At Starfish English, my three-tier system supports your child consistently from Grade 5 (ages 10+) through high school graduation. Over the years, I’ve found that students tend to build stronger long-term English skills when they stay in the same learning environment, rather than moving between different schools. Let me share how my three-tier system supports your child’s English growth.

Upper Elementary Level (Grade 5-6, ages 10-12): Building a Strong Foundation — Without Pressure

During elementary years, I help children build a solid foundation that will make junior high English much easier.

At This Stage, I Focus On:

  • Speaking Confidence: Through consistent practice, children gradually develop from self-introductions to naturally discussing familiar topics
  • Pronunciation and Listening: Strong pronunciation and listening skills make grammar much easier to understand in junior high
  • Vocabulary Building: Children learn essential everyday words that will help them understand their junior high textbooks
  • Study Habits: Weekly consistent practice builds the confidence that “English doesn’t feel scary anymore” by junior high

How I Support Your Child:

  • Small groups of 4-6 students ensure everyone gets plenty of speaking practice
  • Fun games and activities make repetition enjoyable and help information stick
  • Learning through seeing, hearing, and movement helps children remember better
  • Every lesson includes “I can do it!” moments to keep motivation high

Junior High Level: School Success and Real Communication

During junior high, I help students improve their school grades while developing real communication skills.

What Students Start to Notice:

  • Better Grades: With consistent practice, students often start to see gradual improvement in their school test scores
  • Natural Conversation: Students learn to use school grammar patterns in natural conversation
  • Confidence Building: I help overcome teenage shyness so students become active speakers
  • High School Preparation: Early development of skills needed for high school entrance exams

How I Support Your Child:

  • Conversation practice connected to school textbooks maximizes learning benefits
  • Pair work and group activities help reduce speaking anxiety
  • Regular check-ins address each student’s individual challenges
  • Practice with real high school entrance exam questions for practical preparation

High School Level: University Readiness and Global Communication

During high school, I help students prepare for university entrance exams while developing international communication skills.

What This Stage Is About:

  • Test Preparation: Focused practice for university entrance exams and relevant English qualifications, depending on each student’s goals
  • Critical Thinking: Ability to discuss complex social issues and present well-reasoned arguments in English
  • Academic English: Development of specialized vocabulary and reading skills needed for university courses
  • Presentation Skills: Confidence and ability to give professional English presentations

How I Support Your Child:

  • Current events discussions help develop advanced thinking skills
  • University entrance exam preparation based on latest trends and requirements
  • Training in logical essay structure and academic writing
  • Mock interview practice for university recommendation entrance exams

Why Continuous Learning Works Better

Deep Understanding: I get to know your child’s learning style deeply, allowing me to tailor my teaching to what works best for them.

Less Stress: No stressful transitions to new environments means your child can focus completely on learning. No time wasted getting used to new classrooms.

Smooth Progress: Teaching builds naturally on previous learning stages, helping knowledge stick and develop without gaps.

Cost Savings: No need to switch schools multiple times, saving on enrollment fees and new materials.

The Goal: Help your child develop the confidence to say “English is my strong subject.” The three-tier system is designed to build real, practical English skills that serve students throughout university and beyond.

How I Compare to Other Options

Age-Specialized Schools: These schools offer targeted expertise for specific ages, but students must adjust to new environments when transitioning between different schools.

Large Chain Schools: They have comprehensive materials and systems, but students frequently adjust to new instructors due to teacher turnover, which can disrupt relationship building and individual attention.

What Makes Me Different: From Grade 5 through high school graduation, continuous learning combines individual attention with steady progress. I support your child’s growth consistently throughout their English journey.

The Value of Continuous Learning

Short-term Results: Improved school grades and increased enthusiasm for English learning through consistent practice.

Medium-term Goals: After 3 years of continuous study, the aim is to help English become a strong subject, opening up more future academic options.

Long-term Results: High school graduation with university-level English proficiency and readiness for international communication.

Economic Benefits: Continuous learning can help reduce the need for additional tutoring or expensive short-term study abroad programs.

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