FAQs for Northern, VA’s ParrotFish Swim School

When is tuition due?

Tuition is due in full at the time of registration, and one week prior to the beginning of each new swim session. Please make your check payment out to Dan Dakus. Returned checks will be subject to a $40 returned check fee.

Payment can be made in person at your swim lesson, or remitted by mail to:

ParrotFish Swim School, Inc.
21025 Stanford Square #301
Sterling, VA 20166

*Note: This is not the pool location. Pool location and directions are on the Contact page.


Is there an annual registration fee?
A $20.00 non-refundable annual registration fee for each enrolled swimmer due at the time of class enrollment.

Is the Waiver/Release of Liability Form required?
Under no circumstances will a student be permitted to participate in swim lessons until the waiver/release of liability form is signed.

What if my child misses a swim lesson?
Because we have to reserve pool space in advance and have high operational costs, no refunds, no credits, no transfers, and no make-ups are issued for illnesses, recitals, vacations, etc. In order to maintain our small student teacher ratios we do not provide make-ups, so please choose carefully when selecting your swim lesson time.

What happens if the pool closes due to bad weather or an incident in the pool?
In the event of a weather emergency (i.e., snowstorm, hurricane), a notification of weather related swim lesson cancellations will be posted on our website and recorded on the voicemail of the main number to the ParrotFish Swim School, as well as updated on our Twitter and Facebook pages. We will be in contact with the facilities that we rent from to determine whether to delay or cancel classes.
In the event of an incident in the pool such as "vomit" or "poop" the pool will be closed for 4 hours and all swim lessons will be cancelled.

This is our first lesson with ParrotFish Swim School, what do we do?

1. Call Coach Dan to setup an evaluation day and time.
2. Download and fill out the registration form. Bring this form and your check to the evaluation.
3. Go to Claude Moore Rec. Center (directions & info). At the front desk, tell them you are there for a swim lesson with ParrotFish Swim School. Note: make sure you show up with the registration/waiver form filled out and signed.


What should we bring to class?
A swimsuit, towel, and, if desired, goggles, should accompany your child to class. Tiebacks or swim caps for children with long hair will help them swim without distraction of hair in their face.

Can my child swim with a medical condition?
A student with a known medical condition must have a signed medical release from the student’s physician prior to the first day of class. Ear infections are a common reason why children are restricted from participating in swimming lessons. Since medical professionals have different opinions about swimming, ear infections, and tubes, please consult with your physician..

If my child has an infection or disease, can he/she enter the pool?
For the health of all children, it is recommended by pediatricians and other doctors that children with a fever, rash or any other symptom of an infection participate in an aquatic program. Infections are usually spread among children by direct contact (touching, sneezing, changing rooms, etc.) and NOT through the water. Student participation will be restricted if there is any contagious illness. Children with diarrhea will not be admitted; a complete shutdown of the pool will be necessary should an diarrhea accident occur.

Should I send my child to class if he or she has an illness?
Avoid sending your child to class if he or she has an illness, or open sores. Children who do not feel well during class will be sent home.