Easy to ask,
even before your first lesson.
The questions parents ask us most often about the free trial, pricing, tutors and lesson formats.
Questions are welcome, with no pressure to enrol.
Questions we're often asked
The questions we hear most before a first conversation. Go straight to the topic you need.
Petra FAQ
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Free trial
We look at your child's current English level and goals, then suggest possible next steps and tutors. There is no pressure to enrol, so you are welcome to come for advice only.
- Petra
Pricing
There is no enrolment fee and, as a rule, no charge for materials. If any materials need to be purchased, we will agree this with you in advance.
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Lesson formats
Yes. Online lessons remove the need to arrange travel and may make a regular schedule easier to maintain.
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Tutors
We look at your child's school year, goals, personality and level of English, then suggest tutors likely to suit them.
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EIKEN and exams
From Grade 5 up to Grade Pre-1 and Grade 1 level, depending on your child's goals and current ability. From Grade 3 upwards, interview preparation is also available.
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International school
Yes. We can support homework in English, reading, essays and presentation preparation, matched to what the school is covering.
Jump to whichever topic you need.
The free trial
What happens in the free trial?
We look at your child's current English level and goals, then suggest possible next steps and tutors. There is no pressure to enrol, so you are welcome to come for advice only.
Do we have to sign up after the trial?
No. Once you have seen how your child responded and how the lessons work, you can take time to discuss it as a family.
Can I sit in as a parent?
Yes. Parents are welcome to observe, especially for primary-age children and during the first lesson.
Pricing and payment
Is there a joining fee?
There is no enrolment fee and, as a rule, no charge for materials.
How much do lessons cost?
The price depends on lesson length and content. The pricing page provides guide prices, and after the trial we can advise based on your child's goals and preferred lesson frequency.
Is it a monthly plan, or can we book one-off lessons?
Regular lessons are the usual arrangement, but please ask about other options, including short intensive periods before an exam.
Tutors and fit
How is a tutor chosen?
We look at your child's school year, goals, personality and level of English, then suggest tutors likely to suit them.
Can we change tutor if it isn't the right fit?
If the tutor or approach does not seem suitable, tell us what is happening and we can consider a change.
Can you support us in Japanese?
Yes. When helpful, we can suggest bilingual tutors or tutors who can explain in Japanese.
Lesson formats
Can lessons be taken online?
Yes. Online lessons remove the need to arrange travel and may make a regular schedule easier to maintain.
Do you offer in-person lessons?
This depends on the area and tutor availability. Tell us your preference when you first contact us.
Can siblings have lessons together?
Yes. Depending on their levels and goals, siblings may work separately or study together.
EIKEN and exam preparation
Which EIKEN grades do you start from?
From Grade 5 up to Grade Pre-1 and Grade 1 level, depending on your child's goals and current ability. From Grade 3 upwards, interview preparation is also available.
Can we focus on writing or the interview only?
Yes. We can focus on a specific area, such as writing, the second-stage interview, longer reading passages or vocabulary.
Do you cover IELTS and TOEFL?
Yes. Depending on tutor specialisms and availability, preparation for exams such as IELTS and TOEFL can also be arranged.
After joining and rescheduling
Can lessons be rescheduled?
This depends on tutor availability, but if you tell us in advance, we will rearrange the lesson where possible.
Is there homework?
We adjust homework to your child's goals and what is manageable at home, with attention to keeping the workload sustainable.
How often would you recommend?
Most families start with one lesson a week. When a goal is close, such as an EIKEN grade or an entrance exam, lessons are sometimes increased for a short period.
About Petra's tutors
We consider English ability, fit with your child, teaching style and lesson reporting, then suggest a tutor.
See more tutors →
Keio University · Faculty of Economics
English, maths, German & TOEFL/SAT
From primary to university level, Toru covers English, maths and German, as well as support with overseas university and secondary school applications.
If anything still worries you,
just ask us.
Tell us about your child's situation and we'll suggest a suitable tutor, lesson format and likely cost.