
“And the worst part was they wouldn't even answer the phone the first time around.”
“We’re so grateful to be part of the Goldfish family and highly recommend them!”
“…and the pulling teeth process of trying to get our refund, we simply cannot recommend this place to anyone.…”
“The class size, warmer pool, and fun focus make it so worth it!”
“I wanted to love goldfish, but it was overpriced and the 30 min lessons with 4 kids in a class made it so the kids hardly ever got a turn to swim.”
“…n clearly, and coordinated with the instructors so he felt confident right away.…”
“She pushes them to their own individual limits while still maintaining their trust.”
“My daughter went here and now goes to vets and way happier and not being scammed!”
“She took the time to understand where he left off, explained the re-acclimation plan clearly, and coordinated with the instructors so he felt confiden…”
People customers mention
Geena4 reviews
Jeremiah4 reviews
Kari3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent reviews
Juniper2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 days ago★★★★★
My son is in the Golden Learners class because he is on the spectrum. They offer him private lessons for the price of the group class. I couldn’t be happier with the kindness and professionalism of his instructor and the staff. Learning to swim is life saving and I am so pleased we finally found a swim school that…
Casey9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 5 days ago★★★★★
Shoutout to Coach Olivia! After moving up a level, kiddo (4.5) was feeling nervous about a new coach and bummed to not have other kids yet scheduler in the group lesson. She was very worried she’d feel lonely or too tired and DID NOT want a private lesson. After just one session of jumping and laughing and choosing…
NoelLocal Guide · 51 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★
Great swim school for little kids with amazing coaching staff. Our two youngest kids started learning here about a 6 months ago and have made so much progress
Mandy1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 months ago★★★★★
5/5 ⭐️ My children attend the Goldfish Swim School in Ann Arbor and are absolutely thriving! From the staff, to the environment, to the facility, I have nothing but positive things to say! Goldfish swim school creates such a fun, warm and loving environment for children to thrive and become amazing and safe…
ChandlerLocal Guide · 18 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 4 months ago★★★★★
We love Goldish! I have a 4 month old and it has been wonderful introducing her to water and ensuring she stays safe. And Ms. Alexis is the very best!!!!
LuvvyLocal Guide · 57 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 5 months ago★
We just moved to the area and tried a free lesson for my son, but we won’t be back. When we walked in, the front desk was completely empty with no one to guide or welcome us. Unlike our previous swim school that had clear boundaries and a structured curriculum to actually teach kids how to swim, this place felt…
My son is in the Golden Learners class because he is on the spectrum. They offer him private lessons for the price of the group class. I couldn’t be happier with the kindness and professionalism of his instructor and the staff. Learning to swim is life saving and I am so pleased we finally found a swim school that can accommodate his special needs. Thank you so much!
Response from the owner · 3 days ago
Juniper, thank you for sharing your son's story with us! Finding the right fit for him in Golden Learners is such an important step, and his swim instructor will be touched to read this. Learning to swim is a life skill, and we're grateful you trust our team with his water safety.
Ava, Goldfish Swim School - Ann Arbor
Casey Thompson9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Casey has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Shoutout to Coach Olivia! After moving up a level, kiddo (4.5) was feeling nervous about a new coach and bummed to not have other kids yet scheduler in the group lesson. She was very worried she’d feel lonely or too tired and DID NOT want a private lesson. After just one session of jumping and laughing and choosing mermaid tail sparkle colors (!!), kiddo is now hoping for 1:1 lessons. Kudos & many thanks to coach Olivia for really listening to kiddo and making it FUN!!!
Response from the owner · 4 days ago
Coach Olivia is going to be so happy reading this, Casey! Going from nervous about a new coach to asking for one on one lessons after a single session is a big turnaround, and it took real courage for your little one to give it a try. Picking mermaid tail sparkle colors sounds like the perfect icebreaker! Thank you for taking the time to share this and for trusting us with her swim journey. We're here to celebrate every achievement she makes next!
Ava, Goldfish Swim School - Ann Arbor
Alicia Folske2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Alicia has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Goldfish is the best from school for children learning to swim
Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago
Alicia, thank you so much for this! We're so glad Pro 1 has felt like the best fit for your child's swim journey.
Ava, Goldfish Swim School - Ann Arbor
Scott LowenLocal Guide · 22 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Scott has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
My nieces love their time here! Wonderful people and supportive staff
Response from the owner · 2 months ago
Scott, we love that Goldfish time is such a favorite for your nieces! Thanks so much for sharing the love and for letting us be part of those fun swim days.
Ava, Goldfish Swim School - Ann Arbor
Noel PhilipLocal Guide · 51 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Noel has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Great swim school for little kids with amazing coaching staff. Our two youngest kids started learning here about a 6 months ago and have made so much progress
Response from the owner · 2 months ago
Noel, seeing your two little fish make great progress over the past six months is what we love to hear! Thank you for trusting our team with their swim journey. We’re so glad they’ve been building skills and confidence in the water.
Ava, Goldfish Swim School - Ann Arbor
Daniel Hankins5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Daniel has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We had our first lesson at Goldfish Swim School in Ann Arbor today, and it was a great experience! Peyton S. was our instructor, and Colton had a wonderful time getting introduced to swimming.
The facility was clean, organized, and welcoming. Since it was our first visit, we arrived about 10 minutes early for our 10:00 AM class. The front desk receptionist was incredibly friendly and helpful, making the check-in process easy and answering our questions.
Like many toddlers, Colton had a few tears at first, but Peyton did an excellent job helping him feel comfortable by giving him a ball to keep him engaged. That small gesture made a big difference, and it was something we really appreciated.
By the end of the lesson, Colton was smiling and having fun. We’re both looking forward to our next class! It’s always a great feeling when you leave knowing you made the right choice. Thank you to Peyton and the entire Goldfish Swim School team for making our first experience such a positive one!
Response from the owner · 2 months ago
Turning those initial first-day tears into smiles by the end of class is a huge win, Daniel! Peyton showed exactly how a little patience and a fun distraction can help a toddler feel safe and engaged in the water. We are so glad our Ann Arbor team made your check-in effortless and that Colton had such a great first experience. Thank you for sharing his breakthrough moment with us, and we cannot wait to see you both at the next lesson!
Ava, Goldfish Swim School - Ann Arbor
Mandy Ward1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Mandy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
5/5 ⭐️ My children attend the Goldfish Swim School in Ann Arbor and are absolutely thriving! From the staff, to the environment, to the facility, I have nothing but positive things to say! Goldfish swim school creates such a fun, warm and loving environment for children to thrive and become amazing and safe swimmers. My children have learned so much and are so confident in the water. I also have the peace of mind as a mom! 100% recommend this swim school!
Response from the owner · 3 months ago
Thank you for recommending our swim school, Mandy! Hearing that you have total peace of mind as a mom is the absolute best compliment we could ever receive, because water safety is always our top priority. We love that your children are thriving and confidence building every single week in the pool. Our Ann Arbor team members work hard to keep the school warm, fun, and loving, and we’re so grateful to have your family making waves with us!
Ava, Goldfish Swim School - Ann Arbor
Chandler HLocal Guide · 18 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Chandler has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We love Goldish! I have a 4 month old and it has been wonderful introducing her to water and ensuring she stays safe. And Ms. Alexis is the very best!!!!
Response from the owner · 4 months ago
We love nurturing your little one to become more comfortable and confident in and around the water, Chandler! We know Ms. Alexis will be super happy to hear she's making a splash with you. Thank you for sharing our passion for water safety, and we'll see you both poolside again soon!
Ava, Goldfish Swim School - Ann Arbor
Luvvy LovelyLocal Guide · 57 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Luvvy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We just moved to the area and tried a free lesson for my son, but we won’t be back. When we walked in, the front desk was completely empty with no one to guide or welcome us. Unlike our previous swim school that had clear boundaries and a structured curriculum to actually teach kids how to swim, this place felt completely disorganized and just looked like a bunch of toddlers playing in the water. If you are looking for real instruction and safety boundaries, I suggest looking elsewhere.
Response from the owner · 4 months ago
Welcome to the area, Luvvy! We're glad you checked out our swim school, but we are truly sorry to hear that your trial lesson did not meet your expectations.
We always strive for a welcoming and highly structured environment. Our team's records show that your family arrived about 15 minutes into the scheduled lesson time. Because a lot of our formal safety boundaries and curriculum instructions are established right at the beginning of class, the session can certainly look a bit different when joining late.
Knowing this, our front desk team greeted you and specifically offered a second, full trial class at no charge so your son could experience our program from start to finish. That offer still stands! If you would like to give us another try and see our full, structured curriculum in action, please feel free to reach out to our management team directly at (734) 849-2038. We'd love to be a part of your kiddo's swim journey and hope to reconnect with you soon.
Ava, Goldfish Swim School - Ann Arbor
Wen FLocal Guide · 71 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Wen has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
