#Japan #Tokyo #Rising Stars #Kikokushijo Academy #Global KA Holdings

Rising Stars Program: Empowering English Beginners for Academic Success

In an increasingly globalized education landscape, English proficiency has become essential for success in Japan's competitive junior high school entrance exam system. Recent studies reveal that approximately half of private schools in the Tokyo metropolitan area now incorporate English into their admissions process, motivating families to seek programs that cultivate not only conversational skills but also the ability to think and articulate in English.

In response, Kikokushijo Academy, renowned for its success in supporting returnee students, is set to launch a groundbreaking initiative known as the Rising Stars program in December 2025. Designed specifically for beginners, this program aims to arm students with the foundational skills and confidence necessary to excel in English-based entrance exams, leveraging nearly two decades of expertise and proven results in fostering student success.

Background: The Rise of English Entrance Exams

Kikokushijo Academy, part of the Global KA Holdings education group, has built a strong track record in helping returnee and bilingual students achieve remarkable results in competitive junior high school admissions. In fact, in the upcoming 2025 academic year, students from KA comprised over 75% of successful candidates in the English-returnee exam tracks at prestigious institutions such as Shibuya Kyoiku Gakuen Shibuya and Keio Shonan Fujisawa.

Amid this backdrop, there has been a noticeable increase in demand for high-quality English education from families without international backgrounds. To meet this growing need, the academy has collaborated with Global Step Academy, which joined the group in May 2025, to create the Rising Stars program, making exceptional language education accessible to domestic learners eager to excel.

Program Overview: Tailored Courses for Different Proficiency Levels

The Rising Stars initiative is primarily aimed at elementary students, specifically those in grades 1 to 6, focusing largely on grades 3 to 5 in its inaugural year. Instead of categorizing students by grade, the program allocates participants to classes based on their individual English proficiency as determined through pre-enrollment assessments.

Course Structure

The program features two distinct courses next:

1. Advanced Course (Rising Stars Advanced)
- Target Students: Students with a basic understanding of English
- Focus: Elevating students' skills necessary for entrance exams, with a strong emphasis on progressively tackling complex writing tasks.
- Goal: Achieve Eiken Pre-2 to Grade 3 proficiency by the conclusion of grade 6.
- Launch Date: Pilot rollout in December 2025.

2. Foundations Course (Rising Stars)
- Target Students: Beginners in English
- Focus: Teaching fundamental sentence structures and preparing students for transition to the Advanced Course.
- Goal: Aim for Eiken Grade 3 to 4 mastery.
- Launch Date: Full rollout in March 2026.

Learning Environment

Both courses incorporate a blend of in-person and online learning components to provide a flexible and comprehensive educational experience.

• - Advanced Course:

- In-person class: 2 hours, Online group class: 50 minutes
- Locations: Mita Campus and Shibuya Campus (opening in December 2025)

• - Foundations Course:

- In-person class: 2 hours, Online one-on-one class: 25 minutes
- Location: Fukasawa Campus (with plans for expansion)

More details about the program will be available at the end of October on the official Kikokushijo Academy website.

Features of the Program: A Systematic Path to Mastery

The Rising Stars program offers a well-structured pathway for students, guiding them from foundational skills to readiness for entrance exams through carefully designed steps. This approach is rooted in Kikokushijo Academy’s extensive experience in nurturing the English abilities of returnee students while also aiding their progression toward prestigious schools. Key components of the program include:

• - Experienced Instructors

All lessons are conducted by professionally trained educators skilled at helping students articulate their thoughts and express ideas in English. This prepares students for the higher-level thinking and writing tasks that are crucial for success in entrance exams.

• - Support for Home Learning

An essential aspect of the program is the online learning support provided to students, ensuring they receive assistance with homework and ongoing educational reinforcement to help maintain momentum in their language acquisition outside the classroom.

Executive Remarks

Charles Knudsen, CEO of Global KA Holdings, stated: "Through the launch of the Rising Stars program, we aim to share the insights that have propelled returnee students to success with a new generation in Japan. By merging the strengths of Kikokushijo Academy and Global Step Academy, we are able to empower ambitious beginners to build solid foundations, boost their confidence, and pursue outstanding opportunities both at home and globally."

About Global KA Holdings

Global KA Holdings is committed to nurturing independent and globally-minded learners prepared for success in an interconnected world, offering various educational services tailored to the unique needs of students.

• - Kikokushijo Academy (KA): Specialized academic support for returnee and bilingual students.
• - Global Step Academy (GSA): Inquiry-based online English learning.
• - KA International School (KAIS): Small-scale international school located in Tokyo.
• - Global Step Academy International School (GSAIS): International preschool program.
• - Soltio GSA International School (SGSA): Preschool integrating sports with international education.
• - The International School Times: Media platform focusing on global education resources.
• - International Education Fair: A major event showcasing schools engaged in global education.

For inquiries:
Global KA Holdings, PR Department
Email: [email protected]