Online School TOMO COLLABO
TOMO COLLABO is a collaborative online school for upper elementary (grades 5–6) and lower secondary (grades 7–8) students, where they learn junior high school–level mathematics and English while collaborating with friends.
(TOMO is friends in Japanese)
Classes are conducted via ZOOM and Padlet (an online bulletin board for education).
In addition to using AI tools such as ChatGPT and Gemini, students work together with friends while making use of platforms like Kahoot and YouTube to advance their learning.
During class, the teacher rarely provides direct instruction on subject content, focusing instead on facilitating the lesson and praising the students.
- To find joy in learning
- To develop the abilities to research, communicate, and ask questions
- To become capable of learning independently and progressing on one’s own
We place emphasis on these three goals, viewing performance on paper-based tests merely as a byproduct. This approach differs from that of cram schools, which focus on improving regular school test scores or securing admission to a desired school.
Target Students and Level
Upper elementary (grades 5–6) to lower secondary (grades 7–8) students
At TOMO COLLABO, students primarily learn junior high school mathematics and English, but since the program also has elements of an extracurricular activity, it is preferable to start from grade 5 in elementary school if possible.
Mathematics Level
The mathematics level is that of junior high school textbooks, with a primary focus on the fundamentals. When appropriate, students also work on applied problems to develop their critical thinking skills.
A Unique Curriculum Accessible to Elementary School Students
Mathematics is taught through a unique curriculum that allows students to begin studying junior high school mathematics as early as grade 5 in elementary school. This curriculum is designed to cover the fundamentals of junior high school mathematics in about two and a half years. Ideally, if students start at the right time during grade 5, they can complete the entire junior high school mathematics curriculum by the middle of their first year in junior high school.
However, students must have already mastered the basic arithmetic skills taught in elementary school.
English for All Ages – From Children to Adults
The English level is generally that of junior high school, but in each lesson, students write a free composition in Japanese based on a given theme and then learn by translating it into English. This approach makes the program accessible to participants of all ages.
At TOMO COLLABO, learning is supported by AI. By refining the prompts (instructions) given to the AI, students can also learn more advanced English.
For Those Who Wish to Relearn
TOMO COLLABO’s predecessor, “Math Friends,” originally began as an online school for junior high school students who found it difficult to attend regular school. Although the lesson content has since evolved significantly, we still hope to ease the concerns of such students about falling behind in their learning, even just a little.
If you have the desire to “learn online together with friends,” you are more than welcome to join, whether you attend school or not.
Elementary and Junior High School Students Living Overseas
Even while living overseas, it is essential to steadily build a solid foundation in Japanese mathematics, especially with a future return to Japan in mind. Unlike other online cram schools, TOMO COLLABO enables students to learn collaboratively with friends, making it easier to stay motivated.
TOMO COLLABO’s Goals
- To find joy in learning
- To develop the abilities to research, communicate, and ask questions
- To become capable of learning independently and progressing on one’s own
To find joy in learning
To find joy in the act of learning itself
To share what you have learned
To become capable of applying it
To develop the abilities to research, communicate, and ask questions
Research skills
Communication skills
Questioning skills
To become capable of learning independently and progressing on one’s own
Learn how to study without a teacher
Set your own tasks and continue learning consistently
Gather peers and create your own class
Lesson Content
Classes are currently in progress. This section is under construction—please check back soon.
Message from the Director
Nice to meet you. I’m Nobuya Matsuo, the director of TOMO COLLABO.
I have been involved in mathematics education for over 17 years, teaching at both private integrated junior and senior high schools and public junior high schools. During that time, I have often seen students feel that studying is “burdensome,” constrained by academic rankings and grades. From these experiences, I founded TOMO COLLABO as a place where children can genuinely enjoy learning and as a space to cultivate the ability to carve out their own future.
The three principles we value—“finding joy in learning,” “developing the abilities to research, communicate, and ask questions,” and “becoming capable of learning independently and progressing on one’s own”—serve as driving forces for lifelong learning.
Lessons are conducted not as one-way lectures, but with a focus on collaborative learning. Students work together with friends to think through problems and share their progress, deepening their understanding in the process. Teachers avoid over-instructing, instead recognizing and praising students’ learning attitudes, and engaging as facilitators to make learning enjoyable. In addition, we make use of the latest digital tools—such as Padlet, AI, Kahoot!, and YouTube—to create an environment where children can take an active role in their own learning.
Our goal is for children at this school to discover the true joy of learning, to acquire learning skills that are relevant in any era, and ultimately to continue learning on their own without relying on parents or teachers.
It is my humble hope to play even a small part in helping children develop essential learning skills and continue learning with a smile throughout their lives.