A-1 English School vs. Preply: Which English Learning Model Is Better?
A-1 English School vs Preply Comparison
An infographic comparing A-1 English School and Preply. The left side highlights A-1 English School’s pay-per-lesson model, flexible scheduling, personalized teaching, and no contracts or hidden fees. The right side shows Preply’s subscription-based model with stricter policies, potential additional charges, and tutor turnover. The graphic emphasizes the contrast between independent personalized learning and large platform subscription services.
A-1 English School vs. Preply: Which English Learning Model Is Right for You?
Online English learning has become more accessible than ever.
Today, students can choose from large global tutoring platforms such as Preply, independent English schools, private teachers, and many other online learning options.
But these choices don't all work the same way.
The learning model can be just as important as the teacher you choose.
In this article, I'll explain the differences between Preply's platform-based subscription model and the independent, one-teacher approach at A-1 English School.
Neither approach is right for everyone.
The important question is:
Which learning environment fits the way you want to learn English?
Two Different Ways to Learn English
1. The Preply Platform Model
Preply is a large online tutoring platform that connects students with teachers from around the world.
According to Preply's current subscription information, students subscribe to an individual tutor and are charged automatically every 28 days for a selected number of lessons. Preply does not currently offer individual one-time lessons outside its subscription model.
The platform offers several useful features, including:
A large selection of tutors
Online scheduling
Different lesson frequencies
The ability to change or pause a subscription
The ability to switch tutors
Lessons with teachers from many different countries
This can be a good fit for students who enjoy having many choices and a structured recurring schedule.
However, students should understand how the subscription works.
Lessons included in a billing cycle that haven't been booked by the end of that cycle can expire, although lessons that have already been scheduled are protected.
Preply also allows students to pause or cancel their subscriptions, with cancellation stopping future automatic renewals.
2. The Independent School Model
A-1 English School takes a different approach.
Instead of choosing from a large directory of teachers, you work directly with one native American English teacher: me, Teacher John.
There is no monthly subscription.
There is no requirement to maintain a recurring weekly schedule.
Instead, A-1 uses a pay-as-you-go point system.
You can purchase points and use them for individual lessons:
Conversation / Free Talk — 25 minutes: ¥1,500
Conversation / Free Talk — 50 minutes: ¥2,800
Business / Exam Preparation — 25 minutes: ¥1,800
Business / Exam Preparation — 50 minutes: ¥3,400
Custom lessons — from ¥1,500
You can also choose from point packages that offer additional savings.
This approach is designed for students who want one teacher, personalized instruction, and flexibility without a recurring subscription.
The Biggest Difference: Choice vs. Continuity
One of the most noticeable differences between these two models is the number of teachers available.
With Preply, you have access to a large marketplace of tutors and can change teachers when your needs change.
At A-1 English School, the experience is much more personal.
You work directly with me.
That means I can become familiar with:
Your English level
Your pronunciation challenges
Your vocabulary
Your communication goals
Your interests
The areas where you need more practice
Instead of repeatedly explaining your learning history to a new teacher, we can build on previous lessons.
For some students, that continuity is an important part of learning.
Flexibility Looks Different in Each Model
Both models offer flexibility, but they approach it differently.
Preply allows students to adjust lesson plans, pause subscriptions, cancel future renewals, and change tutors.
A-1 English School doesn't use a recurring subscription in the first place.
If you become busy with work, travel, family responsibilities, or other commitments, you can simply stop booking lessons and return when you're ready.
There is no automatic monthly renewal to manage.
You decide when you want to continue.
Which Model Is Better for You?
There isn't one answer that applies to every student.
The right choice depends on what you value most.
A large platform may suit you if you want:
A large selection of teachers
The ability to compare different tutors
A platform with many built-in features
A recurring learning schedule
The ability to change teachers easily
An independent school may suit you if you want:
One consistent teacher
Personalized one-on-one instruction
A direct relationship with your teacher
No recurring subscription
Flexible lesson scheduling
A teacher who gets to know your English over time
The important thing is to choose the model that matches how you actually want to learn.
What About Price?
Price is another factor worth considering.
But comparing prices between platforms isn't always straightforward because lesson length, teacher rates, lesson frequency, packages, and payment structures can all be different.
At A-1 English School, the pricing is intentionally simple:
1 point = ¥1
You can choose individual lessons or purchase a larger point package.
There are no monthly membership fees.
You can see the complete current pricing on the A-1 English School Lesson Pricing page.
The Teacher Still Matters Most
Regardless of the platform or business model, the teacher you work with matters enormously.
A large platform can give you many choices.
An independent teacher can give you continuity and a highly personal learning experience.
But neither model automatically guarantees progress.
Progress comes from regular practice, meaningful communication, useful feedback, and lessons that match your goals.
That's why I believe English lessons should focus on more than simply completing exercises.
You should have opportunities to:
Speak
Listen
Ask questions
Make mistakes
Receive corrections
Practice natural expressions
Build confidence
And most importantly, use English in situations that are meaningful to you.
Why I Created A-1 English School
I created A-1 English School because I wanted to provide a more personal alternative to the large online language-learning platforms.
My focus is simple:
One teacher. One student. One personalized lesson.
As a native American English teacher based in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, I work with students who want to improve their English for real communication.
That might mean:
Everyday conversation
Natural American English
Pronunciation and fluency
Business English
Travel English
IELTS preparation
The lesson is built around the student—not around a generic course.
Try A-1 English School for Yourself
If you're curious about the difference between a large tutoring platform and an independent English school, you don't have to make a decision based on an article.
You can experience an A-1 lesson for yourself.
Your first 30-minute lesson is free.
We'll talk about your English, your goals, and the areas you'd like to improve.
There is no obligation to continue.
Try Your First Lesson Free
Final Thoughts
Preply and A-1 English School use different approaches to online English learning.
Preply provides access to a large tutoring marketplace with recurring subscription plans and many teacher choices.
A-1 English School takes a smaller, more personal approach centered around one teacher, personalized lessons, and a flexible point-based payment system.
The better choice depends on what you want from your English learning experience.
If you want to explore a personal, one-on-one approach with a native American English teacher, you're welcome to try your first lesson free.
Build real confidence in English—one conversation at a time.
— Teacher John
Native American English Teacher | Asahikawa, Hokkaido
