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 and a Future That Uses English
In high school, English has to do two things at once: score well on university entrance exams in the near term, and build practical communication skills for studying abroad or working internationally later. My individualized coaching format is built to do both—each student works on their own material, at their own pace, taught in English.
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Starfish English uses an individualized coaching format to accommodate different high school textbooks and pacing. Whether a student's priority right now is university entrance exams, real-world conversation, or both, they work on their own material one-on-one with me. I explain mostly in English, and switch to Japanese when a student needs it—so they build real comprehension, not just test-taking tricks.
What Each Student Works On
Because each student's goals are different, the coaching covers whichever combination they need—exam preparation, real-world communication, or both. The focus shifts as they move from Grade 10 to Grade 12.
- Exam prep & school support: Each student works on their own textbook or university past exam papers, with personalized guidance—explained mostly in English, switching to Japanese when it's needed. Training builds the reading stamina and timed-reading speed the Common University Entrance Test demands.
- Logic & expression: Structuring opinions logically and writing essays that avoid point deductions—skills that serve both exams and academic work abroad.
- Discussion & spontaneity: Debating topics without "right answers" (environmental issues, technology ethics) and responding in the moment without a script—so students don't fall into the "good at tests but can't speak" trap.
- Study abroad & career prep: Listening skills to follow university lectures abroad, and the mindset to assert opinions in English after graduation. Planning an actual homestay? See the homestay preparation course.
Not sure what fits your situation? 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 answer questions. I explain mostly in English, switching to Japanese to match what each student needs.
- Grade 12 (exam students): Students work on past exam papers or Common Test prep at their own pace. When we go over a wrong answer, it's a conversation—I ask what you were thinking, not just what the right answer is—so you learn from your own reasoning, not just the correction. I explain in English as much as I can, switching to Japanese when it's needed.
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. Some lessons are independent work with individual coaching; others bring students together for pair or group discussion, so you also learn from how classmates think through a problem.
Student Voice
"My children have been coming here for six years. He's always attentive to each child and plans lessons around how they think, which means a lot to us. My younger daughter has been taught by Richard—he patiently and clearly explains anything she doesn't understand, which makes this a reassuring school for both the kids and us as parents." — Parent of a High School Student (Google Maps review)
I design lessons to build skills gradually—there's no testing or grading pressure. Progress comes from low-stakes practice and steady feedback, not high-pressure mock tests. 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)
The curriculum clears grade-level achievement goals while working toward university admission—adapting to each student's school, target universities, and pacing.
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
- Individualized to your goals and materials
- Individualized curriculum support
Private Lessons
¥25,000 / month
- Once weekly
- 1-on-1 instruction tailored to your goals and materials
- Flexible scheduling
Trial Lesson: FREE (30–45 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 the materials we choose together).
Schedule: Evening and weekend slots available to fit busy club schedules.
Prepare for the Future
Finding the right preparation path matters. During the free trial, we'll discuss your university goals and current level, then build a realistic roadmap together. With 18 years teaching in Japan, I understand both the entrance exam system and what universities actually expect.
What to expect: 30–45-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.