#Japan #Tokyo #Rising Stars Program #帰国子女アカデミー #英語入試

Expanding Opportunities: The Rising Stars Program

In recent years, the notion that only returnee students can sit entrance exams in English has begun to fade. Approximately 140 schools in the Tokyo metropolitan area now offer English-language testing, making this an attainable option for domestic elementary school students as well. However, many parents express concerns about how their children can acquire the requisite English skills for these exams. In response to this challenge, the Returnee Academy has launched an innovative new program called Rising Stars, designed for Japanese elementary school students.

Comprehensive Program Overview

The Rising Stars Program aims to bridge the gap for domestic students aiming for English entrance exams. The inaugural course, Rising Stars Advanced, is set to begin in December for children who can communicate effectively in English. The Rising Stars for beginners will officially launch in March 2026. As this is the initial year for both courses, registration will close once capacity is reached.

Growing Demand for English Entrance Exams

The number of middle schools adopting English entrance exams is growing, with nearly half of Tokyo's private schools implementing this testing method. This is establishing a viable second route for admissions beyond the traditional two or four-subject tests. However, there is an evident lack of systematic environments that help domestic students reach the necessary proficiency. This gap highlights the urgent need for a learning model that enables students to develop their English skills gradually from basic to exam-readiness levels.

What is the Rising Stars Program?

The Rising Stars Program leverages over 20 years of experience that the Returnee Academy has accrued in preparing students for difficult English entrance exams. The methodology that has successfully guided returnee students through exams is now being adapted to cater to those growing up in Japan.

In the 2025 entrance proceedings, over 75% of successful candidates for prestigious schools such as Shibuya Kyoiku Gakuen Shibuya, Shibuya Kyoiku Gakuen Makuhari, Hiroo Gakuen, and Keio SFC were nurtured through this established framework. The Rising Stars Program now opens these proven pathways to domestic elementary students as well.

Customized Starting Points for Each Student

Classes will be conducted entirely in English, with both course options intended to foster students' abilities to learn in English progressively.

Rising Stars: For Beginners

This course is designed for students who are just starting with English. It focuses on vocabulary, grammar, reading, and writing skills, forming a solid foundation for future English entrance exams. The primary goal here is to build the essential skills for learning in English, rather than merely centering on conversation.

• - Target: English beginners to low-intermediate learners
• - Goals: Development of reading, writing, and thinking skills, along with learning habits
• - Expected Level: Completion by sixth grade, achieving Eiken Grade 4-3

Program Details & Free Trial

Rising Stars Advanced: For Intermediate Learners

This course is tailored for students who already possess intermediate English skills. It aims to refine reading, writing, analytical thinking, and reasoning abilities critical for entrance exams.

• - Target: Intermediate English learners capable of communication in English
• - Goals: Preparation for reading comprehension, written expression, and logical thinking tailored to entrance exam requirements
• - Expected Level: Completion by sixth grade, achieving Pre-2 to 3 on Eiken

Program Details & Free Trial

If there is uncertainty about which course is most suitable, families are encouraged to register for either option. A pre-trial level assessment will guide families to the most fitting course.

Transparent Learning Design

The program emphasizes visibility in growth, ensuring all involved—students, instructors, and parents—share aligned goals.

• - Class placements based on assessed levels
• - Bi-weekly lessons (both face-to-face and online) combined with home study regimens
• - Regular progress reports and parent-teacher meetings for visible growth tracking
• - Success measures using reading metrics (Lexile) and writing tasks for evaluative feedback

This clearly designed progression gives families peace of mind, illustrating where students stand and what is needed for further development.

Program Highlights

• - Name: Rising Stars Program
• - Target Group: Japanese elementary school students (English level: beginner to intermediate)
• - Components:

- Rising Stars: For beginners in English
- Rising Stars Advanced: For those who can communicate in English

• - Launch Dates:

- Rising Stars: March 2026
- Rising Stars Advanced: December 2025 (with a full launch in March 2026)

• - Locations:

- Rising Stars: Fukazawa, Mejiro, and Futakotamagawa campuses
- Rising Stars Advanced: Mita and Shibuya campuses, plus online options

• - Format: Weekly lessons (in-person + online), with home learning support
• - Objectives: To cultivate English proficiency necessary for middle school entrance exams

Founder’s Message

"As opportunities for entrance exams using English broaden, the chance is not limited to returnee students anymore. Children educated in Japan now have an equal chance of success. The Rising Stars Program has been meticulously redesigned to meet the needs of the new generation of learners in Japan, based on our long-standing experience guiding returnee students to entrance exam success. Our mission is simple: to support driven children in building a solid foundation and cultivating their confidence, enabling them to pursue the best opportunities both in Japan and abroad."

— Charles Kanusen, Founder of the Returnee Academy / CEO of Global KA Holdings

For inquiries, please contact:
Global KA Holdings Public Relations
Email: [email protected]