I know what you mean, I had a book like that when I was first studying japanese in Tokyo, I only remember that most of the students were from Taiwan, and like you said there was just too much kanji and I too was sitting in a haze. When I went to Yoshida, it was for the intermediate course, so
I don't think there was much explanation in english, but there was a lot of
repetition and practice so even if you didn't 'get it' that day, it would probably hit you a few days later, like, aah that is what it means.
To me, someone explaining everything in english, makes it too easy. I guess I
could say it was challenging.
Anyways, good luck, with finding the right school.