We are parents who arrange English lessons for our kids.
Yoyogi Chapters’ philosophy is to create and uphold a fun learning environment among a community of peers.
Our families are mostly multinationals living in and around the Tokyo metropolis.
About the Co-op
Yoyogi Chapters (YC) was founded in 2008 by a small group of parents.
YC is neither a school, business nor non-profit. We are an informal group, organized as a cooperative in which participating parents arrange and share the cost of English lessons for our children. Admins are parent volunteers and include the organizer, treasurer, and group liaisons. A general meeting/ orientation for members is held at least once a year.
Although our emphasis is on the English lesson itself, children and parents alike enjoy the social side of the group which includes book swaps, cultural activities, seasonal parties, lunches, and park playdates.
Learn with YC
To join Yoyogi Chapters, children must be English-speaking. Prospective members must meet group prerequisites and trial with one of our teachers.
Meetings are held on Saturday mornings during autumn (September-December), winter (January-March) and spring (April-July).
Meeting content is decided by each group’s teacher, focuses on the development of English literacy, and progresses towards age-appropriate goals.
Follow us on Facebook for updates and vacancy announcements.
Teach with YC
YC seeks early childhood/ English language arts candidates with at least three years of classroom teaching. Experience with differentiation and TESOL is highly regarded. We have historically partnered with educators who hold a teaching license from a state, province, or governmental authority.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis via email (yoyogichapters@gmail.com). Please include a current CV and a cover letter which explains
Interest in the position
Relevant qualifications and experience
Circumstances in Japan, such as length and work permissions
FAQs
Where do you meet?
We hold our weekly classes at the Yoyogi Fureai Kaikan in Shibuya-ku, Yoyogi 1-37-10. The closest train/ subway stations are Yoyogi (JR, Sobu, and Oedo lines) and Minami Shinjuku (Odakyu line) which are all about a 5-minute walk from our location. Classes have been held online in cases when we are unable to meet in person.
How many families are part of the co-op?
Membership can fluctuate but there have been about 35 families and 50 children.
What is the class size?
About 6-10 children in 4-6 groups.
How old are participating children?
Although the majority of our children are in elementary school, we’ve added a Plus Alphas group for members in junior high.
How many teachers are hired?
We have hired between 2 to 4 teachers per term, some of whom teach multiple groups.
Are the children grouped by level?
Children are generally grouped by grade in the Japanese school system, though other factors are considered, including classroom space and teacher availability.
How much do lessons cost?
Yoyogi Chapters is an informal group operating as a “co-op” in which costs are divided and shared among members. Tuition is calculated in part by the number of class sessions held and the number of students enrolled and is approximately 18,000-30,000JPY each term and is subject to change. Additional fees for learning apps and teacher-specified course materials may apply.
We are committed to paying our teachers competitive rates, arrange to meet at a local facility, and cover teaching-related materials. Because of this we have a "no-refund policy" which states that if a child starts a term but has to stop attending for any reason we will not be able to offer a refund for any missed lessons.
As a parent, how much do I need to be involved?
While a handful of parents serve as admins or liaisons, the majority of YC parents are active participants. This includes:
Arranging for your child to attend YC classes and social events
Encouraging your child to complete YC assignments
Attending General Meetings
Providing feedback and information to admins and liaisons in a timely manner
Organizing additional individual or group literacy activities to support your child’s learning
Maintaining the condition of shared YC materials and space
Is Yoyogi Chapters only for children enrolled in Japanese public schools?
No. Children in private Japanese schools are also welcome, in addition to homeschooled children. We do occasionally accept children from bilingual schools or schools with additional English programs.
Don’t many Japanese schools have lessons and activities on Saturdays?
Yes. Planned absences due to special events in the child’s school, such as for Sports Day, should be relayed to the class liaison. There are no make-ups or refunds for missed YC lessons.
Does Yoyogi Chapters prepare children to attend international school?
No. YC is focused on keeping up literacy for children in Japanese schools in a fun manner. As such, it doesn't concentrate on requirements to pass exams or enter an English-speaking school.
How can my child be added to the waitlist?
Because we are a community of families, we give priority to siblings of currently participating children. Preference is also given to Shibuya ward families to ensure the rental of the Yoyogi Fureai Kaikan facility that is managed by the ward and only available to local residents.
To be added to the waitlist, email a brief introduction to yoyogichapters@gmail.com. Please include your child’s:
Name
Age
Grade
Prefecture/ku of residence