High School English in Fujieda
High School English: University & Beyond
"Passing the test" is just the starting line.
Build the advanced skills needed for university: Essay Writing, Debate, and Critical Thinking.
University Entrance Exams or Future Career?
In high school, English learning goals split into two distinct paths: scoring well on university entrance exams in the near term, and building practical communication skills for studying abroad or working internationally in the future.
Recommended Reading:
Starfish English focuses primarily on Track A (Exam Prep & School Support), using an individualized coaching format to accommodate different high school textbooks and pacing. I teach exam content in English—the way it's meant to be learned—so students build real comprehension, not just test-taking tricks.
Choose Your Track
Track A: University Exam Prep & School Support
"Common Test, Private University Exams, School Tests"
- Individualized Coaching: Each student works on their own textbook or university past exam papers while I provide personalized guidance and explanations—in English.
- Reading Stamina: Training to read the massive volume of text required for the Common University Entrance Test accurately and within time limits.
- Logic & Expression: Building the ability to structure opinions logically and write essays that avoid point deductions.
- Benefit: Maintain school grades while building a smooth transition into full exam preparation mode in Grade 12.
Track B: Career & Conversation
"Study Abroad, Global Education, Future Work"
- Discussion: Debating topics without "right answers" like environmental issues or technology ethics in English.
- Spontaneity: Training to expand conversations through in-the-moment responses without scripts, using specialized activities.
- Study Abroad Prep: Building listening skills to follow university lectures abroad and the mindset to assert your opinions.
- Benefit: Break out of "good at tests but can't speak" and build skills that continue to serve you after entering university or starting your career.
Not sure which track fits your goals? Book a free trial to discuss your university plans and English needs.
How Does Individualized Coaching Work?
High schools use different textbooks and progress at different paces. That's why I use an individualized learning + coaching format instead of one-size-fits-all lectures.
- Grades 10-11: Students work on textbook prep or homework while I circulate to provide individual explanations and answer questions—teaching the concepts in English.
- Grade 12 (exam students): Students work on past exam papers or Common Test prep at their own pace while I focus on essay correction and Q&A.
I constantly monitor your progress, check understanding, and suggest next steps. Even when students from different grades are in the same room, each can focus on their own challenges.
Student Voice
"I'm the mother of a 2nd-year junior high school boy who attends Starfish. He had been learning from Richard-sensei even before the classroom opened... When he was in elementary school, he learned while taking walks and playing, and it felt more like he naturally learned rather than trying to memorize. Now that he's in junior high school... Starfish English has become the place that gave him the confidence to say he likes English." — Parent of a Junior High Student (Google Maps review)
I design lessons to build skills gradually—there's no testing or grading pressure. You'll leave feeling challenged but supported, never overwhelmed.
Ready to build those skills? Book a free trial to see if this approach fits your goals.
Grade-by-Grade Learning Roadmap (MEXT Standards-Aligned)
In Track A (Exam Prep), the curriculum clears grade-level achievement goals while working toward university admission.
Don't worry—you don't need to understand all this terminology. I'll explain everything during the trial lesson and we'll find the right starting point for you.
Grade 10 (High School 1st Year): Foundation & Adapting to "Social Issues" (English Communication I)
- Vocabulary Expansion: Adding 400-600 new words (society/environment themes) to the ~2,500 from junior high.
- Grammar Structure Extension: Mastering past perfect, subjunctive mood, and other grammar for controlling tense and nuance.
- Goal: Understanding ~300-word passages about abstract topics like the SDGs.
Grade 11 (High School 2nd Year): Logic & Expression (Logic & Expression I/II)
- Logical Structure: Practicing persuasive paragraphs using Introduction-Body-Conclusion format.
- Serious Reading Comprehension: Tackling 800-1,000 word passages and grasping argument development through paragraph reading.
- Goal: Building the foundation for "finding information within time limits" techniques needed for Common Test reading sections.
Grade 12 (High School 3rd Year): Exam Sprint (English Communication III)
- Past Exam Practice: Solving target university past papers and Common Test format problems, pinpointing and reinforcing weak areas.
- Speed Reading Training: Reading comprehension training at native narration speed (natural speed), pushing information processing speed to the limit.
- Goal: Reach the score line required for target university admission. Develop autonomous learning skills with minimal teacher support.
Why This Matters
High school English requires specialized university entrance exam knowledge and individualized pacing. My individualized coaching format means each student gets targeted support for their specific school curriculum and university goals—more effective than generic cram school lectures, and more affordable than pure private tutoring.
Class Options & Fees
All prices include tax.
Small Group Lessons
¥13,000 / month
Maximum 6 students per class
- Once weekly
- Choose Track A or Track B
- Individualized curriculum support
Trial Lesson: FREE (30 minutes, no obligation)
Private Lessons: ¥25,000 / month (once weekly)
Entrance Fee: ¥8,000 (one-time, covers initial materials, level assessment, and individualized curriculum setup)
Materials: Textbooks are purchased separately by students (approx. ¥3,000–¥6,000 per year depending on track).
Schedule: Evening and weekend slots available to fit busy club schedules.
Prepare for the Future
Finding the right preparation path is crucial. During the free trial, we'll discuss your university goals, current level, and create a realistic roadmap together. With 35+ years teaching in Japan, I understand both the entrance exam system and what universities actually expect.
What to expect: 30-minute trial, discuss goals and current level, see the individualized format in action, no obligation to enroll.
Common Questions
Q. Do you help with Eiken?
A. I can support long-term skill building (like essay corrections) within your individualized curriculum.
However, for intensive "crash course" preparation or focused exam preparation, please join the specialized Certificate & Exam Preparation course. To ensure fairness to other students, I cannot devote the high school class time to intensive exam cramming.
Q. I am busy with club activities.
A. Starfish English understands. Evening classes (after 7 PM) and Saturday options are available to accommodate high school schedules.
Q. How much does the trial lesson cost?
A. Trial lessons are completely FREE! The 20-30 minute trial lesson allows me to assess your current level and recommend the best course. We can also discuss university entrance exam preparation and English proficiency goals. There is no obligation to enroll afterward.