“Will I be able to keep up with English at university?”

It’s a question I hear often from high school students and their parents. And it’s completely understandable—university English classes move fast, expect participation, and assume a certain foundation.

The good news? High school is a good time to build that foundation. What makes the difference isn’t cramming more content, but finding an approach that matches where each student actually is.

The Problem with One-Size-Fits-All

Here’s what I’ve noticed over 10+ years teaching junior high and high school students in Japan:

Every school is different:

  • Different textbooks (New Horizon, Sunshine, New Crown, others)
  • Different pacing (some schools move faster, some slower)
  • Different focuses (some emphasize grammar, others emphasize communication)

Every student has different goals:

  • Some need support keeping up with school work
  • Some want to prepare for university entrance exams
  • Some want conversation skills for studying abroad

Large cram schools (大手塾) typically teach the same lesson to everyone in the class. That works if you happen to match their curriculum. But if your school is using a different textbook, or if you’re a week behind (or ahead), you’re on your own.

What Individual Pacing Actually Looks Like

At Starfish English, I work with small groups (maximum 6 students) where each student can work on their own material.

In practice, this means:

  • You can bring your school textbook and homework
  • I circulate and provide individual explanations—in English
  • Students in the same room might be working on different units, and that’s fine
  • You move at your own pace, not the group’s pace

Why I teach in English:

When I explain grammar concepts in English (not translating from Japanese), students get two benefits:

  1. They understand the concept itself
  2. They practice comprehension while learning

It’s more challenging than passive translation, but research shows it builds deeper understanding. And it gives students more exposure to natural English explanations—the kind they’ll encounter at university.

Two Learning Tracks

On the High School course page, students can choose between two focuses:

Track A (School Support):

  • Build reading stamina for 共通テスト long passages
  • Work on logical expression and essay writing
  • Support with school curriculum and entrance exam preparation

Track B (Conversation & Career):

  • Practice discussion skills
  • Build confidence speaking spontaneously
  • Prepare for studying abroad or international career paths

Both tracks use the same small-group, individual-pacing format. The difference is in what materials we focus on.

What About Exam Preparation?

I get asked this often: “Can you help with EIKEN? TOEIC? TOEFL?”

Here’s my honest answer:

For general essay feedback and long-term support, yes—that can fit into regular lessons.

But if you need focused, strategic exam preparation (especially with a test date coming up), I have a dedicated Exam Preparation course designed specifically for that.

Why separate? Because exam prep requires concentrated attention that would take time away from other students in a mixed group. It’s better to have everyone in the room working toward similar goals.

What You Can Realistically Expect

I won’t promise that you’ll “become a confident speaker” or “ace university discussions.” Language learning depends on many factors, including how much effort you’re willing to put in outside of class.

What I can promise:

  • Consistent instruction from the same teacher (me—not rotating part-timers)
  • Individual attention within a small group setting
  • Support that adapts to your school’s curriculum
  • Teaching in English to build comprehension skills
  • Periodic check-ins about your progress and goals

Starting in high school gives you more time to practice. That’s the real advantage—not transformation, but time.

Let’s Talk About Whether This Fits

The best way to know if this approach works for you is to try a lesson.

During a free trial lesson (30 minutes):

  • Bring your current textbook or materials
  • We’ll talk about your goals (school support, university prep, conversation skills)
  • You’ll experience what individual pacing feels like
  • We can discuss whether Track A or Track B makes more sense

Book Your Free Trial Lesson

No pressure, no obligation. Just a conversation about whether this matches what you’re looking for.

High school is a good time to build English skills—not because it’s your “last chance,” but because it gives you more time to practice before university. Let’s use that time well.