Swimming is a skill that can always be improved upon. Whether getting in the pool for the first time or being an Olympic medalist, with the right guidance, a swimmer can learn something new or improve their performance.
The same goes for swim schools. In response to feedback from FOSS families, we are recalibrating our quarterly calendar, starting with adjustments to our Spring 2026 schedule. This will result in our four seasonal quarters being more balanced in terms of the number of weeks and classes per session.
This may seem like a minor change, but we have been thoughtful in implementing it. After conducting considerable research and speaking with FOSS families, our teachers, staff, and swim program leaders, we concluded that this change will enhance the experience for both students and teachers, as well as provide a better experience for families scheduling their activities.
What's Changing and When
With the calendar changes, each quarter will now have 12 or 13 lessons.
Under the old arrangement, which was set up to make a quarter break land during the holidays when the schools were closed, Fall Quarter included 15 weekly lessons, and Winter Quarter included 10.
Recalibrating our calendar will be a year-long process, as we adjust the start and end dates of each quarter, starting with Spring 2026. (There will be no change to the coming Winter 2026 quarter, which begins Jan. 2.) By the time we have completed one full cycle – Spring, Summer, and Fall 2026, and Winter 2027, we will be in our new rhythm.
What to Expect:
- Spring Quarter 2026 will be extended by one week
- Summer Quarter 2026 will start a week later and end a week earlier than in the past
- Fall Quarter 2026 will start a week earlier and will now end right before Thanksgiving, rather than before Christmas
- And Winter Quarter 2026-27 will begin after Thanksgiving, rather than after New Years
We expect these changes to be smooth for families and for schools. The most noticeable difference will be in the Fall and Winter of next year, and we expect it to be a change for the better.
How Will This Change Improve the FOSS Experience?
We are making this change because it will have two positive impacts for students and families.
First, it will simplify the lesson plan.
While we have had decades of success using our former schedule, we will now be able to use the same lesson plans for each level, regardless of quarter.
This ensures a more even experience for students and simpler planning for teachers.
Second, it will simplify and equalize scheduling and billing for families.
While our tuition has always been consistent when calculated per lesson, the differing quarter lengths sometimes caused confusion for families.
This change will allow for clearer, consistent tuition all year long.
While we are confident families will quickly realize the advantages of the new calendar, we also know that changes – especially to a long-standing approach – are best explained clearly and well in advance.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to speak with your school’s management or contact us. We really do listen!
