Pre-Teens & Teens Programs
Advanced programs encouraging performance and discipline.
Building Strong, Confident, and Skilled Teen Swimmers
Charles River Aquatics takes a comprehensive, technique-first approach to teen swim instruction. Proper technique is the foundation of safe, efficient, and confident swimming, and each instructional level is defined by clear, measurable skill milestones. This cumulative curriculum ensures steady progression and long-term success in the water.
Small class sizes, individualized in-water and on-deck coaching, and detailed progress notes allow instructors to tailor instruction to each swimmer. All Charles River Aquatics instructors receive extensive, ongoing training to deliver a consistent, high-quality experience in a positive and encouraging environment that promotes teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal achievement.Â
Teen programming is offered through swim lessons or intensive crash courses, with additional options including advanced instruction, clinics, springboard diving, recreational swim teams, and lifeguard certification.
Teen Beginner Group Lessons
Skill Development for Ages 11–17
Teen beginner lessons are designed for teens looking to build confidence and improve technique, from beginner through intermediate levels. Instruction is delivered in small groups matched by ability.
Location
- Teaching Pool
- Boston Sports Institute, 900 Worcester St., Wellesley, MA
School Year Season
- September 6, 2025 – June 12, 2026
- Weekly 60-minute lessons (some blackout dates apply)
Schedule
- Tue 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Thu 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Fri 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
- Sat 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
- Sun 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Instruction Format
- In-water and deck coaching
- 60 minutes per lesson
Cost
- $225 per month
Summer Season
- June - August
- Mon - Wed: 6:00 PM - 7:20 PM
- Three-day sessions
- 80 minutes per lesson
Cost
- $225 per 3-day session
Important Note
- Spectators are not permitted during instructional or team programming
Technique & Training Tune-Up (T3U)
Technique & Training Tune-Up is designed for swimmers ages 8+ who are ready for higher-level training. This is not a learn-to-swim program. Swimmers must be proficient in all four competitive strokes and able to swim 200–500 yards freestyle continuously. Sessions are structured like a team practice with a coach on deck, focusing on refining technique, increasing endurance, and improving speed.
Location
- Competition Pool
- Boston Sports Institute, Wellesley, MA
School Year Season
- September 6, 2025 – June 12, 2026
Team Experience Without USA Swimming Commitment
The Charles River Aquatics Recreational Swim Team offers teens the opportunity to train in a team environment without competing against other clubs or joining a USA Swimming team. Swimmers benefit from structured workouts that enhance technique, endurance, and race skills while enjoying camaraderie and a fun, supportive atmosphere.
- Athletes may participate independently or alongside Technique & Training Tune-Up (T3U) workouts
Registration
- See program details and schedules for enrollment options
Youth Adaptive Swim Lessons | Ages 4–17 | Any Skill Level
CRA’s Adaptive Swim Lessons are designed to support children with developmental disabilities in building water safety, confidence, and swimming skills in a supportive, inclusive, and sensory-aware environment.
Each lesson is taught by instructors trained in adaptive aquatics and supported by a low student-to-instructor ratio, ensuring personalized attention. Lessons are tailored to each child’s abilities and learning style, using visual aids, structured routines, and consistent instruction to promote comfort in the water, physical coordination, communication, and social interaction.
Whether your child is new to swimming or continuing skill development, the goal is to create a safe, fun, and empowering aquatic experience that fosters water safety, independence, and enjoyment.
Intake Requirement:
All families must complete an intake questionnaire to help us best understand and support your child’s needs.
Class Details:
- Class Size: 2 swimmers (each may have an aide/guardian) per instructor
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Cost: $270/month
- Location: Warm Teaching Pool
Who Should Enroll:
Children ages 4–17 with developmental disabilities, including (but not limited to) autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, and sensory processing challenges.
Aide/Parent Participation:
- An aide or parent is required for the first class.
- Ongoing participation may be required based on the child’s needs; in some cases, the aide or parent may need to enter the water.
Class Features:
- Visual supports and structured routines
- Individualized instruction based on each child’s needs
- Small class sizes to ensure focused attention
- Focus on water safety, floating, kicking, and breath control
- Warm, welcoming environment with sensory-friendly accommodations
Lesson Structure:
- Water Adjustment: Activities to help children feel comfortable in the water, including entering/exiting the pool, submersion, floating, and breathing exercises.
- Warm-Up: Prepare the body for swimming.
- Skill Practice: Focused practice on swimming techniques and safety skills.
- Treading Water: Build endurance and confidence in both shallow and deeper water.
- Basic Kicks: Practice kicking for freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke using flotation devices.
- Endurance: Gradually increase swimming distance and intensity.
- Flexibility: Lessons are adjusted based on the child’s progress, needs, and sensory considerations.
- Cool-Down: Relaxation exercises to conclude each lesson.
Teaching Considerations:
- Sensory Sensitivities: Maintain a calming environment with appropriate lighting and noise levels.
- Communication: Use clear instructions and visual cues.
- Patience & Adaptability: Allow children to progress at their own pace and adjust teaching style, activities, and equipment as needed.
Technique & Training Tune-Up | Ages 8–17 | Skill Prerequisites
Description:
For proficient swimmers ages 8–17 looking to improve technique, endurance, and overall fitness, CRA’s Technique & Training Tune-Up provides structured, coached workouts in the competition pool.
Class Details:
- Class Size: Up to 4 swimmers per lane
- Location: Competition Pool
- Cost: $225/month
- Prerequisites: Must be proficient in all four competitive strokes and able to maintain a legal freestyle for at least 200 consecutive yards
Program Focus:
- Build endurance and stamina
- Refine stroke technique and efficiency
- Improve overall swimming fitness through coached sets
This program is ideal for swimmers ready to take their skills to the next level in a structured, focused environment.
Teen Beginner | 10 - 17 years old | Beginner-Intermediate Skills
Beginner & Intermediate | Age 10-17
Class size: 8
Warm Teaching Pool
$225/month
This program is an hour long class in our warm teaching for beginner and intermediate swimmers looking to learn with older peers.
Summer Swim Camp | Ages 4–14 | Any Skill Level
REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER 2026!
Our Summer Swim Camp welcomes swimmers of all levels, from beginners to experienced athletes, ages 4–14. Campers are evaluated regularly and grouped to ensure they are appropriately challenged.
Each day includes:
- Multiple group swim lessons in both pools
- Free swim, games, and fun water activities
- Focus on improving technique, confidence, and water safety
Location:
Boston Sports Institute
900 Worcester Street, Wellesley, MA 02482
Dates: Expand
Cost:
- Full Day: $699/week*
- Half Day: $399/week*
*Short weeks prorated accordingly
Hours:
- Full Day: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Half Day: AM: 9:00 AM – Noon | PM: Noon – 3:00 PM
Recreational Swim Team | CRA ORCAS | Ages 8–17 | Tryout Required
Location: Competition Pool
Schedule: Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday
Cost: $375/month (School Year Season)
Fall Add-On: Wednesday evenings, Sep 10 – Oct 1, 7:00–8:15 PM
Prerequisites: Proficient in all four competitive strokes and able to swim a legal freestyle for at least 200 consecutive yards.
The CRA ORCAS Recreational Swim Team provides a fun, team-oriented environment where athletes can improve technique, build endurance, and enjoy swimming—without competing against other teams.
USA Swimming Club Team CRA DRAGONS | Grade 3 - 12 | Tryout Required
Stroke, Starts & Turns Clinics | Ages 8–17
Description:
Join Charles River Aquatics for intensive stroke, starts & turns clinics, each focused on improving a single skill. These clinics are designed for swimmers looking to refine technique—not for learn-to-swim participants. Participants will benefit from focused instruction, video analysis, and skill-specific drills.
Prerequisites:
Participants must be ages 8–17 and meet one of the following:
- Current or past students who have achieved Level 3 or higher in Instructional Swim
- Participants in Technique & Training Tune-Up (T3U)
- Members of the CRA Dragons Youth Swim Team, Explorer or higher
- Participants in the CRA Recreational Swim Team
- New to CRA: Must be proficient in all four competitive strokes and seeking technique improvement
Location: BSI Wellesley, 900 Worcester Street
Cost: $150/clinic
What to Bring:
- Swimsuit
- Goggles
- Swim cap
- Towel
- Full, labeled water bottle
- Healthy snack
Clinic Structure:
- 30 min: Skill-focused swimming with video recording
- 30 min: Snack break + video review
- 45 min: Apply learned skills, refine technique
- 15 min: Free swim
Curriculum Details:
- Freestyle: Focus on proper body position, balanced rotation, high-anchor catch, and efficient pull.
- Backstroke: Emphasizes body position, even rotation, and proper arm entry and catch.
- Breaststroke: Develops an efficient kick, correct pull width, stroke timing, and glide.
- Butterfly: Focus on chest press, breath timing, and maintaining an effective pull through the stroke.
- Starts & Turns: Build powerful dives, maintain speed off the wall, and refine underwater kicking and breakout strokes for maximum efficiency.
Note: Dates coming soon.
Technique & Training Boot Camp | Ages 8–17
Description:
This boot camp is designed for competitive swimmers looking to gain a training edge for the upcoming season. It combines swim sets, dryland exercises, and expert-led mini lectures on biomechanics, flexibility, and strength training. Participants will improve power, endurance, and overall performance.
Prerequisites:
Participants must be ages 8–17 and:
- Currently competitive swimmers
- Meet one of the following if currently/previously enrolled in CRA:
- Level 3 or higher in Instructional Swim
- Participation in Technique & Training Tune-Up (T3U)
- Member of CRA Dragons Youth Swim Team, Explorer or higher
- Participation in CRA Recreational Swim Team
- New to CRA: Proficient in all four competitive strokes and seeking technique improvement
Location: BSI Wellesley, 900 Worcester Street
Cost & Dates: Coming soon
What to Bring:
- Swimsuit
- Goggles
- Swim cap
- Towel
- Full, labeled water bottle
- Healthy snack
What to Expect:
- High-intensity swim sets
- Dryland exercises
- Instruction on biomechanics, strength, and flexibility
- Technique refinement and skill-focused coaching
Note: This is not a learn-to-swim program.