Have a Great
Summer

For the Rest
of Your Life

Learn to swim with
Central Virginia
Swim School

Charlottesville’s premier private swim lesson company.

Private and small group swim lessons with Central Virginia Swim School

Welcome to Central Virginia Swim School, where we are passionate about providing high-quality, personalized swim lessons for all ages and skill levels. With over 20 years of experience in the aquatics industry, we specialize in year-round private and small group swim lessons at convenient locations, including Fairview Swim and Tennis Club (April 1 to October 31) and Fork Union Military Academy. During the summer, we extend our services to Forest Lakes residents, Key West Swim and Tennis Club, and even offer mobile lessons right in your backyard or community pool.

Our team of experienced instructors is dedicated to helping swimmers build confidence, refine skills, and develop a lifelong love for the water. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to perfect your strokes, we tailor each lesson to your unique goals in a positive and supportive environment. Dive into a new chapter of swimming with us!

We are opening our doors to Charlottesville’s first indoor swim lesson facility at 695 Berkmar Ct soon. Subscribe to our newsletter to learn more.

Meet Kate

Hi, I’m Kate! I grew up by the water at Lake Monticello, and I’ve been swimming all my life. From my early days as a lifeguard to my career in recreation leadership roles, I’ve always had a passion for swimming and teaching others to swim. I started Central Virginia Swim Services to help make sure that everyone can be safe and enjoy life the way it’s best lived– by the water.

In the News

Kate Chirico (Purnell) talks with the hosts of Today y Mañana about Central Virginia Swim School

What Parents Are Saying About Central Virginia Swim School

Central Virginia Swim School is a dream come true! As a mom of a toddler, I was so excited to find someone to teach him important lifesaving skills in the comfort of our private pool. Kate easily bonded with our little swimmer and taught him very vital techniques. We highly recommend CVSS to all!

TIFFANY R

Kate is warm, friendly, and an excellent instructor. She had my shy, fearful daughter begging to go swimming after just a few lessons! We could not be more pleased with our experience.

ASHLEY M

We absolutely loved working with Mary Pat and CVSS over the summer at our neighborhood pool. By the end of the summer, our 5-year-old made a huge improvement in his strokes. He also loved the lessons and looked forward to seeing Mary Pat each week! We highly recommend Central Virginia Swim School!

RACHEL H

Noah has enjoyed learning how to strengthen his swimming skills, and learn water safety in and out of the water. I’m so overjoyed I was able to find Central Virginia Swim School As a parent, I definitely recommend getting your child(ren) involved in swimming lessons and reaching out to Kate as she is phenomenal to work with, and Mary Pat is such a warm caring person that your heart will be at ease knowing your child is in good hands.

BROOKE N

In a matter of weeks, Coco went from apprehensive swimming to diving for rings and learning multiple strokes. She earned her swim safe bracelet at our local pool and was diving off the diving board for the rest of the season. 3 months later, we took a family vacation and she was confidently swimming in open ocean waters and we are forever grateful to Kate (and her infinite patience with our strong-willed child!) and the team at Central Virginia Swim School.

ASHLEIGH O

Lily’s instructors made her feel comfortable and excited to explore the water. Group and private lessons helped her love and enjoy the pool safely this summer!

ELIZABETH B

Kate was truly an answer to a prayer. Before starting lessons with her, my daughter was incredibly fearful of water.. Kate has a unique style of warmth and competency with children of all temperaments. She met my daughter where she was, and by the end of the summer, she was swimming like a fish! I recommend Kate to everyone I know. She was such a gift to our family and to my children becoming water safe.

JEN R.

Mary Pat developed a great rapport with the kids from the beginning. She is so patient and fun, yet knows how to keep her swimmers on task. We can’t thank her enough for giving our little one the confidence she needed to start swimming. I plan to sign up for swim lessons as well.

MEGAN M.

Kate had our 5 year old swimming in 3 weeks! She is great with helping kids build confidence in the water and truly enjoy the pool. I always highly recommend her to friends or family who are looking to begin swim lessons for themselves or for their kids.

KIMBERLY S.

Our 4yr old son loved swimming with Kate! She used toys and games to challenge his abilities while keeping lessons structured and he had a blast! Every week he was amped to swim with Ms. Kate and she had him swimming independently in 3 sessions.

MICHAEL B.

I would recommend Kate and CVSS without reservation! Due to COVID, my 5 year old was a non swimmer and not safe in the water. Kate took her from being scared to jump into an amazing lap swimmer!! I was able to observe Kate with other students and her knowledge of swimming and wonderful personality make her an incredible teacher.

MOLLY S.

Kate is a wonderful teacher: she is talented, patient, and kind. She helped our daughter tremendously to learn new skills and grow her confidence in the water.. While Kate and our daughter certainly worked hard, she always made sure the classes were fun and full of laughter and celebration of wins big and small — in fact, they were a highlight of our summer! I highly recommend Kate to any family looking for individualized swim classes for their little ones.

NIRVANA N.

Kate with Central Virginia Swim School was fantastic with my 3-year old who is learning how to swim. She is a wonderful blend of motivating and supportive. My daughter made huge strides in just one season and we look forward to working with Kate again soon!

JACKIE K.