Upper Elementary English in Fujieda

Upper Elementary English in Fujieda (Grade 5-6, Ages 10-12)

Building English habits before Junior High starts.

The "Junior High Gap"

"My child liked English in elementary school, but now hates it in junior high."
This is happening in many households right now.

Recommended Reading:

Why School English Fails Speaking

Since the 2020 education reforms, Junior High English has become dramatically more difficult. Textbooks now assume students already know 600-700 vocabulary words from elementary school. The speed and volume are completely different from what they used to be.

That's the gap I'm trying to help with.

To make the transition from elementary "activities" to junior high "academics" smooth, I offer two different learning tracks tailored to your child's goals and personality.

Choose Your Track

Both tracks are small groups (maximum 6 students), meeting once per week for 50 minutes. Enrollment capacity is limited to maintain small group quality.

Goal: Smooth connection to Junior High textbooks (New Horizon, etc.)
Content: Based on MEXT standards, students learn vocabulary and grammar slightly ahead of school.
Writing: From alphabet to sentence structure, building writing skills carefully.
Benefit: School lessons become "review," building confidence to raise your hand in class. Strong start in Junior High.

Goal: Develop communication skills—expressing your own opinions in English.
Content: Using my own curriculum, students explore familiar themes (self-introduction, family, hobbies) repeatedly, gradually deepening complexity.
Phonics: Building skills to read and write unfamiliar words correctly.
Benefit: Not focused on right/wrong answers—students experience "the joy of being understood." They grow to love English.

Which track should I choose?

"Worried about Junior High tests" or "Want to focus on school grades" → Track A (School Support)
"Want my child to enjoy English first" or "Want to develop speaking skills" → Track B (Conversation)
"Want both" → Dual-Track (twice weekly) is recommended

During the trial lesson, we'll observe your child and choose the best track together.

Not sure which track fits your child? Book a free trial lesson to find out together.

Parent 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 confidence gradually—there's no testing or grading. Your child will leave feeling challenged but supported, never overwhelmed.

Curriculum Overview (MEXT Standards)

The curriculum balances all five domains defined by Japan's Ministry of Education: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking (Interaction), and Speaking (Presentation).

Don't worry—you don't need to understand all this terminology. I'll explain everything during the trial lesson.

Grade 5 (Foundation)

Listening (Specific Info): Practice catching concrete information like dates, times, and prices.
Speaking (Do you...?): Question-and-answer exchanges: "Do you like...?" "Can you...?"
Target Vocabulary: Approx. 300-350 words (daily life topics)

Grade 6 (Transition)

Past Tense: Expressing memories: "I went," "It was fun" (the most challenging point in Grade 7).
Writing (Awareness): Writing short sentences about yourself while being aware of word order.
Target Vocabulary: Cumulative 600-700 words (ready for Junior High entrance)

Why This Preparation Matters

I follow the MEXT curriculum standards, so your child learns what they'll actually need for Junior High. It costs less than a cram school, and with small groups (maximum 6 students), they get more speaking time and build real confidence.

Class Options & Fees

All prices include tax. Entrance Fee: ¥8,000 (one-time, covers initial materials and level assessment).

Small Group Lessons

¥10,000 / month

Once weekly
Choose Track A or Track B
Maximum 6 students per class

Dual-Track (Recommended)

¥18,000 / month

Twice weekly
"School Prep" + "Conversation" combined
Save ¥2,000!
For balanced growth

Trial Lesson: FREE (30 minutes, no obligation)

Private Lessons: ¥20,000 / month (once weekly)

Materials: Textbooks are purchased separately by students. Track A (textbook-based) ~¥3,000-4,000 per year; Track B (custom curriculum) ~¥2,000-3,000 per year.

Start with a Free Trial

Finding the right learning environment is a big decision. Come visit, meet the teacher, and see if my approach fits your child.

Book Free Trial Lesson

What to expect: 30-minute trial, meet the teacher, see the classroom, no obligation to enroll.

Common Questions

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 child's current level and recommend the best course (School Support or Conversation Track). There is no obligation to enroll afterward—feel free to experience the classroom with zero risk.

Q. Do you give homework?

A. Yes, but it is science-based and manageable. Research shows that for this age group, 10-15 minutes of short, frequent practice is most effective. I assign "English habit" tasks (like listening to a track or playing a game) 4-5 times a week to build consistency without burnout.

Q. Why is the minimum Grade 5 (age 10)?

A. Grade 5 is when English becomes a formal subject in Japanese elementary schools. Students at this level have the maturity to sit, focus, and engage effectively in the dedicated classroom environment (an intimate learning space designed for concentrated study).

Q. Can we switch tracks later?

A. Yes, absolutely. Some families start with Track B (Conversation) to build enjoyment first, then switch to Track A (School Support) as Junior High approaches. I'm flexible and will work with you to find what's best for your child.