Testing the Waters: These New Haven Public Schools 3rd Graders Are Doing Swimmingly

NEW HAVEN, CT — They're getting their feet wet.

A group of New Haven Public Schools third-graders are learning how to swim. The schools' new program of swim instruction for third graders recently launched, and by the looks of it, kids are doing swimmingly.

The program features 12 one-hour lessons for all participating students. It operates in collaboration with the city's Youth and Recreation Department and local nonprofit Leadership, Education, and Athletics in Partnership.

It's supported by a "generous private grant," the district noted.

According to schools and a recent New Haven Independent report, the New York-based nonprofit Asphalt Green awarded a "$250,595 grant to NHPS to build out this new swimming program..."

The new program offers afterschool swim lessons to third-grade students from the district's elementary/middle schools with a focus on water safety and basic swimming skills.