Most people understand that swimming is an essential life skill that saves lives. However, there are additional benefits to learning to swim, especially at an early age. In addition to perseverance, grit, determination and concentration, it's also a way for some children to have fun, conquer fears and develop a growth and can-do mindset safely.

Water Safety
​While many parents and guardians try to be with their children as much as possible to protect them, there are times when a child needs to be self-reliant and comfortable acting fast around water. Teaching children to swim early ensures that when they visit aquatics facilities, home pools, and beaches, they have mastered the basics of swimming and the importance of being water-safe. Children who understand these fundamentals view swimming and water-related activities as fun.

Coordination
​Freestyle or backstroke swimming requires a lot of hand-eye coordination. Did you know there are eight strokes in swimming and four in competitive swimming? Mastering control over one's body to move effectively through water is an essential skill that can enhance balance and support a child's ability to succeed and excel in other sports later in life.

Social Skills
​While swimming is often a solitary activity for many, it's essential to recognize that the skills children develop in the pool can have a lasting impact on their social development. Swimming provides a perfect environment for young children to develop critical social skills, including sportsmanship, empathy, cooperation, and effective communication. These lessons extend beyond the pool, positively influencing how well they interact with peers and how they listen and follow instructions.

Gross Motor Skill Development
​Learning to swim at an early age offers numerous benefits, including increased endurance and stamina. Additionally, swimming helps improve balance, upper body and core strength, as well as body and spatial awareness. The skills acquired in the pool can also translate well to other sports, hobbies and physical activities.

Confidence
​Early swim lessons allow children to build trust and achieve personal goals in a supportive, safe, structured environment. As they encounter future challenges, the life lessons learned in the pool — such as perseverance, adaptability and problem-solving — equip them with confidence and determination, ultimately enhancing their self-esteem.

The Learn to Swim Program is part of Baldwin’s Lower School Physical Education curriculum. Students participate in weekly lessons during the school year and periodic exhibitions where they display their skills to family and friends. Parents are updated on their child’s progress through a report sent home three times a year. Baldwin is also home to a collegiate swimming pool, where enrolled students and those from area schools take swim lessons and compete.

​If you're interested in learning more about Baldwin or the Learn to Swim Program, schedule a Tour.​

The Baldwin School offers transformative learning experiences tailored specifically for girls. As an educational leader and innovator, Baldwin focuses on understanding how girls learn best and what they need to thrive. Baldwin provides students with excellent academic programs and a nurturing, caring community. From Pre-K through Grade 12, the School empowers confident and resilient learners who take pride in their work and push their boundaries, all while encouraging a deep curiosity about their world.

After more than 130 years, Baldwin remains committed to the belief that solid academics and diverse enrichment opportunities provide young women with the space to explore their whole selves and develop into perseverant women who can and will make lasting and enduring contributions to the world. In addition to unique and advanced topic classes, students at Baldwin can participate in more than 120 team sports, programs, affinity groups and clubs. With so many choices available to explore their passions, develop stamina, and make new friends, it's no wonder that many students regard Baldwin as their second home. Whether a girl joins Baldwin in Kindergarten or ninth grade, she will develop essential life skills that will help her lead now and in the future with curiosity, creativity, and confidence.

​Learn More about Baldwin. Schedule a Tour.​

In the Lower School (Pre-K through Grade 5), self-contained classes provide a robust foundation in reading, writing, math and social studies. Co-curricular classes covering technology, art, music, science, world languages and physical education, including our renowned Learn to Swim© program, ignite creativity and foster essential skills in our young learners.

The Middle School (Grades 6 through 8) builds on lower school by delving deeper into science, math, technology, literary studies, world languages, history and cultural anthropology. The emphasis on organizing material and information enhances students’ time management skills, confidence, and independence.

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​Baldwin's Upper School (Grades 9 through 12) is designed to prepare students for future success. Our personalized curriculum, robust core of courses, emphasis on blended learning and curated challenges ensure that Baldwin students are academically excellent and well-prepared for the challenges of leading colleges and universities upon graduation.

​If you're interested in learning more about Baldwin schedule a Tour.​

Baldwin​
701 MONTGOMERY AVENUE
BRYN MAWR, PA 19010​
​(610) 525-2700​

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