Why Some of Our Classes Still Wear Masks (And Why That's Perfectly Fine)

You might notice that some students in our classroom photos are wearing masks. This isn’t because the photos are outdated—they were taken recently. It’s because at Starfish English, we believe our students should have a voice in creating their own learning environment.

A Student-Centered Approach to Safety

The class featured in the 360-degree classroom photo below made a collective decision to continue wearing masks. Why? One of their classmates is an elderly gentleman who is immunocompromised, and the group chose to prioritize his comfort and safety.

As their instructor, I fully support this decision. In fact, I wear a mask in some classes and not in others—it all depends on what makes my students feel most comfortable and confident.

No School-Wide Policy, Just Respect

Starfish English doesn’t have a blanket mask policy. Instead, we empower each class to decide what works best for their group. This student-led approach reflects our core philosophy: education works best when learners feel safe, respected, and heard.

Some classes prefer mask-free environments for clearer pronunciation practice. Others, like the one pictured, choose masks for health considerations. Both choices are equally valid and supported.

Why This Matters for Your Learning

When students feel comfortable and cared for, they learn better. By allowing classes to set their own safety standards, we create an environment where everyone can focus on what really matters—improving their English skills.

Whether you prefer wearing a mask or not, you’ll find a welcoming community at Starfish English that respects your comfort level while helping you achieve your language goals.

Ready to experience our student-centered approach? Book your free trial lesson and see how we put your needs first.