Terakoya Academy partners with schools and universities to teach young adults what traditional education often misses — financial clarity, productivity, and personal direction.
📍 Based in Chiang Mai | For Ages 16–25 | In-Person & Online
Story Behind Terakoya Academy: Learning Inspired by Japan's Community Schools
Terakoya Academy is a learning initiative based in Chiang Mai, inspired by Japan’s historical community schools known as terakoya (寺子屋). These small, locally-run schools operated in homes and temples during the 17th to 19th centuries, where teachers—often experienced craftspeople, monks, or retired samurai—shared practical knowledge with children from all backgrounds.
We carry forward that same spirit of simplicity, respect, and practical wisdom. At Terakoya Academy, we prioritize core life skills: how to manage money, how to focus, and how to make thoughtful decisions. Our aim is not competitive performance, but the development of clarity and confidence in everyday life. Students from age 16–25 participate in our workshops to build capabilities that apply beyond school—skills they can carry into their future work, families, and communities.
At Terakoya Academy, we offer a space where learning becomes personal, practical, and deeply rewarding. Everything we do is shaped by a few core beliefs:
Learning Should Be Calm Growth happens when students are given the space to reflect, not rushed to compete.
Skills Should Be Practical We focus on what actually helps in real life: managing money, building focus, making decisions.
Growth Should Be Human We treat every student with respect. No rigid hierarchy — just honest learning in small groups.
Habits Over Hype Instead of chasing motivation, we focus on systems and consistency.
Clarity Over Complexity Whether it’s finances or personal goals, we aim to simplify. so students walk away with tools they’ll actually use.
Programs are delivered in 2-hour, full-day, or short coaching series formats. The goal is always the same: to help students leave with something usable, something real.
Why This Matters: Challenges Faced by Youth Today
Many students feel overwhelmed, distracted, and unsure of what comes next. They're under pressure to succeed, but no one teaches them how to manage money, stay focused, or make clear decisions.
They struggle with time, habits, and direction.
They feel anxious about the future but don't know where to start.
And they often finish school with no real tools for life
67%
Time Management
Feel overwhelmed by daily responsibilities
73%
Procrastination
Delay important tasks and assignments
91%
Burnout & Stress
Of Gen Z report consistent stress symptoms
8%
Goal Confusion
Only this percentage stick to long-term goals
80%
Decision Anxiety
Feel unsure or stressed about major life decisions
77%
Digital Distraction
Say they can't focus on one task for long
These aren't minor issues. They directly impact students' confidence, mental health, and long-term success.
How We Partner with Institutions
On-Campus Workshops
Bring Terakoya's practical life skills directly to your campus.
Flexible 2-hour sessions
Half-day immersive workshops
Full-day comprehensive programs
Online Sessions
Interactive learning experiences accessible from anywhere.
Live facilitator engagement
Perfect for remote students
Compatible with hybrid classrooms
Curriculum Integration
Seamlessly incorporate our methods into your existing framework.
Advisory period enhancement
Elective track options
Enrichment block programming
What Happens at Terakoya
We start with two core programs designed to give students real tools for life:
💰 Personal Finance 101: Budget, Save, Invest and Plan
Students learn to manage money with confidence:
Track spending, set budgets, build savings
Use real-life examples and ready-made templates
Gain clarity on banking, investing, and financial goals
🛠️Outcome: Better financial habits, increased confidence, and a clear plan for the future.
🧠 Personal Mastery: Focus, Habits, and Productivity: The Keys to Enduring Success
We help students build structure and calm into their lives:
SMART goals, time-blocking, and digital detox
Tools to beat procrastination and stay consistent
Habit trackers, planners, and decision-making exercises
🛠️Outcome: Increased focus, daily structure, confidence in action, better habit
Why It Works: Our Learning Principles
We believe real education should be focused on practical outcomes that students can apply immediately in their lives. Our approach creates a supportive environment where young people can develop essential skills without the pressure of traditional academic settings.
Simple & Actionable
We focus on clear, practical skills students can implement right away, avoiding unnecessary complexity and theoretical concepts that don't translate to real life.
Small-Group Based
Our intimate learning environments foster meaningful connections between peers, creating a community where students learn from each other's experiences and insights.
Real-World Focused
Every concept taught is immediately applied to relevant scenarios, ensuring students can bridge the gap between classroom learning and everyday challenges.
Calm & Supportive
We've removed the anxiety-inducing elements of traditional education, creating a pressure-free zone where mistakes are viewed as valuable learning opportunities.
Outcome-Driven
Each session concludes with tangible takeaways and defined next steps, ensuring students leave with clarity about how to move forward with their new skills.
Let's Connect
We keep things simple, human, and high-quality. Reach out to bring Terakoya to your school or program.