Walk into Atlanta Swim Academy on Johnson Ferry Road and you’ll feel a unique warmth wash over your soul. Water splashes, the hum of parents chatting in the viewing room, and a rhythmic chorus of “kick, kick, kick” from instructors mix with children’s laughter in the pool. Murals of colorful sea life paint each wall, and a newly installed bronze dolphin statue greets visitors from the rooftop. For East Cobb families, this is more than a local swim school.
This year, Atlanta Swim Academy (ASA) is celebrating 40 years of helping kids become confident, capable swimmers while building a strong sense of community.
Tiny swimmers, big milestones! ASA’s Baby Splash class introduces little ones as young as 3 months to the water through gentle, playful instruction—building comfort and confidence from the very first splash.
What started in 1985 as a scuba and swim training center by Brad Grzelka’s parents, Ron and Barb, has grown into a 3,000-square-foot aquatic facility with three climate-controlled indoor pools, including a junior Olympic-sized lane pool. Brad, who attended Wood Acres and Walton High School, grew up on the pool deck.
Today, ASA teaches more than 2,000 children each week. Swimmers range in age from 3 months to early teens. The year-round program focuses on water safety, developmental milestones and fun. Toddlers blow bubbles, sing songs and play games in beginner levels like Baby Splash and Guppies – all while learning essential water safety.
After years of working in the business, Brad had a vision for growth and expansion. In 2006, that dream became a reality. He took over the family business 25 years ago and helped expand the facility and shift the focus entirely to swim instruction. “We’re teaching kids a lifelong skill, and we’re doing it in a clean, safe, welcoming place with amazing instructors who care,” Brad says.
That family-focused atmosphere is what sets ASA apart. Some instructors first learned to swim at the academy and now teach the next generation. “We’re three generations deep at this point,” says HR manager Adria Dennis, a former swim coach. “You can tell this place is different from a corporate swim school. It feels like family.”
Safety and training are top priorities, with all staff undergoing Red Cross certification and ongoing development. ASA’s Parent Portal app tracks student progress and makes class scheduling easy. The space is spotless, with eight full-time maintenance staff and a long-standing A+ health rating. Atlanta Swim Academy is open seven days a week and offers both group and private lessons, as well as free trial classes for new families.
As students progress through creatively named levels like Otters, Sea Turtles and Triggerfish, they build water confidence. We also offer a FREE Baby Splash class for 3- to 5-month-olds, designed to introduce your little one to the water in a gentle and playful way. Graduates of advanced levels can join SwimFit, ASA’s noncompetitive swim team for ages 8 to 12.
Beyond lessons, ASA runs Camp H2O every summer and partners with local schools and organizations to give back to the community throughout the year.
In 2023, Brad received the USSSA Humanitarian Award, honoring his outstanding service and community impact. “We believe in giving back,” says Brad, who also served on the national board for the United States Swim School Association.
To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Atlanta Swim Academy will host a community festival on Oct. 11, featuring games, food, fun for the whole family and 1,000 free hot dogs.
“We’ve changed a lot over the years,” Brad says, “but our mission hasn’t. We’re here to build stronger swimmers and a stronger community.”
The academy is located at 732 Johnson Ferry Road in Marietta. To learn more, visit atlantaswimacademy.com or call/text 770-973-3120.
