La Petite Baleen in San Bruno, San Mateo County, United States | Swimming

La Petite Baleen began in the backyard pool of John and Irene Kolbisen?s Half Moon Bay home in 1979. As public school teachers, the Kolbisens were looking for a creative outlet for their love of children and the water. With three young children of their own and several local families, they developed an in depth curriculum and ribbon level system for their ?aquatic classroom?. John and Irene?s developmental aquatic program emphasizes a balance between love and discipline, thus teaching not only Swimming, but also self-esteem and coping skills.

Today, La Petite Baleen swim schools are located in Half Moon Bay, San Bruno and San Francisco. Our teachers are highly trained in all levels of the unique Kolbisen swim method. We offer classes seven days a week for swimmers of all ages (two months to adult). Our classes are once a week, for 1/2 hour, with a student-teacher ratio of 4:1 (ages 3 and up) and 6:1 (under 3 years of age).

Learning life skills through Swimming is our philosophy at La Petite Baleen, San Bruno, California, United States. Through progress reports, phone conferences, newsletters and our knowledgeable staff, we educate and inform parents as an important part of our teaching team. We believe that aquatic child development extends beyond our Swimming pools and into the heart of our families? homes. In addition to physical Swimming skills, our students learn emotional skills such as:

* Listening to and following directions
* Social interaction and teamwork
* Respect for oneself and others
* Overcoming obstacles and facing fears

Learning to swim is hard work, albeit fun, and requires much effort. How much a child enjoys this work and how rapidly s/he progresses depends greatly on the attitude of the parent(s). It is not only rewarding, but also contagious when children master goals in the Swimming pool (and in life!). By working as a team with our parents and swimmers, our staff takes great pride in guiding children through the peaks and valley?s of swim class.


Our mantra at La Petite Baleen, San Bruno, California is ?Pace, Pattern, Compassion and Fun!? These four components keep us focused on very important teaching ideas, which are elemental to our vision and program.

At La Petite Baleen we know that movement actually helps the young brain absorb information more readily. Pace keeps the child engaged and is part of a good physical fitness program. La Petite Baleen wants to be a part of your child?s physical fitness for life. Children who are not physically moving get bored easily and lose concentration. Pace and energy excites and invites children to learn.