Are Novakid Reviews Bad? An Explanation of Fees, Effectiveness, and Tips to Avoid Regret

For parents with such concerns, the online English conversation service for children "Novakid", which features a system for learning enjoyably like a game, is supported by children all over the world.

As an educational counselor and a mother of three, I have thoroughly analyzed the reviews, fees, and effectiveness of Novakid from a parent's perspective. By reading this article, you will surely be able to judge whether Novakid is right for your child.

[What you will learn in this article]

• Novakid's fees and prices after the 2024 price increase

• Real pros and cons shared by users

• True evaluations understood from actual reviews

• Strengths of Novakid analyzed by an educational counselor

• No credit card required! The flow of the free trial lesson

• Novakid's characteristics for children who are recommended and those who are not

Novakid's major appeal is that you can learn English while having fun like a game.

Novakid to the rescue? Do you have these concerns about your child's English learning?

"I want them to learn English, but I'm worried if my child, who is shy, will keep it up." "Transportation is a hassle, and I'm also concerned about the fees." "If possible, I want them to learn happily and grow to love English." Choosing lessons for children is an endless source of worry, isn't it?

In particular, there are many online English conversation services, and it is difficult to determine which one is truly suitable for your child.

In this article, we will thoroughly explain "Novakid", an online English conversation service specializing in children aged 4 to 12. We will evaluate its effectiveness from both a professional perspective as an educational counselor and a mother's perspective after experiencing it with my 6-year-old son.

Why not start by checking if your child enjoys English with a free trial? Registration of a credit card is also not required, so you can try it out easily.

▶︎ Check the latest fees and reviews on the (Novakid official website)!

Novakid: The "game-like" English conversation service chosen by 70,000 people worldwide

Novakid is an online English conversation service for children aged 4 to 12, operated by Novakid Inc. in the United States. It operates in 19 countries worldwide and has a track record of being used by over 70,000 people.

Its biggest feature is lessons that children get absorbed in, incorporating plenty of games and activities. It does not use Skype or similar tools, but instead provides high-quality one-on-one lessons on its own proprietary learning platform.

This chart summarizes the basic information about Novakid.

You can see the service overview at a glance, including the target age and lesson duration.

Details of pricing plans and prices after the 2024 price increase

Novakid's fees are determined by the type of instructor, the contract period, and the number of lessons per week. There are no enrollment fees or material costs at all.

• Two types of plans

  • Standard: Taught by non-native instructors (mainly from the Philippines, etc.) who hold English teaching qualifications. Recommended for children who want to enjoyably experience English first.

  • Premium: Taught by native instructors (from the US, UK, etc.). For children who want to focus on native pronunciation.

• Pricing examples (2 lessons per week, 6-month contract)

  • Standard: From 13,520 yen per month

  • Premium: From 25,200 yen per month

  • *The above are price examples after the July 2024 price revision. Please check the official website for the latest accurate pricing.

• Contract period: You can choose from 1, 3, 6, or 12 months. The longer the contract, the lower the cost per lesson.

• Payment method: Credit card payments are accepted.

• Points to note: Detailed information on all pricing plans is revealed after you register for a free trial on the official website.

I have summarized the features and estimated costs for each plan in this comparison table.

The Premium plan with native speakers is on the higher side, but even in the Standard plan, all instructors hold English teaching qualifications.

In fact, there are voices saying that they are satisfied with the quality of the instructors even in the Standard plan.

The price difference between the pricing plans is easier to understand when viewed in a graph.

Trial review: Trying a Novakid free lesson with my 6-year-old son!

Beyond just analyzing how the service works, as a mother, I actually took a free trial lesson with my 6-year-old eldest son.

From application to lesson booking Applying through the official website was very easy. You only need to enter your email address and your child's name and age; no credit card registration is required. You can immediately proceed to the booking screen and choose your preferred date, time, and instructor. It was great to be able to watch the instructors' self-introduction videos and choose a teacher with an atmosphere my child would likely enjoy.

The lesson on the day (25 minutes) My son was a bit nervous at first, but as soon as the lesson started, he was all smiles. This is because the teacher used illustrations of stars and animals on the screen and spoke to him using songs and gestures. No Japanese was used at all, but my son seemed to understand intuitively.

He was especially absorbed in the "stars" (rewards) he received for getting quiz answers right, and the 25 minutes flew by. I was surprised when he said, "Is it over already? I want to do more!"

Feedback after the lesson After the lesson, I received detailed feedback from the instructor. It specifically described the words learned today, my son's strengths, and advice for future learning, which made me feel as a parent that I could clearly grasp my child's growth. It is also a good point that the lesson video is saved so you can review it later.

It seems that not only my son, but many children who continue with the program are enjoying it and feeling their growth.

Novakid safe? Reliability of the operating company and instructors

Because it is a service to which you entrust your precious child, you are surely concerned about reliability and safety. Novakid has established a system that allows you to use it with peace of mind.

• Operating structure: Operated by the global company "Novakid Inc.," which is headquartered in the United States. It is a completely separate company with no relation to Japan's "Ekimae Ryugaku NOVA."

• Personal information protection: They have announced that they have established a personal information protection system that complies with international standards.

• Quality of Instructors: All instructors hold international English teaching certifications (such as TESOL) and are professionals with extensive experience in teaching children.

• Proprietary Platform: By using an in-house developed learning system, we ensure security and provide the optimal learning environment for children.

Novakid's 5 Key Strengths

Among the many online English conversation services, I have summarized the 5 points where Novakid is particularly excellent. High-quality instructors, game-based materials, and a support system that gives parents peace of mind are the appeal of Novakid.

Novakid's main strengths are summarized in this chart.

These are the points that users particularly appreciate.

1. High-quality Instructors All instructors hold international English teaching certifications and have extensive experience teaching children. They possess professional skills not just to speak English, but to capture children's interest and motivate them.

2. Original Materials for Game-based Learning Novakid's materials comply with international standards while being packed with games and quizzes. Children can naturally absorb English while playing, without feeling like they are "studying."

3. Proprietary Learning Platform The operation is intuitive, and even children can master it quickly. The appeal lies in interactive activities such as drawing during lessons.

4. Detailed Feedback for Parents There is feedback from the instructor after every lesson, allowing you to see your child's progress at a glance. You can also review lesson videos at any time, which is useful for home review.

5. Flexible Booking System Lessons can be booked from one month in advance up to 30 minutes before. You can also set a fixed schedule, making it easy to continue according to your lifestyle.

Based on these features, Novakid can be said to be a service that comprehensively provides an "environment where children want to learn on their own."

▶︎ Check the latest fees and reviews on the (Novakid Official Website)!

"Is Novakid suspicious?" 3 Common Misconceptions and the Truth

There are also rumors and reputations that people are curious about regarding new services. We will answer questions like "Is it affiliated with NOVA station-front study abroad?" and "Is it just expensive?" based on facts.

• Misconception 1: Is it a service affiliated with 'Ekimae Ryugaku NOVA'?

  • Fact: They are completely unrelated. Novakid is an online service specializing in children, operated by an American company.

• Misconception 2: Isn't it just expensive without any results?

  • Fact: While the fees are slightly higher than other companies, that investment goes into high-quality instructors and excellent teaching materials and systems. Reviews also mention that it is 'worth the price.'

In fact, there are people who have felt the results in a short period of time.

Furthermore, there are children who have continued for over a year and are steadily stepping up.

• Misconception 3: I'm worried about the lack of Japanese support

  • Fact: This is a method called 'immersion education' where one is immersed in an English-only environment. Instructors are trained to use gestures and pictures effectively to convey meaning, so children can intuitively understand the content.

Novakid usage | 4 simple steps for the lesson flow

Novakid lessons are completed in 4 simple steps, from booking to review.

We have illustrated the lesson flow in 4 steps.

It is a simple procedure that anyone can easily start.

1. Booking Log in to the official website or app, and choose an instructor and preferred date and time that match your child's level. We recommend watching the instructor's self-introduction video to choose a teacher who seems like a good fit.

2. Lesson (25 minutes) Once it is time for your booking, log in to the learning platform. Starting with songs and games, children take a 25-minute one-on-one lesson in a relaxed and fun environment.

3. After the lesson Once the lesson is finished, feedback from the instructor and a video of the lesson will be sent to the parent account. You can check the day's achievements, areas for improvement, and advice for home practice.

4. Review By rewatching the lesson video and working on mini-games or homework within the platform, you can solidify what was learned.

What is the effective frequency of lessons? Twice a week or more is recommended

Novakid recommends taking 2 to 3 lessons per week. If you only take one lesson a week, it is easy to forget the material before the next lesson, making it difficult for the learning content to stick. By coming into contact with English regularly, the learning effect is greatly improved.

Here is an example of a family that is steadily leveling up by taking lessons at a high frequency as recommended.

Here is an image of the relationship between lesson frequency and learning effectiveness.

Taking lessons twice a week or more and reviewing at home are the keys to retaining English proficiency.

Good? Bad? Novakid reviews and reputation summary

While there are many positive reviews saying that 'children get hooked,' there are also some concerning voices regarding 'fees' and 'reservations.' Let's look at the real voices of those who are actually using it.

[High Rating] Positive reviews and reputation

Summary: Many say the quality of instructors and teaching materials is high, and children enjoy continuing.

• 'The teachers are very cheerful and good at praising. Even shy children open up immediately.'

• 'Children are hooked on the game-like slide materials. They don't even think of it as studying.'

• 'The feedback after the lesson is detailed, so parents can understand the situation and feel at ease.'

• 'The proprietary system is easy to use, and reservations and cancellations are smooth.'

[Points to Note] Concerning reviews and reputation

Summary: Some point out the high fees and the difficulty of booking popular instructors.

• 'Compared to other online English conversation services, I do feel the fees are high.'

• 'Popular teachers get booked up quickly, so you need to secure them early.'

• Sometimes the video stutters, perhaps due to my home internet connection.

• Since Japanese is not spoken, some parental support was needed at the beginning.

I have summarized the points of concern and their solutions.

While you need to be careful about fees and reservations, overall, there were many positive evaluations such as 'my child is very engaged' and 'they can continue having fun'.

Novakid characteristics of children who are recommended for it and those who are not

Based on the analysis so far, I have summarized what kind of families Novakid is recommended for, and conversely, in what cases it might not be suitable.

⭕️ Recommended for these children and families

• Parents who want their children to learn English while feeling that it is 'fun'

• Children aged 4 to 12 who like games and tablets

• Those who want their children to take high-quality lessons at home without the hassle of transportation

• Those who want to expose their children to beautiful native pronunciation (Premium Plan)

• Those who want to firmly grasp their child's learning progress

❌ Might not be suitable in these cases

• Those who prioritize low fees above all else

• Those who want to frequently change or cancel reservations right before lessons (cancellations must be made at least 8 hours in advance)

• Parents who seek extensive support in Japanese during lessons

• Children of junior high school age or older (outside the target age range)

Summary: Novakid pros and cons

Finally, let's summarize the pros and cons of Novakid again. While the quality of education and the fun factor are major advantages, the high cost is a disadvantage.

✅ Pros

• High quality of education: All instructors are certified, and teaching materials comply with international standards.

• Children get hooked: Lessons feel like games, making it easy to stay engaged without getting bored.

• Zero initial costs: There are no enrollment fees or costs for teaching materials.

• Easy progress tracking: Feedback for parents and lesson videos are well-provided.

• Anywhere, anytime: You can take lessons anywhere as long as you have an internet connection.

❌ Cons

• Fees are higher than the market average: The pricing reflects the high quality.

• Competition for popular instructors: It can sometimes be difficult to book your favorite instructor.

• Cancellation deadline: You cannot cancel once it is less than 8 hours before the lesson starts.

• Dependence on communication environment: The comfort of the lesson depends on your home internet environment.

Check before signing up! Points to note regarding guarantees and cancellations

These are important points regarding the contract. Be sure to check the terms of service before signing up, including automatic renewals and refund guarantees.

• Contract period: There are 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month plans, and they may automatically renew at the end of the period.

• Cancellation: You can cancel by completing the procedure from the account page before the next billing date.

• Refunds: Some blogs mention a "45-day money-back guarantee," but there may be conditions for its application. Always check the latest guarantee details on the official website when signing up.

• Data: How personal data such as lesson videos is handled is described in the privacy policy.

Novakid FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Novakid We have summarized frequently asked questions about Novakid.

Novakid Here are some common questions regarding Novakid.

• Q1: What is the target age range? A1: It is for children aged 4 to 12. Curriculums are available for everyone from beginners to advanced students, tailored to your child's English level.

• Q2: What is the difference between Standard and Premium? A2: The difference lies in whether the assigned teacher is a "non-native" or a "native" speaker. Standard is taught by qualified non-native teachers, while Premium is taught by native teachers.

• Q3: How many times a week is it effective to take lessons? A3: Taking lessons 2-3 times a week is recommended. By coming into contact with English regularly, it becomes easier for the learning content to stick.

• Q4: Is the free trial lesson really free? Is a credit card required? A4: Yes, one 25-minute lesson is completely free. Credit card registration is also not required, so you will not be automatically switched to a paid plan.

• Q5: Can siblings share an account? A5: Novakid provides one-on-one lessons, so an account is required for each child. Please check the official website as sibling discounts may apply.

• Q6: Can I take lessons without a computer? A6: In addition to a computer, you can also take lessons using a tablet or smartphone. A dedicated app is available.

• Q7: Where can I get a campaign code? A7: Limited-time promotional codes are sometimes distributed on the official website or partner blogs. You may be able to receive a discount by applying it when signing up.

Novakid 3 tips to make the most of Novakid

If you are going to start Novakid, here are some tips to use it more effectively. It is effective to check compatibility before starting and to establish a habit of reviewing after you begin.

• [Mini-quiz] Is Novakid right for my family?

  • My child likes games and videos → YES

  • Can secure 25 minutes, twice a week or more → YES

  • I prioritize my child enjoying it and continuing over the cost → YES

  • → If all 3 are YES, there is a high possibility that you are a good match for Novakid!

• [Tips for usage]

  • Register at least 3 favorite teachers: It makes booking easier and provides opportunities to be exposed to English from various countries.

  • Check your communication environment before the lesson: Just choosing a place with a good Wi-Fi signal will change the comfort of your lesson.

  • Review with lesson videos: Making it a habit for parents and children to watch them together for just 5 minutes on the weekend leads to memory retention.

• [Avoiding trouble]

  • Read the terms of service before signing a contract: Especially for long-term contracts, be sure to check the cancellation and refund policy.

  • Cancel reservations early: To avoid missing the cancellation deadline (8 hours in advance), make sure to change your schedule early.

📌 Summary: First, experience the "fun!" with a free trial

In this article, we explained in detail about the online English conversation service for children, "Novakid", including reviews, fees, and features.

📌 5 points for making a decision

1. Child's interest: Can your child enjoy the game-like teaching materials?

2. Quality of instructors: Are the lessons high-quality, taught by professionals in child education?

3. Fees: Do long-term contracts or plan selections fit your budget?

4. Ease of continuation: Are the reservation system and feedback easy to use?

5. Compatibility: Above all, does your child feel that it is "fun" during the free trial?

Ultimately, the best way to know if it suits your child is to try it out for yourself.

Novakid's free trial lesson does not require credit card registration, so you can try it risk-free. It might be a wonderful opportunity for your child to start loving English.

▶︎ Check the latest fees and reviews on the (Novakid official website)!