Upper Elementary English in Fujieda

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

Building English habits before Junior High starts.

Book Free Trial Lesson

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:

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 build each child's lessons around their own goals and personality—whether that means staying a step ahead of school, growing as a confident speaker, or both. Taught in English.

What Your Child Will Work On

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

Every child's lessons are built around their own goals and pace — staying ahead of the school textbook, growing as a confident speaker, or both. We find the right balance for your child together, and adjust it as they grow.

  • Curriculum preview: Based on MEXT standards, students learn vocabulary and grammar slightly ahead of school, using textbooks like New Horizon—so school lessons become "review," and they raise their hand with confidence.
  • Speaking & communication: Through a spiral curriculum on familiar themes (self, family, hobbies), students learn to express their own opinions in English and experience the joy of being understood—not just right/wrong answers.
  • Phonics & writing: From the alphabet to sentence structure, including the skills to read and write unfamiliar words correctly.
  • Taught in English: Real comprehension, not memorization—the foundation for a strong start in Junior High.

Not sure where your child fits? Book a free trial lesson and we'll figure it out together—no commitment.

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. Progress shows up as what your child can now do in English, and we celebrate that together. 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).

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
  • Tailored to your child's goals
  • Maximum 6 students per class

Private Lessons

¥20,000 / month

  • Once weekly
  • 1-on-1 instruction tailored to your child's goals
  • Flexible scheduling

Trial Lesson: FREE (30–45 minutes, no obligation)

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

Materials: Textbooks are purchased separately by students (roughly ¥2,000–¥4,000 per year, depending on whether we use a school textbook or build custom materials).

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: 30–45-minute trial, meet the teacher, see the classroom, no obligation to enroll.

Want more practice time? Twice-weekly lessons are also available on request—just mention it at the trial and we'll see what works for your family.

Common Questions

Q. Do you give homework?

A. Yes, but it's light and manageable. Short, frequent practice sticks better than cramming, so I keep it to about 10–15 minutes at a time — "English habit" tasks like a YouTube video, an audio file, or a short 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 the focus change as my child grows?

A. Yes, absolutely. A child might start by enjoying English and building speaking confidence, then shift toward school preparation as Junior High approaches—or keep both in the mix. I'm flexible and will work with you to find what's best for your child at each stage.