Comparing 3 schools side by side in USD.
MBIS is located in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. The campus address is 1-2-1 Chimori-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe 654-0072. It sits in a quiet residential area between the mountains and the sea, close to Kobe's coast. The school is within easy reach by foot to Suma Station, with two train lines nearby.
MBIS offers education from Early Years through Grade 12. It is an IB World School offering the full continuum (PYP, MYP, and DP) and is accredited by WASC.
MBIS is a co-educational international day school.
About 35 nationalities are represented. The largest group is Japanese (around 23%), followed by North Americans (about 18%), with roughly 59% of students coming from the rest of the world; overall, international students comprise the majority of the student body.
MBIS provides counseling services to support students' academic, social, emotional, and mental well-being, with a school counselor and collaboration with specialists. It includes targeted support for developmental and other special needs.
MBIS does not have a formal country affiliation; it is located in Japan and serves a diverse international student body.
MBIS is founded by the Marist Brothers, a Catholic religious order, and operates within the Marist educational tradition.
Students typically follow a school day with morning homeroom/assembly, first period starting around 8:50 AM and dismissal around 3:10 PM; after-school activities and clubs can continue beyond that time.
MBIS runs its own bus service with routes such as Shioya and Ashiya. The Shioya route schedules pickups at about 7:55–8:20 AM and afternoon drops around 3:25–3:50 PM. The Ashiya route serves multiple stops with pickups around 7:15–7:55 AM and afternoon drops around 4:20 PM. Timetables are published for each route.
MBIS does not offer boarding. All students are expected to live with a parent or guardian in the Kansai region for the duration of their studies. The school does not sponsor student visa applications; families are responsible for visa arrangements. Upon enrollment, MBIS can provide proof of admission for visa purposes if needed.
MBIS uses distinct summer and winter uniforms plus a dedicated PE kit. The winter uniform includes a blazer (mandatory for students in Grades 10–12), a long-sleeve white shirt, and sweaters or vests, with skirts or pants defined by grade. A gym uniform is required for physical education, and school ties are used for different grade bands (G1–G6 and G7–G12).
MBIS is a member of the Marist Global Network. The school is governed by MBIS leadership and the MBIS Board, which outlines the board's role in policy, oversight, and compliance with relevant education acts.
MBIS in Kobe, Japan offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum for students from Early Years through Grade 12, with English as the language of instruction and alignment with Common Core standards. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) guides learners from Early Years 3 to Grade 5 through inquiry-based, transdisciplinary units that integrate language, mathematics, science, social studies, arts, physical education, and religion. The Middle Years Programme (MYP) runs from Grade 6 to Grade 10 across eight subject groups—English, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, Arts, an additional language (Japanese), Physical Education, and Design—and includes a Grade 10 Personal Project. The Diploma Programme (DP) for Grades 11–12 requires six subjects across Groups 1–6 (Studies in language and literature, Language acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and The Arts) and the core Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and CAS. MBIS has been IB-authorized since 2017 and is accredited by WASC, confirming its global standards of curriculum design and assessment.
MBIS integrates Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) throughout its curriculum to support the emotional, social, and ethical development of every student. SEL at MBIS fosters emotional intelligence, resilience, and healthy relationships, and equips students with tools to manage their emotions, set goals, build positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. The approach emphasizes self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making as core competencies. MBIS maintains a safeguarding focus and has a dedicated team to address student safety and wellbeing. Counseling services are available to support students' mental and emotional well-being, including a Guidance Counselor and a Social/Emotional Counselor who work with students across grades. The MBIS safeguarding team and policies are designed to ensure a safe, supportive environment for all students.
MBIS provides specialized support for students with developmental disorders, learning disabilities, ADHD, and other special needs. The school has a Director of Student Support Services and a Whole School Counselor who coordinate student support across the campus. Admissions state that MBIS welcomes all applicants, but personnel and facilities may not be equipped to accommodate the full range of student needs; admissions and placement decisions are made on an individual basis. MBIS maintains a Student Services framework that includes a Medical Office staffed by a Medical Officer and a Nurse to address health and well-being needs. Counseling services explicitly address developmental and special needs as part of MBIS's support offerings. Given the above, MBIS provides SEN-related support primarily through counseling and student support staff rather than a publicly catalogued, centralized SEN program.
English is the primary language of instruction at MBIS. The school serves a multilingual community with over 20 languages spoken. MBIS accepts students who are still developing their English; the admissions FAQ notes a preference for an age-appropriate level of English but that language-learning students can be considered. There is a Marist English School program described on MBIS's site that teaches English as a second language to younger learners. These elements indicate that MBIS supports EAL learners through both in-school acceptance of learners and an external English language program for younger students.
MBIS prioritizes mental and emotional well-being alongside academics, with Counseling Services available to students. The school provides a Guidance Counselor for academic and university planning, and a Social/Emotional Counselor for developing emotional intelligence, resilience, and coping strategies. Counseling sessions are confidential and offered in person or online, with dedicated ways to arrange appointments (e.g., through the school's wellbeing platform). Counselors help students address issues such as stress, anxiety, interpersonal relationships, and personal growth, supporting them across the school journey. The counseling framework explicitly notes collaboration with specialists when needed to support student well-being.
MBIS is committed to child protection and safeguarding, aligning with the Japanese Act on the Prevention of Child Abuse and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The school's safeguarding policies and practices align with the standards of the Japan Council of International Schools (JCIS) and other accrediting bodies. A dedicated MBIS Child Saf safeguarding Team responds to concerns about student safety and collaborates with parents, school colleagues, and authorities as needed. Staff adhere to a strict Code of Conduct and receive ongoing safeguarding training with clear reporting procedures. Counseling services are part of safeguarding, with pathways to involve specialists when appropriate to protect student well-being.
1. Submit an Online Application: Begin by submitting the online application with the required details about the child and family. An online Applicant Page is created after submission to organize and track the process. An application fee is required and can be paid via bank transfer or credit card, incurring a 5% processing fee. 2. Provide Supporting Documents: Upload all necessary documents, including academic records from the past three years, proof of identity, and a recommendation from a current teacher or principal. A checklist of the required documents is provided in the online Applicant Page to guide families. 3. Interview & Assessment: After the application is reviewed, an admissions team member will schedule an interview with the Divisional Head. An English language proficiency test may be administered if deemed necessary for certain grades. 4. Finalize Enrollment: If accepted, complete the required enrollment forms and submit payment for the enrollment deposit. All applicants must reside in the Kansai region with at least one parent or guardian during study, and the school does not sponsor student visas; families should arrange the visa themselves and can request proof of admission if needed.
Marist Brothers International School offers scholarships and tuition assistance programs to support families. Eligibility criteria and application guidelines are outlined in the Scholarships and Tuition Assistance Policy. For the 2025–2026 academic year, a detailed Fee Schedule is available, and scholarship programs are designed to assist students based on merit and/or need. Parents should review the policy for specifics on how to apply and qualify.
If no space is available in the requested grade level, an applicant may be placed in a wait pool. The wait pool operates as a pool of candidates rather than a strict sequential list. When a space becomes available, the most suitable candidate is selected from the pool, and some grade levels may be nearing capacity, which influences waitpool usage.
KOBILS operates across two campuses in Kobe's Tarumi Ward. The Elementary and Kindergarten programs are housed at Momoyamadai 7-1-25, Tarumi, Kobe, with a separate Momoyamadai Nursery School at 4-4-13 Momoyamadai in Tarumi. The Tarumi area is on the west side of Kobe, and maps are provided for both campuses to help with arrival and access.
KOBILS offers a full-time bilingual program for children aged 3–12, split into Kindergarten (ages 3–6) and Elementary (ages 6–12). The Kindergarten site runs on weekdays (Monday–Friday) with age-appropriate English immersion and some Japanese instruction, while the Elementary program follows a CfE/Japanese curriculum mix for students aged 6–12.
KOBILS is a co-educational day school. It provides afterschool/daycare options and related programs, with no boarding facilities mentioned.
The majority of students are local residents, including Japanese nationals, mixed-race families, and long-term foreign residents. The school states its curriculum is developed with local residents in mind and aims for a bilingual environment, reflecting a diverse community. Exact numbers or nationalities are not published.
The school uses mixed-grade classes and level-specific learning in English and Japanese, supporting diverse learning needs within the bilingual framework. There is no explicit, publicly listed SEN program, but in-house differentiation and level-based groups are described as part of the curriculum features.
There is no formal country affiliation. The curriculum blends elements from Scotland's Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) with Japan's Kokugo and other components.
No religious affiliation is indicated in the school's program and materials.
The school day runs 9:00–15:30, Monday to Friday. Kindergarten and Elementary have similar daily schedules with incorporated language and subject blocks and a lunch period.
A school bus service is available. For kindergarten routes, a monthly bus fee is listed at ¥6,000; Akashi routes are ¥9,000 per month. Families may also arrange other transit options (walking or car) as part of daily arrival.
Kyushoku (Japanese school lunch) is provided; a Japanese-style freshly prepared meal with lots of vegetables; children assist with serving lunch in a Japanese style.
KOBILS is teacher-owned. Janina Tubby is the owner, principal and director.
Kobe Bilingual School (KOBILS) provides a full-time bilingual program for children aged 3–12, with Kindergarten (ages 3–6) and Elementary (ages 6–12) located in Kobe; English immersion is the primary language of instruction, with Japanese Kokugo taught at the same grade level and cross-curricular discussion in Japanese. The Elementary program blends Scotland's Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) with Japan's Kokugo and Social Studies/Ethics, using mixed-grade classes and level-specific learning in English, Japanese, and mathematics to support progression at different paces. The CfE/KOBILS curriculum covers eight subject areas—English (Languages A), Japanese (Languages B), Mathematics, Health and Wellbeing, Expressive Arts, Sciences, Social Studies, and Technologies—with Ethics embedded as a cross-cutting religious/moral education component. KOBILS places emphasis on language balance, with English immersion prioritized in early years and language balance decisions made from Grade 4, supported by level-specific English and Japanese instruction and cross-curricular projects. The school operates as a free school and seeks accreditation with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) within a multi-year plan; it is currently listed as unapproved in comparative materials. The curriculum is designed for progression to international schools by Grade 7/Year 8/S2 after Grade 6, aligning CfE outcomes with Japanese pathways and project-based learning.
KOBILS supports social and emotional learning through a weekly curriculum review where children discuss and reflect on their week in their native language, with opportunities for feedback and expressing concerns to support pastoral care.
KOBILS provides inclusive practices evidenced by mobility-accessible facilities (elevator, widened doors, accessible toilet) to support students with mobility challenges; information on a dedicated SEN program or specialist SEN staff is not publicly disclosed.
EAL support is integrated via English immersion with Japanese instruction, with the minority language prioritized in Kindergarten and early grades; there is no separate EAL program publicly disclosed.
Mental wellbeing is considered in health and safety planning, with the policy noting balance of hygiene and safety measures with mental health concerns.
Safeguarding and safety are prioritized: KOBILS is fully registered with Kobe City, maintains a high staff‑to‑student ratio with qualified hoikushi and nursery staff, and uses SECOM security.
1. Program options. Kobe Bilingual School offers a Kindergarten program for children aged 3 to 6, and an Elementary program for children aged 6 to 12. A Saturday School program is also available as part of its offerings. The school is located at 7-1-25 Momoyamadai, Tarumi, Kobe.
2. Application periods. For Kindergarten, there are two application periods: Period 1 (Open Application) from September 8 to September 30, 2025, and Period 2 (Rolling Application with restricted entry) from October 1, 2025. For Elementary, the periods mirror Kindergarten: Period 1 (Open Application) from September 8 to September 30, 2025, and Period 2 (Rolling Application with restricted entry) from October 1, 2025. The application windows are listed on the New Student Application Process page.
3. Application forms and guidelines. Kindergarten applicants can download the Kindergarten application form and guidelines; Elementary applicants can download the Elementary application form and guidelines. There is also an Enquiry Form available for general inquiries.
4. Application fields and submission. The application form collects basic contact information, including Name, Email, and Phone. A CAPTCHA is present on the form to verify entrants.
5. Fees at application. The application requires an Application and Interview Fee of ¥20,000. Kindergarten Entrance Fee is ¥100,000.
6. Interview and admissions steps. An interview is part of the admissions process as indicated by the Application and Interview Fee.
7. Enrollment and initial payment. If admitted, the Entrance Fee and other one-time charges are due at enrollment (Kindergarten Entrance Fee: ¥100,000; Elementary Entrance Fee: ¥200,000, less any Kindergarten entrance fee paid).
8. Ongoing costs and payment options. Kindergarten tuition is ¥63,000 per month for 12 months, with Kyushoku (lunch) at ¥6,500 per month and a School Bus option at ¥6,000 per month (Akashi routes may be ¥9,000). Annual Fees include Materials ¥24,000 and Facility ¥60,000. One-time fees include Entrance ¥100,000 and an Application/Interview Fee ¥20,000. Tuition payment plans are available.
No scholarships are listed on the Kobe Bilingual School site. The 2025 Admission Materials include an application and brochure with no scholarship information, and the Fees page lists standard charges (tuition, lunch, bus, materials, facility, entrance, and application/interview fees) without mentioning scholarship programs.
The site does not publish a formal waitlist or pool policy. Application periods include a Period 2 Rolling Entry with restricted entry, indicating capacity controls. There is no publicly described waitlist process beyond the rolling-entry approach.
Ascot International School Japan is in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, with the campus at 1-11-2 Kanokodai Minamimachi, Kita-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo 651-1514, Japan. The nearest rail access is Dojo-Minamiguchi Station, about a 15-minute walk from the campus. The site sits on Kanokodai in a green, semi-rural area and includes woodland on campus, offering a natural learning environment. Bus services connect key areas such as Sannomiya, Rokko Island, Sumiyoshi, Hankyu Mikage, Takurazuka, and Sanda.
Ascot International School Japan offers Early Years, Primary (Key Stage 1 & 2), Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3) and Upper Secondary (Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5) within a Cambridge International framework. The curriculum provides a clear pathway through IGCSE and A-levels, with transition planning from Early Years through to Upper Secondary. The Cambridge alignment has been in place since May 2022.
AISJ operates as a private international school on a day-cum-boarding model, with on-site boarding options available for secondary students in separate Boys' and Girls' dormitories located within walking distance of the school. The day school follows a Cambridge/English-national framework for its curriculum and assessment. Boarding facilities are offered specifically for certain year groups in the secondary program.
The student body represents more than 15 cultures; the school notes a diverse, intercultural community supported by staff from six continents. Specific counts of nationalities or the local-to-international student ratio are not published.
No formal SEN policy is published on the AISJ site. The school integrates Japanese language learning alongside its Cambridge English-language curriculum, and staff are described as bilingual, which supports language learners and bilingual students. Specific SEN provisions or facilities are not publicly detailed.
No formal country affiliation is published; AISJ presents itself as an international Cambridge International School serving families in Kobe.
No religious affiliation is published or stated by the school.
The school opens at 8:30 a.m. Monday–Friday. Teaching runs from 8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with extended care available from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. School lunch options are available, with students bringing lunch or choosing a school-provided option.
AISJ operates bus services serving areas including Sannomiya, Rokko Island, Sumiyoshi, Hankyu Mikage, Takurazuka, and Sanda, providing transport for students as part of its campus services. The bus network is a stated part of the school's offering to support families.
Boarding is provided for secondary students through separate boys' and girls' dormitories, located within walking distance of the school. The dormitories indicate on-site housing for boarders. The exact boarding model (full, weekly, or flexi) and specifics on meals or dormitory supervision are not published. This arrangement supports students who live on campus during term time.
Nursery students do not wear a school uniform. From Kindergarten onwards, students wear the school uniform daily. The uniform is described as comfortable, attractive, and easy to maintain.
School lunch is available from the school kitchen, and students may either bring lunch or order the daily lunch. Lunch is supervised by staff while on campus. Dietary options are not specified on the page.
The Kobe campus operates within the Ascot International School network, with a sister campus in Bangkok. The school is Cambridge International School and WASC accredited. Ownership or formal governance details are not published.
Ascot International School Japan follows the Cambridge International Curriculum, aligned with the English National Curriculum, and is a Cambridge International School and testing center. Early Years (nursery through Year 1) use the Cambridge Early Years Foundation Stage, with child-centered, play-based learning that develops social-emotional skills and early literacy through unit-based activities. Primary (Key Stage 1 and 2) provides a broad subject-based curriculum including English, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, Design and Technology, Art, Music, Physical Education, ICT, and a second language, building on Early Years and linked to the English National Curriculum. Upper Secondary, or Key Stage 4, offers IGCSE with core subjects of English, Mathematics, and Science and elective options such as Psychology, Business Studies and Art and Design, with examinations typically at the end of Year 11. Key Stage 5 offers A level courses and the Cambridge AICE Diploma to support progression to higher education. In addition to Cambridge study, Ascot runs a Nature and SDG focused supplemental curriculum on a campus of about 5 acres with 4 acres of woodland and is accredited by WASC, with small class sizes.
AISJ emphasizes student wellbeing as a core consideration, though a formal SEL program is not named in public materials. The staff page states that administration and support staff place the wellbeing and education of students at the center of their efforts. There are social development opportunities through after-school clubs such as AFA Soccer, Badminton, Basketball, Gaming Club, and Homework Club. AISJ maintains small class sizes (no more than 15 students per classroom), which supports individual attention and peer interaction.
A named SEN provision exists, with Claire Pontvienne listed as Special Needs on AISJ's Our Staff page. An EAL provision exists, with Wakako Tameoka listed as Secondary Japanese EAL. The curriculum includes a bilingual approach, with Japanese language integrated alongside English to foster dual language learners. The site does not publicly disclose the kinds of SEN it can support or whether AISJ is a specialist SEN institution.
There is EAL provision with Wakako Tameoka (Secondary Japanese EAL) listed on the Our Staff page. All staff are native English speakers and many are bilingual, according to AISJ's staff description. The Japanese language program is integrated with the international English curriculum to foster dual language learners. The school offers Japanese Early Years, Primary and Secondary curriculum in tandem with English, supporting dual language learning.
AISJ states that the wellbeing of students is central to the efforts of staff. There is an on-site Nurse Station in the Early Years building, reflecting health support on campus. Social and extracurricular activities, including after-school clubs, provide social engagement that can support emotional wellbeing. Public materials do not describe a separate mental health programme or counsellor role.
The Safety and Security page documents campus safety measures including controlled access, fencing, CCTV with facial recognition, and 24/7 Secom security. Visitors sign in and wear badges; end-of-day dismissal is by Class Teachers to parents or designated caretakers. The campus is described as earthquake-safe and well-ventilated. Public information on safeguarding and child protection policies is not publicly disclosed on AISJ's site.
1. Inquiry. An admission inquiry can be made at any time. You can reach out by email or phone to request admission information, and the school will provide the relevant details for your family. You may be asked for basic information about your child to help tailor the information you'll receive.
2. Admission Period. Admissions are possible throughout the year, space permitting. The most popular entry times are late August (predominantly international students) and early April (predominantly Japanese students). Space availability can vary by grade and year, so early contact is advised.
3. Book a tour or Open House. You may attend an Open House or arrange a school visit by email or phone. The visit typically includes a Head of School meeting, a guided tour, and opportunities to interact with teaching staff. During this visit, you can ask questions about curriculum, facilities, and student life, and you may also arrange a Trial Day for your child.
4. Application. Applications are submitted in person after completing the necessary forms and paying the application fee. The school will then arrange an interview with the Headmaster, which can be conducted in person or online. The one-time application fee is ¥22,000 and the one-time enrollment fee is ¥165,000. There are annual charges including Building and Development ¥110,000 and Technology ¥11,000, and the annual tuition starts at ¥1,030,000, with the first-year total at ¥1,338,000.
5. Interview with the Headmaster. The interview helps clarify how well the child's needs align with the school's offerings, and it can involve both the family and the child. Interviews can be conducted on site or online if needed. Staff may participate to discuss English proficiency, learning support needs, and overall fit with Ascot's program.
6. Acceptance. Admission decisions are communicated in a timely manner, along with additional forms for acceptance. Once the offer is accepted, families receive further instructions about enrollment steps and timelines.
7. First Day of School. The school will welcome the child on the agreed start date and place them in the appropriate class. Families will receive information about uniforms and other materials, which can be purchased at the school if desired. A smooth transition plan is provided to help new students settle in.
The school does not publish a formal waitlist or pool system. Admissions are offered on a rolling basis, space permitting. If a grade is temporarily full, spaces may open later depending on availability, but there is no published waitlist policy or capacity for a formal waitlist pool on Ascot's pages.
