English Support Programme - ESP

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A World First in Asia,

at EIFJ Tokyo

A landmark partnership for English literacy


EIFJ is proud to announce the launch of its English Support Programme (ESP), developed in exclusive partnership with McGraw Hill, one of the world's most trusted names in educational publishing and language learning. EIFJ is the first school in Asia to implement this structured literacy programme for kindergarten & elementary students, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to delivering world-class English instruction within a French international IB World School environment.


Grounded in the Science of Reading


The ESP is not a conventional English class. It is a research-based, evidence-driven programme built on the principles of the Science of Reading, the internationally recognised body of research that identifies the most effective methods for developing reading fluency, decoding skills, comprehension, and written expression in young learners.


Every element of the programme, from its materials to its instructional methods, is designed to produce measurable, lasting progress in English literacy. Students are not simply exposed to English — they are systematically taught how to read, understand, and communicate in English at or above North American grade level expectations.


How the programme works


The ESP operates as a targeted, small-group support programme running alongside the regular school curriculum, not replacing it. Small-group instruction is the internationally recommended format at this stage of language development, as it combines the individualised attention of one-to-one support with the rich communicative opportunities of peer interaction.


Each session runs for 60 minutes, three times per week, with a focused curriculum covering :


Decoding and phonics, building the foundational ability to read unfamiliar words accurately and confidently. Reading fluency, developing speed, accuracy, and expression in oral and silent reading. Reading comprehension, teaching students to actively understand, analyse, and respond to texts. Speaking and writing, developing confident and accurate English communication across all modes.


Students work with high-quality physical books and learning materials, kept at school for consistency and continuity. Copies and digital resources are shared via Seesaw so that families can follow their child's progress and support learning at home.


Personalised placement based on rigorous assessment


Every student's placement in the ESP is informed by US-based English placement assessments administered across EIFJ Kindergarten and Elementary School. These assessments identify each student's individual strengths and areas for growth with precision, ensuring that the support provided is genuinely targeted rather than generic.


This data-driven approach means that every child in the programme receives instruction calibrated to their specific needs, enabling them to make meaningful and measurable progress from the very first session.


Expert oversight and quality assurance


The ESP is closely monitored by two layers of professional oversight. EIFJ's Pedagogical Leadership Team ensures that programme delivery is aligned with the school's educational standards, IB PYP framework, and French Ministry curriculum requirements. McGraw Hill's dedicated Reading Specialist provides expert guidance and continuous quality assurance throughout the programme, ensuring fidelity to the research-based methodology at every stage.


This dual oversight structure gives families complete confidence that their child is receiving instruction of the highest professional standard.


Who is the programme for ?


The ESP is designed for Kindergarten and Elementary School students across all grade levels who have been identified, through formal assessment, as benefiting from targeted, intensive English support. Whether a student is developing foundational reading skills, building fluency, or working toward near-native English proficiency, the programme is structured to meet them where they are and take them significantly further.


Spaces are intentionally limited to preserve the integrity of the small-group model and ensure every participant receives the focused attention they need.


Programme structure and enrolment


  • Sessions : 60 minutes, three times per week
  • Format : Small-group instruction (research-recommended)
  • Materials : Physical books and Seesaw digital access included
  • Oversight : EIFJ Pedagogical Leadership Team and McGraw Hill Reading Specialist
  • Start date : September 2026
  • Fees available on the website's After-School Activities' page


A message from the school


At EIFJ, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to develop genuine confidence and competence in English, not just exposure to the language. The ESP represents our most structured and ambitious commitment yet to making that a reality for every student who needs it. We are deeply proud to bring this world-first programme to our community, and we look forward to seeing the impact it will have on our students' futures.


For further information or to discuss whether the ESP is the right fit for your child, please contact us at contact@eifj.org or call +81 (0)3-5948-9480.

TOEFL Preparation Courses


EIFJ Tokyo offers specialised preparation courses for the TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test), designed for students who need to certify their English proficiency for international high schools, universities, or scholarships.

The TOEFL iBT is one of the most widely accepted English proficiency tests worldwide, particularly for admission to English-speaking universities and boarding schools.


Who is this for?

  • EIFJ Tokyo students (especially Middle School and above) planning to apply to international high schools or universities abroad
  • External students and teenagers seeking an official English certification
  • Families preparing for English-medium education or studying in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, etc.


Levels & Focus

Preparation is available for all TOEFL iBT sections:

  • Reading
  • Listening
  • Speaking
  • Writing

Courses are adapted to the student’s current level and target score.


Course Features

  • Small-group or semi-private classes led by experienced English teachers
  • Targeted training on TOEFL-specific strategies and question types
  • Regular full-length mock tests with detailed score analysis
  • Focus on academic English, vocabulary building, and test-taking techniques
  • Personalised feedback and progress tracking

Courses are offered during the school year (after-school or Saturday sessions) and sometimes during holidays, depending on demand.


Why prepare at EIFJ Tokyo?

  • Continuity with our strong English programme and IB approach
  • Teachers who already know the students’ strengths and needs
  • A supportive, multilingual environment in Kita-ku
  • Effective preparation that builds real confidence in academic English

Important Note:

EIFJ Tokyo is not an official TOEFL iBT test center. Students take the actual TOEFL iBT exam at authorised Prometric test centers in central Tokyo (e.g., Ochanomizu, Tamachi, or other locations). We focus on high-quality preparation to help students achieve their best possible score.


Next Steps

Would you like your child to join our TOEFL preparation course?

Please contact us for the detailed schedule, dates, fees, and registration information.

CALENDAR, FEES & SCHOOL BUS

 

  • The fees are termly (Fall, Winter, Spring & Summer), payable before every term.
  • A trial session is offered at half price for new students.
  • There are no admission fees.
  • Online courses are possible, too.
  • The number of lessons is clarified before every term based on the professor’s availability and the students' need.
  • Lessons during school holidays are often possible based on demand, and invoiced separately.
  • In case of the absence of the activity leader, no refund is possible, however a catch-up lesson can be offered in the final week of each term (which remains without lesson for this purpose) depending in availabilities of the activity leader and the student. It is the responsability of the activity leader to avoid absences, offer extracurricular classes and communicate with the families via the school app in a rigorous way.
  • After the registration, in case of absence of the student what any reason, no refund is possible for any missed lesson.
  • Weekly lessons can be given for faster progress (payable also before every term). Change of schedules, extra lessons are possible during each term, but without any refund of the current registration.
  • Any lesson starting during a term is invoiced on a pro rata temporis.
  • Transportation: stay on campus if your child is a regular student, or make your own way to EIFJ Tokyo from 3:30 p.m. (1 p.m. on Wednesdays). Following the activities, the main buses depart at 17:00 to bring students back home, while Alpha bus departs at 16:00 and 17:00.

 

To enroll, please check the following table, select the time slots, and fill in the online admission form with all needed information: our team will get back to you shortly.

 

NB: Japanese subsidies for Japanese, French, and international families (37,000 to 100,000 yen subsidies per month) are applicable to 0 to 6 years old students enrolled in EIFJ or other schools for childcare, holiday school, intermittent class & regular school programs only. Please visit our dedicated page for further information.