Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our FAQ page! We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about Starfish English. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to contact us or visit us for a trial lesson.

About Our School

What kind of school is Starfish English?

Starfish English is a friendly, community-focused eikaiwa (English conversation school) located in the heart of Fujieda, Shizuoka. With over 35 years of experience living and teaching in Japan, we offer a personal touch that you won’t find at larger chain schools. We specialize in creating a supportive, welcoming environment where students from age 9 through seniors can build genuine confidence in English conversation. Our intimate 6-tatami classroom features shoji screens and table seating that creates a warm, distraction-free environment perfect for engaged learners ages 9+.

What is your teaching method? What makes it special?

We use a communicative approach that prioritizes practical conversation skills over rote memorization. Our method focuses on:

Real-world conversation practice - We simulate authentic situations you’ll actually encounter
Confidence building - Small class sizes ensure individual attention and support
Cultural understanding - With decades of experience in Japan, we understand the unique challenges Japanese learners face
Age-appropriate learning - Our curriculum adapts to different learning styles from children to adults

What is the atmosphere of the school like?

Our school has an intimate, cozy atmosphere in a 6-tatami room in our home, furnished with a wooden carpet, a large table, and comfortable chairs. Students often describe us as friendly, relaxed, and encouraging. We encourage student interaction and maintain a “mistake-friendly” environment where learning happens naturally. Many of our students become friends and continue their English journey together for years.

Trial Lesson & Enrollment

Can I have a free trial lesson?

Yes! We offer a complimentary 30-minute trial lesson for all new students. This gives you a chance to experience our teaching style, meet your potential instructor, and see if Starfish English is the right fit for you.

What happens during the trial lesson?

Your trial lesson is relaxed and pressure-free:

A friendly chat about your English goals and interests (we speak Japanese too!)
A natural level assessment through conversation - no tests or pressure
A mini-lesson showing our teaching style, tailored to your interests
Time to ask any questions and get to know us personally
Information about how we can help you reach your goals

How long does the trial lesson and consultation take?

About 30-45 minutes total - we let the conversation flow naturally rather than watching the clock! No special materials needed, just bring yourself and your curiosity about learning English.

What is the enrollment process?

Our enrollment process is simple and pressure-free:

Schedule and attend your free trial lesson
Take time to consider our programs (no same-day pressure!)
If you decide to join, complete a simple enrollment form
Choose your preferred schedule and payment plan
Start your English journey!

Can I enroll on a different day after the trial lesson?

Absolutely! We encourage you to take your time and be completely satisfied with your decision. There’s no pressure to enroll immediately, and you can contact us anytime after your trial lesson.

When can I start my lessons?

You can typically start within a week of enrollment, depending on your schedule preferences and class availability. We’re flexible and will work with your needs.

I’m a complete beginner and have no confidence. Is that okay?

Of course! Many of our most successful students started as complete beginners. Our experienced instructors are specially trained to work with beginners and create a comfortable, encouraging environment. Remember, everyone starts somewhere, and with over 35 years of experience, we’ve helped thousands of students take their first confident steps in English.

I’m worried I won’t be able to keep up with lessons from a foreign teacher.

This is a common concern, and we completely understand. Our instructors have extensive experience working with Japanese learners and are trained to:

Speak clearly and at an appropriate pace
Use gestures and visual aids effectively
Understand common areas where Japanese learners need extra support
Create a patient, encouraging atmosphere

Many students are surprised by how quickly they adapt and start enjoying lessons with our foreign instructors.

Lessons & Courses

What kinds of courses do you offer?

We offer specialized courses for different age groups and goals:

Student Courses:

Upper Elementary English (Ages 9-12): Interactive foundation building through games and activities (minimum age 9 for our intimate learning environment)
Junior High English: Academic support and conversation practice for middle schoolers
High School English: Advanced communication and university entrance exam preparation

Adult Courses:

Adult Conversation: Daily conversation skills for all levels
Senior Travel English: Research-based approach for mature learners planning international travel
Business English: Professional communication and career advancement
Exam Preparation: TOEIC, TOEFL, IELTS, and Eiken test prep

Do you offer private (one-to-one) lessons?

Yes! We offer both private lessons and small group classes (maximum 4 students). Private lessons allow for completely customized instruction and flexible scheduling, while group lessons provide opportunities for peer interaction and cost-effective learning.

How many students are in a group lesson?

Class sizes vary by course to optimize learning:

Elementary/Junior/High School courses: Maximum 6 students
Adult Conversation & Exam Prep: Maximum 4 students
Business English: Maximum 6 students

These small class sizes ensure everyone gets plenty of speaking practice and individual attention.

What are your online lesson options?

We offer flexible online lessons via Google Meet for both private and small group classes. Google Meet is a high-quality, reliable platform that’s easy to use on any device. Online lessons follow the same curriculum as in-person classes and include:

Interactive conversation practice
Screen sharing for materials
Digital whiteboard for grammar explanations
Flexible scheduling for busy lifestyles

You can mix online and in-person lessons based on your schedule and preferences. We charge the same price for both, giving you maximum flexibility.

Teachers

What are your teachers like?

Our instructors are carefully selected for their teaching ability, cultural sensitivity, and genuine enthusiasm for helping students succeed. All our teachers have:

University degrees
Teaching experience and training
Deep understanding of Japanese culture and learning styles
Patient, encouraging personalities
Commitment to ongoing professional development

Are all teachers native English speakers?

Yes, both of our instructors are native English speakers from the United States. Richard and Terrie bring decades of experience living and teaching in Japan.

Do teachers receive training?

Richard and Terrie have both developed their teaching skills through years of hands-on experience working with Japanese learners. With over 35 years combined experience in Japan, we’ve learned what works best for our students through practical classroom experience and genuine understanding of Japanese culture and learning styles.

Can I choose my teacher?

For private lessons, yes! You can meet different instructors and choose who you work best with. For group classes, we carefully match students with instructors based on learning goals, personality, and schedule preferences.

Will my teacher change for every lesson?

No, we believe in consistency. You’ll typically have the same instructor for your course duration, allowing you to build rapport and receive personalized attention. If scheduling conflicts arise, we’ll arrange a suitable substitute from our trained team.

Fees & Policies

How much is the tuition?

Our fees are competitive and transparent. Pricing varies by course:

Student Courses:

Elementary English (Ages 9-12): ¥9,000/month
Junior High English: ¥12,000/month
High School English: ¥14,000/month

Adult Courses:

Adult Conversation: ¥12,000/month
Senior Travel English: ¥12,000/month
Business English: ¥15,000/month
Exam Preparation: ¥14,000/month (Group) / ¥25,000/month (Private)

What other fees are there besides tuition?

We believe in complete transparency and simplicity:

No enrollment fee required! We believe you’ll want to stay because of our quality, not because you’re financially locked in.
Textbooks: We are educators, not a bookstore. We’ll provide you with a direct link to purchase your textbook at the lowest price (typically ¥2,000-2,500). No markup from us!
No hidden management fees or system charges!

Is it a monthly payment system?

Yes! We keep it simple with monthly payments - no large upfront fees or complicated packages. Planning to study for several months? Just ask us about options for longer-term students.

Can I cancel my contract midway through?

Yes, you can cancel with one month’s notice. For monthly plans, you simply don’t renew for the following month. For pre-paid packages, we’ll refund unused lessons minus a ¥2,000 administrative fee.

What is the refund policy?

Our fair refund policy:

Monthly plans: No refund needed - simply don’t renew
Pre-paid packages: Full refund of unused lessons minus ¥2,000 administrative fee
Materials: Unused textbooks can be returned for 80% refund within 30 days

Are there any discounts available?

Yes, we offer specific discounts to reward our loyal students and their families:

Family Discount: When two or more members of the same family enroll, each additional member receives a 10% discount on their monthly tuition.
Friend Referral: When you refer a friend who enrolls for a monthly course, both you and your friend will receive a ¥2,000 discount on your next month’s tuition.
Pre-Payment Plan: Commit to your learning and save! Students who pay for 3 months of tuition in advance receive a 5% discount on the total price.

Please note that these discounts cannot be combined.

Scheduling & Support

How do I book lessons?

Booking is easy and flexible:

Online: Use our simple booking system on our website
Phone/Email: Contact us directly for personalized scheduling
In-person: Schedule during your visits to the school

Is it difficult to get a reservation?

Not at all! Our small size means we can be flexible with scheduling. We offer lessons Monday through Saturday, with some evening slots available. We work with your schedule to find convenient times.

If I miss a lesson, can I take a make-up lesson?

Absolutely! Life happens, and unlike large schools with rigid computer systems, we understand that:

24-hour advance notice: Full make-up lesson available
Same-day cancellation: Make-up available for illness, work emergencies, family situations
Make-up lessons valid for 2 months - plenty of time to reschedule
Personal scheduling: We work with you directly to find a convenient time

This flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of choosing a small, personal school over a chain!

What are your opening hours? What is the latest class time?

School Hours:

Tuesday-Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday-Monday: Closed

Latest lesson times:

End by 5:00 PM daily

Who can I talk to if I have a problem or need advice about my studies?

Our support system includes:

Direct access to instructors for immediate questions
School manager available for academic guidance and scheduling issues
Email support for non-urgent questions
Regular progress check-ins to ensure you’re meeting your goals

We pride ourselves on being accessible and responsive to our students’ needs. You’re never just a number at Starfish English!

Ready to Start Learning?

Phone: 080-5458-8832

Email: starfishfujieda@gmail.com

Book Your Free Trial