Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question? We’ve gathered answers to the questions families ask most often about The Clubhouse, including our programs, enrollment, schedules, tuition, and daily life.
If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to contact us by email at info@theclubhouse.jp. We’re always happy to help.
The Clubhouse offers two English immersion programs designed for children with different English experience and learning goals.
Saturday School welcomes children of all English levels, including beginners. Through a full or half day of English immersion, children build confidence and language skills naturally through play, hands-on learning, outdoor activities, and meaningful communication.
After School is designed exclusively for children who already communicate comfortably in English, including native speakers, graduates of international schools, and returnee students. Applicants need to complete an English proficiency assessment before enrollment.
If you’re unsure which program is the best fit for your child, we’d be happy to help. Please contact us or schedule a visit, and we’ll be glad to discuss your child’s needs and recommend the most appropriate program.
Because English is used throughout the After School program, children should already be able to communicate comfortably in English before enrolling.
As part of the application process, prospective students complete an English proficiency assessment. This helps us ensure that each child can participate confidently in classroom discussions, activities, and daily interactions, allowing everyone to benefit fully from the English immersion environment.
If you’re unsure whether After School is the right fit for your child, we encourage you to contact us or schedule a visit. We’re happy to discuss your child’s English experience and help you determine the most appropriate program.
Yes. Saturday School welcomes children of all English levels, including those with little or no previous English experience.
Children learn through full English immersion in a supportive and engaging environment. Our experienced teachers use visual cues, gestures, routines, and hands-on activities to help every child understand, participate, and gain confidence using English naturally.
As children become more comfortable, they begin communicating with teachers and classmates in English at their own pace.
Yes. Saturday School is designed for children of all English levels, including beginners.
Our experienced teachers use visual cues, gestures, routines, demonstrations, and hands-on activities to help children understand and participate from their very first day. As children become more comfortable, they naturally begin communicating with teachers and classmates in English.
For children’s safety and emotional well-being, limited Japanese support may be provided when appropriate. However, English remains the primary language used throughout the program, allowing children to build confidence and language skills through daily immersion.
Our teaching team brings together licensed and experienced educators who are passionate about helping children develop confidence and fluency in English.
Our staff includes native English-speaking teachers as well as experienced bilingual support staff. Together, they create a safe, engaging, and supportive learning environment where every child can thrive.
The Clubhouse was founded by Finbar Burke, M.Ed., who has more than 30 years of experience leading international education programs in Japan. His educational philosophy continues to guide every aspect of our programs, from curriculum design to the learning environment and daily interactions with children.
We believe children learn best in a supportive environment where every child is known, encouraged, and actively involved.
To help provide that experience, The Clubhouse intentionally keeps class sizes small. Small groups allow our teachers to build meaningful relationships with each child, encourage active participation, and provide individualized support when needed.
Yes. Enrollment is available throughout the year, provided space is available in the program.
Children may join Saturday School or After School at various times during the school year. Our staff will work with your family to help ensure a smooth transition into the program.
We encourage families to contact us as early as possible, as availability may be limited in some programs or age groups.
If a program is full, you may opt to join our waiting list. We will contact you as soon as a space becomes available.
Absolutely. We encourage all families to visit The Clubhouse before enrolling.
During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to tour our facilities, observe the program in action, meet our teachers, and ask any questions you may have. We’ll also take the time to learn about your child and help you determine which program is the best fit.
Visits are available by appointment throughout the year. Please contact us to schedule a convenient time.
Yes. Families may change between Full Day, Half Day (Morning), and Half Day (Afternoon) enrollment on a monthly basis.
Please note that changes are subject to availability and program capacity.
Yes. After School offers pickup service from selected elementary schools in the Nagakute area.
To ensure a safe and reliable service, transportation is currently available only from participating schools. Please contact us to confirm whether your child’s school is included in our pickup area.
Saturday School does not include transportation. Families are responsible for drop-off and pick-up.
Yes. Children are welcome to enroll in After School even if they do not attend one of our participating pickup schools.
Families whose school is outside our pickup area are responsible for arranging transportation to and from The Clubhouse.
If you have questions about transportation or would like to discuss your child’s situation, please feel free to contact us.
The items your child will need depend on the program and the season.
Before your child’s first day, you’ll receive a Student Handbook with a detailed list of required and recommended items. These may include a water bottle, indoor shoes, a change of clothes, and other items needed for daily activities.
Yes. An optional healthy school lunch is available for children attending Saturday School full-day program and for After School students during school holidays and early days. Families may choose either to order school lunch on a day-by-day basis or to send lunch from home.
We do our best to accommodate food allergies and dietary restrictions whenever possible. Please let us know about your child’s needs during the enrollment process so we can discuss the available options.
Please note that school lunch is available for an additional fee.
No. Make-up classes are not available for student absences or for program closures due to severe weather, natural disasters, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Because each class is part of a planned curriculum and group learning experience, missed days cannot be rescheduled or credited.
The safety of our students and staff is always our highest priority.
If The Clubhouse closes or adjusts its operating hours due to a typhoon, severe weather, a natural disaster, or another emergency, families will be notified as early as possible through established communication channels.
Please note that make-up classes are not provided for closures caused by severe weather or other emergencies.
We use ClassDojo as our primary communication platform for both daily updates and direct communication with families.
Through ClassDojo, parents can see classroom activities through visual class stories, receive important announcements, and send private messages to teachers or the school office.
If you have questions or need assistance, we’re always happy to communicate by email or phone as well.
No. Parents do not need to speak or understand English for their child to attend The Clubhouse.
Our staff can communicate with families in both English and Japanese, and important information is provided bilingually.
We believe strong communication between home and school is essential, and we’re committed to making sure every family feels informed, supported, and connected.
Beyond tuition and fees, there are only optional additional charges such as school lunch and special programs such as summer school.
There are no required uniforms, and we’ll provide a list of personal items your child should bring before their first day.
If you have any questions about tuition, fees, or optional costs, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Getting started is easy!
- Schedule a visit to meet our teachers, tour the facility, and learn more about the program.
- After School applicants will complete an English proficiency assessment to ensure the program is the right fit.
- When you have decided to enroll, submit our online application.
- If enrollment is offered, we’ll guide you through the remaining admission procedures and help you prepare for your child’s first day.
If you have any questions before applying, we’re always happy to help. Please feel free to contact us.